Botswana Post did not buy the land on which Ntlhantlhe post office is currently sitting, Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer, Tebogo LebotseSebego has confirmed.
LebotseSebego was responding to the uproar in Ntlhantlhe where some residents feel they have been robbed of land and that it has been given to Botswana Post in a very ‘questionable manner.’
The aggrieved residents accuse the Village Development Committee (VDC) for not being honest about how their land ended up in the hands of Botswana Post.
They wonder what the community benefitted from the deal and adding to their worries is the absence of records detailing what transpired on the day Botswana Post got the land.
“For the record and context, the building of the Ntlhantlhe Post office was at the request of the community and was warranted following the necessary processes.
“The land in question was offered by the community to facilitate the establishment of the post office.
“Numerous engagements were made with the District Commissioner, Bogosi and Council Secretary to transfer the land and facilitate the building of the post office and the decision to go ahead was duly granted,” LebotseSebego said.
At a meeting convened by the VDC in Ntlhantlhe to share with residents the financial reports and the work of the VDC, the issue of Botswana Post was brought up but no clear explanations were forthcoming.
At one point the VDC leadership even hinted that they were tired of always talking about the same thing over and over again in their meetings.
They told residents that they are busy trying to figure out what really happened between them and Botswana Post so that they can provide proper details.
The committee said it was aware that some villagers are busy playing detectives by carrying out independent investigations and even taking information to the media.
When reached to give comment on the matter, Kgosi Malepa Orekeng said council was better placed to comment on any concerns regarding VDC.
Moshupa District Council Secretary, Edwin Pheko said villagers gave away the land to Botswana Post during a Kgotla meeting, but did not specify dates or share the Minutes.
"We have minutes of the meeting that detail what happened. It is unfortunate that some people are not happy with the decision. Unfortunately, majority rules.
“We are aware that there is a section of the village which is not happy but all was done following procedure. The people of Ntlhantlhe believed that they needed the services of Botswana Post hence the decision," Pheko said.
LebotseSebego echoed Pheko's words, suggesting they were responding to an expression of need by the villagers. "As the designated Postal Operator in Botswana, we have a duty to provide universal postal access to
Batswana and enhance financial inclusion and this Post Office is testimony to this commitment," she added.
Pheko assured the residents that Botswana Post had not abandoned them, saying "they promised that they will do something for the people of Ntlhantlhe as appreciation." Pheko said.
The Midweek Sun is in possession of a letter which Botswana Post wrote and was recently shared with members of the public.
The contents of the document suggest that Botswana Post pledged during a Kgotla meeting held in August this year to give back to the village of Ntlhantlhe as promised.
“This will be done through a corporate social investment initiative in collaboration with the community. We remain committed to honouring our pledge. This will be done during the FY 2024/2025 to allow for proper planning,” the letter which Botswana Post wrote to the office of the District Commissioner last month, says.
LebotseSebego was responding to the uproar in Ntlhantlhe where some residents feel they have been robbed of land and that it has been given to Botswana Post in a very ‘questionable manner.’
The aggrieved residents accuse the Village Development Committee (VDC) for not being honest about how their land ended up in the hands of Botswana Post.
They wonder what the community benefitted from the deal and adding to their worries is the absence of records detailing what transpired on the day Botswana Post got the land.
“For the record and context, the building of the Ntlhantlhe Post office was at the request of the community and was warranted following the necessary processes.
“The land in question was offered by the community to facilitate the establishment of the post office.
“Numerous engagements were made with the District Commissioner, Bogosi and Council Secretary to transfer the land and facilitate the building of the post office and the decision to go ahead was duly granted,” LebotseSebego said.
At a meeting convened by the VDC in Ntlhantlhe to share with residents the financial reports and the work of the VDC, the issue of Botswana Post was brought up but no clear explanations were forthcoming.
At one point the VDC leadership even hinted that they were tired of always talking about the same thing over and over again in their meetings.
They told residents that they are busy trying to figure out what really happened between them and Botswana Post so that they can provide proper details.
The committee said it was aware that some villagers are busy playing detectives by carrying out independent investigations and even taking information to the media.
When reached to give comment on the matter, Kgosi Malepa Orekeng said council was better placed to comment on any concerns regarding VDC.
Moshupa District Council Secretary, Edwin Pheko said villagers gave away the land to Botswana Post during a Kgotla meeting, but did not specify dates or share the Minutes.
"We have minutes of the meeting that detail what happened. It is unfortunate that some people are not happy with the decision. Unfortunately, majority rules.
“We are aware that there is a section of the village which is not happy but all was done following procedure. The people of Ntlhantlhe believed that they needed the services of Botswana Post hence the decision," Pheko said.
LebotseSebego echoed Pheko's words, suggesting they were responding to an expression of need by the villagers. "As the designated Postal Operator in Botswana, we have a duty to provide universal postal access to
Batswana and enhance financial inclusion and this Post Office is testimony to this commitment," she added.
Pheko assured the residents that Botswana Post had not abandoned them, saying "they promised that they will do something for the people of Ntlhantlhe as appreciation." Pheko said.
The Midweek Sun is in possession of a letter which Botswana Post wrote and was recently shared with members of the public.
The contents of the document suggest that Botswana Post pledged during a Kgotla meeting held in August this year to give back to the village of Ntlhantlhe as promised.
“This will be done through a corporate social investment initiative in collaboration with the community. We remain committed to honouring our pledge. This will be done during the FY 2024/2025 to allow for proper planning,” the letter which Botswana Post wrote to the office of the District Commissioner last month, says.
