Tonota district tour to push self-reliance, investment
Pini Bothoko | Monday April 27, 2026 06:00
Addressing a series of kgotla meetings across villages such as Mathangwane, Natale, Chadibe, Mandunyane and Serule, the Chairperson consistently emphasised that meaningful progress will depend on unity, hard work and a deliberate shift towards community-driven development.
In Natale, he made a strong appeal for residents to position their village as an attractive investment destination, noting that economic growth cannot be achieved without deliberate efforts to improve infrastructure, service delivery and community participation.
He emphasised that attracting investors should be a shared responsibility, urging residents to move away from a culture of blame and instead work collectively towards common goals.
“Development requires unity and shared responsibility; communities must commit to working together and supporting one another if they are to unlock economic opportunities,” he said.
Central to his message is the transition from dependency to self-sufficiency. Sefume highlighted the introduction of the Ikageng Public Works Programme (IPWP), which replaces the long-running Ipelegeng initiative, as a key step towards promoting dignity, productivity and sustainable livelihoods. Unlike its predecessor, the new programme is designed to equip beneficiaries with skills and encourage long-term economic participation rather than short-term relief.
Across all meetings, Sefume linked service delivery directly to development outcomes, describing it as the foundation for economic growth and social progress. In Mathangwane, he urged residents to work diligently alongside council efforts to produce tangible results that improve people’s lives, while also identifying infrastructure development as a critical enabler of investment and resilience.
He further underscored the importance of community empowerment, calling on residents to actively participate in initiatives that improve their livelihoods. The Council, he said, remains committed to utilising local resources and labour in development projects to strengthen local economies.
Environmental management also featured prominently in his engagements. Sefume urged households to register for waste collection services and adopt waste segregation practices, noting that proper waste management could open up opportunities for recycling-based income generation. He pointed out that such practices are long overdue and essential in maintaining healthy communities.
In Natale, he commended residents for their efforts to keep the village clean after it was ranked the cleanest in the district, encouraging them to maintain the standard and continue leading by example. At the same time, he reiterated the importance of monthly clean-up campaigns aligned with the national environmental initiative.
Beyond environmental concerns, Sefume used the kgotla meetings to update residents on ongoing council programmes. These include the distribution of food commodities and stationery to primary schools, an initiative aimed at improving learner welfare and supporting education at the grassroots level.
In Mandunyane, he revealed that P9,862 has been disbursed to a local primary school for handyman services, while confirming that the supply of food and stationery has already been completed. He also noted that waste collection services are currently reaching at least 20 households in the area, indicating gradual progress in service delivery.
On infrastructure, Sefume highlighted plans to procure a TLB machine to assist with road maintenance across the district. He explained that funding for the equipment has already been secured through the road levy, with procurement processes underway. The acquisition is expected to improve road conditions and support broader development efforts by enhancing accessibility.
In Serule, he acknowledged delays in the construction of a staff house under the Primary Schools Facilities Backlog Eradication Programme, attributing the setback to contractor challenges. However, he assured residents that the project remains a priority and forms part of broader efforts to improve infrastructure in the district. Sefume also pointed to growing partnerships aimed at strengthening community development. He revealed that the Council has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Tonota College of Education, which is expected to benefit communities through skills development and knowledge-sharing initiatives, provided residents actively engage and present their needs.
Employment creation remains another key focus area. Sefume called for a committed and disciplined workforce, stressing that opportunities alone are not enough without a strong work ethic and accountability. He urged residents to fulfil their responsibilities diligently whenever given the opportunity, noting that commitment is essential to driving sustainable development.
In addition, the Council continues to promote local economic empowerment by engaging local suppliers, tradesmen and even donkey cart operators in service delivery, particularly in waste collection. Sefume said such initiatives are crucial in ensuring that economic benefits circulate within communities.
On social welfare, he reaffirmed the Council’s continued support for vulnerable groups, including destitute persons, orphans and children in need of care. He emphasised that while economic empowerment is critical, social protection remains a necessary pillar in ensuring inclusive development.
Throughout his engagements, a consistent theme emerged that development cannot be outsourced. Sefume repeatedly called on residents to take ownership of initiatives, align with council priorities and actively participate in shaping the future of their communities.
As his kgotla tour continues, the Tonota District Council Chairman’s message remains clear: sustainable development will not be achieved through passive expectation, but through active participation, innovation and a shared commitment to progress