Poverty returns to Jamataka after eradication workshop
Pini Bothoko | Friday April 11, 2014 12:00
It is as if the high-powered delegations that swooped into the village were only there to show-off their latest vehicle models and derive pleasure from the gawking villagers. All signs are that poverty has in fact tightened its grip firmer than before.
A sojourn by Mmegi on Wednesday provided enough confirmation that the villagers are still reeling in neediness. Also that the day they dined and supped with the high and mighty shall remain just that – a distant memory or a good dream gone bad.
The only reminders of the day are the gravelled internal roads that the villagers look at and yearn for the goodies they enjoyed on that day.
By the time of the official closing of the workshop, beguiled residents could be heard happily exclaiming: “Lehuma tsamaya!”
What is even more painful is that beneficiaries, who had been promised a variety of things to help change their lives for the better, still watch the road expectantly.
The Minister of Defence, Justice and Security Ramadeluka Seretse who was the guest speaker at the workshop, announced at the event that beneficiaries would receive their dues shortly.
The beneficiaries are now in their second month of waiting and no one has even arrived to update them on when they will get what they were promised.
Only two beneficiaries, whose projects were showcased during the workshop, have been fortunate to be offered their dues. The rest have been left holding the proverbial cave like duped primates.
Mmapula Diphatsa, 33, beneficiary of small stocks said they have never seen a government car in their village since the workshop ended in February and the council is not communicating with them.
“We had thought by now our lives would have started changing for the better. We could have been empowered, but we are still living in poverty. We are planning to group ourselves and visit our social worker at Makobo who has also not visited us,” she said.
Another beneficiary of catering, Gosegomang Mombadi, 47, said they do not know what the delay is all about because they were told that the money for the businesses was ready for use during the workshop.
“I am just waiting, hopeful that someday they will come and give us the promised dues. If I was not afraid I would go to council and ask what could be delaying them,” she said.
Mombadi said she has since registered her business and cannot wait to kick start it as she strongly believes it would boost her livelihood.
Onalenna Mompati, 23, who was promised chickens said she was now losing hope because she thought her poultry business, would be thriving by now.
“I have been working in Ipelegeng and thought my days there were over but it looks like I will be queuing with other residents to apply for Ipelegeng for a while,” said Mompati.
Assistant District Commissioner in Tutume Sub-district, Tebogo Hlabano said she could not comment, as she was not present at the workshop and did not have details on it.
“The district commissioner is not around today. He will be back on Monday and he is the only one who can answer you,” said Hlabano yesterday.