Newly elected Gaborone Mayor, Oarabile Motlaleng is a man on a mission as he demands government to back him in employing his own people that he trusts and believes they can deliver.
Motlaleng who was elected the Mayor back in December 19, 2024 shared with the media today that, in order for him and councillors to have a successful term, they should be allowed to work with people that are skilled, have the right arsenal to spearhead projects of the council.
“We are going to demand certain things in the council; things like situational analysis, making sure that we align ourselves with the manifesto of UDC with plans for the council. Mostly we are going to demand that our leaders give us employees we want to work with better,” Motlaleng demanded.
Motlaleng did not even waste time as he pointed out that he already has few candidates that he trusts and believes can do a good job at the council if given the chance and opportunity.
“As the man at the helm of this council I think I have men and women that I would want to push this mandate of council with them,” he said.
As one of the longest serving councillors in Gaborone, Motlaleng highlighted that he knows what he is talking about as he knows the current staff like the back of his hand hence his demand to have agile employees.
“I have been there and have the longest term. I have worked with the councils’ staff; I know them, I know their capabilities, what they want, their strengths and all therefore my demand,” Motlaleng remarked.
The Mayor then challenged the Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Ketlhalefile Motshegwa to heed to his demands if he wishes to see the council deliver.
“I am directing this to my Minister, Motshegwa as I plead with him to heed our demands. If it was possible, I would even give you the names of people I want to take Gaborone where I envision it to be and I hope this will happen,” hoped Motlaleng. But Motlaleng’s demands raise eyebrows and worries amongst others, perpetuation of nepotism and favouritism in the workforce, something that Batswana are worried about. In his response, Motlaleng held a different view on the matter.
“Each and every administration has how it runs office and I am not saying we are going to fire people from their jobs and bring our own people. Some of the people I want are still in the council so it’s a matter of promotion,” he said.
On his immediate plans to address challenges the city is faces, Motlaleng stated that together with councillors they will go around constituencies and hear from Batswana so that they help them to make a road map for the city.
“We are going to demand certain things in the council; things like situational analysis, making sure that we align ourselves with the manifesto of UDC with plans for the council. Mostly we are going to demand that our leaders give us employees we want to work with better,” Motlaleng demanded.
Motlaleng did not even waste time as he pointed out that he already has few candidates that he trusts and believes can do a good job at the council if given the chance and opportunity.
“As the man at the helm of this council I think I have men and women that I would want to push this mandate of council with them,” he said.
As one of the longest serving councillors in Gaborone, Motlaleng highlighted that he knows what he is talking about as he knows the current staff like the back of his hand hence his demand to have agile employees.
“I have been there and have the longest term. I have worked with the councils’ staff; I know them, I know their capabilities, what they want, their strengths and all therefore my demand,” Motlaleng remarked.
The Mayor then challenged the Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Ketlhalefile Motshegwa to heed to his demands if he wishes to see the council deliver.
“I am directing this to my Minister, Motshegwa as I plead with him to heed our demands. If it was possible, I would even give you the names of people I want to take Gaborone where I envision it to be and I hope this will happen,” hoped Motlaleng. But Motlaleng’s demands raise eyebrows and worries amongst others, perpetuation of nepotism and favouritism in the workforce, something that Batswana are worried about. In his response, Motlaleng held a different view on the matter.
“Each and every administration has how it runs office and I am not saying we are going to fire people from their jobs and bring our own people. Some of the people I want are still in the council so it’s a matter of promotion,” he said.
On his immediate plans to address challenges the city is faces, Motlaleng stated that together with councillors they will go around constituencies and hear from Batswana so that they help them to make a road map for the city.
