Africa-Press – Botswana. The Dikgosana Association, established in 2012, has launched Leebarope Micro Lender, to empower its members financially.
The launch coincided with the association’s annual general meeting in Jwaneng on Thursday, presided over by the Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Mr Ketlhalefile Motshegwa.
In his address, Mr Motshegwa highlighted that while the association primarily comprised headmen responsible for arbitration, it also included various stakeholders involved in chieftaincy matters.
The membership has notably grown to 2 086, with the association focusing on facilitating collaboration between the government and members to enhance their working conditions.
“The aim is to empower Dikgosana with knowledge and skills development to effectively manage disputes within their communities,” he stated.
He also emphasised the importance of fostering solidarity and self-reliance among members as a strategic objective of the association.
Furthermore, Mr Motshegwa noted the association’s dedication to establishing partnerships with local and international stakeholders concerning staff welfare, benefits, and the management of disciplinary issues.
He explained that to assist its members, the association had provided pay-slips to enhance recognition by banks for loan applications and savings.
Another key benefit introduced is a funeral scheme for members, along with the partnership with Bogosi Saving and Credit Cooperative Society Limited, providing additional savings and credit opportunities.
The minister commended the association for its commitment to improving the lives of its members, acknowledging the poor working conditions many Dikgosana faced, which he said had been exacerbated by the Bogosi Act.
He assured that the ministry would work towards rectifying these conditions to restore dignity to Dikgosana.
Kgosi Basiamang Garebakwena, in a brief overview of the association, announced that by July 2025, members would have a full year of accessing services from lenders nationwide.
He revealed that Leebarope Micro Lenders would soon begin lending to its members, with all interest generated retained within the association and shared among members periodically.
Additionally, members will have the opportunity to buy shares in the micro lending enterprise, with the collective returns planned for future establishment of a commercial bank, solidifying financial independence for the association’s members.
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