Moatlhodi berates govt. over blanket donations Maverick Member of Parliament for Tonota South, Pono Moatlhodi came out guns blazing yesterday, dismissing government’s initiative of donating blankets saying it must stop. Debating the 2012 Customary Courts (Amendment) Bill presented before the House, the MP said it was now time government took care of Headmen of Arbitration (Dikgosana) by paying them. He expressed worry that Headmen of Arbitration across the country are not paid anything though they are doing a great job. Government currently needs about P13 million to pay 351 Headmen of Arbitration across the country who volunteer their services free of charge. Moatlhodi took the chance to take a swipe at the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Peter Siele, for his recent proposal to be allocated over P8 million to buy blankets for the needy. Early this year, the minister proposed over P5.4 billion for his ministry’s recurrent and development budget for the 2013/14 financial year. His said the Department of Social Services was allocated the second largest share of the ministry’s budget of over P832 million which he said would cover the procurement of 30 000 blankets and 9918 radios for destitute persons and some old age pensioners who had no care. Moatlhodi blasted this move saying the funds should be channelled to other uses like paying Dikgosi. “You have bought blankets it is enough,” he said, further stating that he respects Dikgosi and disdains whoever does not respect the traditional leaders. Proposed changes to the Customary Courts (Amendment) Bill include giving powers to the minister to appoint a President of the Customary Court of Appeal. Clause 3 of the Bill inserts a new section 6A to provide for the appointment of court bailiffs who will now perform some of the duties that used to be performed by local police officers.
Posted on: Mon, 29 Jul 2013 07:37:54 +0000
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