‘Talk to Molale,’ Social Workers tell angry mob

Some Social Workers in Tlokweng who are feeling the brunt of pressure from hungry public in Tlokweng has advised the public to take their concerns over delayed food basket to Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Eric Molale as food distribution continues to suffer.

Food basket distribution delays has turned out to be a major concern in the village especially amongst people who reside in Tlokweng as tenants hence describing the actions as tribalism.

Section of the society which complain of lack of access to food since the roll out earlier last month reportedly taken war to Tlokweng Sub Council demanding answers over food delays.

This publication caught up with some of social workers who hinted that they are living under a lot of stress from some people who haven’t received their food baskets despite them have been assessed but the social workers indicate that there is a massive shortage of food supplies.

“I have the targets to extend a distribution to all the members of the households that I have assessed in two wards in the village. The route of sourcing food is very slow hence this led to some of homes not getting even their first basket, “said one social worker bearing to burden.

Also, she said some individuals as a result of anxiety have turned to reaching her mobile phone whilst others who know her house often visits even beyond work hours asking for their grocery.

Another social worker who said he has been subject to facing abusive tone noted that public should not blame them but take their concerns to Minister Molale and their political leaders.

He revealed that since Molale and COVID-19 Food Relief Coordinator Gabriel Seeletso alluded to the challenges last week in national television then the public must know the cause for delay.

“It is better if some members of the public who are not cooperative take their aggrivances directly to the ministry. The minister said the money which was allocated for the food basket has been depleted. This is equal to abuse and political leaders fuels tension too,” he added.

Public outrage

The public has been condemning the slow process of disseminating food thus sparking conflict between the social workers and the society especially non- Batlokwa who decry of sabotage.

As lockdown was lifted those who are yet to receive their package are concerned that it is going to be a difficult process to get the food since lot of people have resumed work or way of living.

In an interview with one of the concerned member of society said one Social Worker told them that cannot give him food as she noted that priority is given to Batlokwa hence sparking anger.

“The way some of social workers are handling the process is very unprofessional because I think they personalize the food picking the families they know first. I survive by operating a haircut so I resumed my business but it is still slow hence I doubt I will get this food,’’ said Moagi Botlhole.

Tlokweng Sub District Council Chairman Fido Mfolo was not available for comment as his phone was off but leaders have agreed to ensure the food packages reach to all deserving individuals.

Also Francistown MP Ignatius Moswaane has been engulfed in conflict with authorities over the similar crisis in his constituency and demanded that ministry addresses the worsening situation.

Moswaane on Friday called the relevant authorities for a consultative meeting on the issues.