Increase VDC salaries and contracts - Nkaigwa

NNASARETHA KGAMANYANE
Correspondent | Thursday November 24, 2011 00:00

Addressing the Village Development Committee (VDC) yesterday, Nkaigwa asked Assistant Minister for Local Government Botlhogile Tshireletso to make the request to government.

'VDC are our eyes, they know more about what happens in the community than us,' Nkaigwa told the minister. He said that VDC is the backbone of the councillors, as they (councillors) rely on them for information and updates on activities happening in the city. The mayor said that without VDCs councillors would face a big challenge as they would not know everything happening in the community. He said that VDCs are the intermediary between the community and councillors. 'VDC should be motivated by the increase of their salaries and like councillors should be paid for attending meetings. When you weigh the responsibility they are given you will see that it's more than the money they earn. Let government give them a better stake, he said.'  Meanwhile he explained to VDC members that councillors are part of the Ipelegeng project.

He was responding to allegations by some VDC members that some councillors are using their powers to control Ipelegeng workers.  He requested that VDC refrain from favouritism as it causes conflict within the community, especially since the VDC is a stepping-stone to being a councillor. Rather, he advised that Ipelegeng supervisors and VDC members should treat all workers equally and adhere to council rules regarding working regulations. He said there should be concerted efforts by all stakeholders to work as one for the development of the community.

In conclusion Nkaigwa expressed disappointment at the absence of councillors at the meeting as issues raised concerned them as well.