Annus horribilis for Jamataka�s phane people
Friday, February 13, 2015
Facing hunger: Kenalemang Hulela and a relative are among Jamataka's phane harvesters. PIC: PINI BOTHOKO
For the womenfolk of Jamataka, the natural resources around their rural village are virtually the source of their livelihood.
A pall of poverty has hung over the 600-plus residents of the village, located along the Francistown/Orapa road, for decades since its establishment, breeding the social ills of youth unemployment and misbehaviour.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...