Botswana: Marang and Tsholofelo Ward Development Committees (WDC) attended 1-day in-house training workshop. The workshop was facilitated by Gaborone Social and Community Development Department.
The theme for the one day workshop was to “Facilitate Mind Set Change for sustainable development”. The initiative will help the members of Ward Development Committee to reframe their thinking, fostering a mindset that prioritizes and support actions contributing to sustainable development.
The training aimed to equip the two Ward Development Committees on issues regarding:
- The role of WDCs,
- Resource mobilization,
- Financial management & book keeping,
- Emotional intelligence,
- Team building and conflict resolution.
Marang- Tsholofelo East Ward Councillor Tlamelo Radikolobe said it is important for Committee members to be united. Radikolobe added that one’s personal growth determines the type of leader they are.
Further, he advised committee members to respect their leaders and also have respect amongst themselves.Tsholofelo East WDC Chairperson, Rabathanke Lasaro said the workshop aims to address their day-to-day challenges. Further, through the workshop, they will find ways to improve delivering their mandate.
Lasaro also said the workshop will help equip committees with the skills and knowledge to manage community resources to ensure projects mobilization. He added that through the workshop, they are also aiming to sensitize committee members on the importance of teamwork.
Giving a presentation on the roles of the Ward Development Committees, Olebogeng Moremi noted the WDCs provide a forum of contact between and among community representatives, local leaders, politicians to enhance the flow of developments information.
Moremi highlighted that the WDCs also solicit the assistance of donors and other development agencies or partners through the assistance of the Council.
On issues of Financial management and Book keeping, GCC Audit Officer Gomolemo Mokgeshane said it is important for every Committee to have cash book, inventory, bank reconciliation, rent ledger, income and expenditure book and donation book.
Mokgeshane noted that every income and expenditure that occurs should be traceable. She advised Committee treasurers to keep money in the bank for easy tracking of funds.
In closing, Patience Mminatau said that teamwork is key in conflict management. Mminatau added that it is important for committee members to familiarize themselves with the roles and competencies of the committee. She said unresolved issues or conflicts in the committee can lead to failure to achieve set goals.