Communities, wards and schools benefited from the Bontle Ke Botho Campaign during the official launch and eighth year celebration on 26 June 2009 at Mphatlalatsane Hall, in Sebokeng.
Executive Mayor for Sebokeng District Councillor Simon Mofokeng said in his welcome address that BkB programmes are like Arbor Day where councillors are encouraged to work with the public in cleaning and greening the environment. Challenges that we are faced with are people who litter and disrespect people who clean our streets each day. By littering we are letting both the municipalities and ourselves down.
Councillor Kedibone Mogotsi from Emfuleni thanked the MEC for Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Nandi Mayathula-Khoza, for organising the BkB launch at Emfuleni. “This programme is for the whole Gauteng province not Sebokeng only. Today we are visited by various councillors from different municipalities; mayors, ward committees and schools participate in this programme by working together,” she said.
Mandla Mentoor, director of SOMOHO, mentioned that non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community-based organisations (CBOs) work hand in hand with BkB to ensure the environment is cared for. “This is the sector that has stood through thick and thin. As we look around our own townships we realise that the environment is a huge challenge. Littering is a big problem in the streets, it pollutes rivers and sewerage remains a challenge,” he said.
Nokuthula Sikhakhane, chairperson of the Standing Committee: Agriculture for Gauteng province said, “I'm not going to be a watchdog of the department but will work with MEC Nandi. We trust her and will support her all the way.”
MEC Nandi Mayathula-Khoza highlighted how the BkB project has positively contributed to the communities of Gauteng province. Here in Emfuleni nine parks and two classrooms have been built and two of them are energy efficient. Emfuleni bought trucks for a recycling project and more than 30 water tanks were bought by schools which did not have access to water. The Ematsheni Primary School managed to buy a school bus. “All these projects were funded by Bontle ke Botho,” said the MEC in her closing remarks.
Issued by: Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Gauteng Provincial Government
1 July 2009
Source: Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Gauteng Provincial Government (http://www.gdace.gpg.gov.za/)
