Lecheng elders thank Gov't for 'Tandabala'

ONALENNA MODIKWA
Staff Writer | Tuesday June 8, 2010 00:00

LECHENG: Old age pensioners in Lecheng have held a ceremony to thank government for the P220 payout they receive every month. The ceremony, which was held last Saturday, attracted 200 old pensioners from Lecheng village, who made contributions towards this event.

The elders have even formed a committee to help members in signing and processing their payments at the post office. The committee chairman, Lebang Kedikilwe said they assist elders who are disabled or even blind due to old age especially during pay days. 'We discussed how we could thank the government for patiently paying us yet we do not work.

We consulted pensioners and they liked the idea. We were able to take our children to school and some of us save the money and plough our fields with it.' said Kedikilwe.

Kedikilwe recalls that government started assisting the elderly around 1965, through a food basket that was later changed into cash at a later stage.

'If anybody undermines this government initiative he must know that here in Lecheng we are very appreciative of our government.'

He urged his fellow pensioners not to demand an increase from government and expressed optimism that government would surely do so when it is necessary.

Village headman Kgosi Prince Obuseng thanked the government for not suspending the pension payouts although the country has been experiencing economic challenges. He said this is an indication that economic conditions allowing, government can pay old age pensioners more.

'We are still the envy of other countries because of prevailing peace and tranquility which is an indication that we still observe our tradition as well as the spirit of botho and as a result we have never despised the little that government is giving pensioners.

The P220 is an indication that government recognises the elderly as important stakeholders otherwise they would be getting nothing,' said Obuseng.

Palapye Sub Council chairman, Onneetse Ramogapi who was the guest speaker said he would pass the message to President Ian Khama. He urged the elders to consider themselves very important as some of them hold positions of war veterans.

'A wise man should say thank you but a fool undermines the little he is given. You worked hard for this country. Some of you fought the Mfeqane Wars and World War 11 to safeguard this country.' He said when the programme started some people condemned the government saying it would encourage laxity but government felt obliged to look after its people.