In that regard, we cannot disregard some of the public-spirited initiatives taken by Barclays recently; initiatives which, we believe, should bring convenience and upliftment to the communities involved.
Recently, Barclays Bank opened two branches - one in Tlokweng, another in Ramotswa. No doubt Barclays, like other commercial entities, is basically driven by profit, which often overrides social considerations. It is the pursuit of profit and bottom lines that has led to the skewed development and huge disparities that we see in our society today. The evidence is there for everybody to see: physical development projects that are concentrated in urban areas while rural areas, have to get by with the 'poverty of development'. As a consequence, there is a mad rush of people leaving the deprived rural areas for the urban centres in a manner not unlike flies drawn to light in the dark. This exodus has had a devastating effect on villages and settlements located around major urban centres. Tlokweng, Ramotswa, Mogoditshane, Gabane, Odi, Otse, Molapo-wa-bojang, Mmadinare, Sefhophe, Tonota, Mathangwane, Tsamaya and Matsiloje are some of such places rendered desolate and nearly barren by the exodus of their more able citizens.
