Poverty-stricken Kanaku pleads for help
Lebogang Baingapi | Thursday July 6, 2017 18:03
Kanaku is among the country’s poorest villages according to a Statistics Botswana research. It is located in the same area as Kutuku, a village officially known as the country’s poorest, according to the data agency.
Statistics Botswana figures show that 81 of the estimated 216 residents, or more than one in three stragglers here, are classified as poor. During a Kgotla meeting last Thursday, the desperately poor villagers pleaded with the legislator to address issues of employment in their area.
The village dwellers said government’s affirmative action policy under which they are supposed to receive special preference for employment at certain levels in public projects taking place in their area, was just talk.
“One of the construction company’s engaged to extend classroom blocks at the primary school brought their employees instead of employing locals from Kanaku,” Village Development Committee secretary, Banunku Sabata said to further nullify the policy.
He argued: “Even the water pump attendant is from Mahotshwane settlement instead of Kanaku.” Kanaku has a primary school which only accepts Standard One and Two learners. The rest continue their studies at Mabutsane and are accommodated at RADS hostel from where they push on to Standard Seven.
Headman of arbitration, Tokishi Tshubalobone also used the Kgotla meeting to plead with government to promote and recognise him as Headman of Records.
Tshubalobone said the settlement’s population has grown and as a Headman of Records, he would be able to host trials and convict criminals. “I am compelled to think that being a Mosarwa disadvantages me because Itholoke and Mahotshwane (neighbouring villages) have headmen of records because they are Bakgalagadi. We also need such developments,” Tshubalobone said.
In response, Ntlhaile acknowledged the need for Kgosi Tshubalobone to be upgraded to a better post that would enable him to perform other official duties. He said the upgrade should also come along with other benefits such as a tribal office and vehicle. “I will follow the issue with relevant leaders to ensure that this takes place,” the MP said.
He also added that affirmative action policy should be held in the highest regard in places such as Kanaku.“Companies should employ locals and also exercise Corporate Social Responsibility to leave a legacy for residents.
I also encourage you to take advantage of available government programmes to better your lives,” he said.