BLATANT FAVOURITISM Masisi fingered in controversy over new Kanye Hospital location
Kanye residents have expressed concern and dissatisfaction over the decision to construct the long-awaited hospital at the showgrounds area instead of its initially designated site in Mhiko, just after Sejelo police along the Jwaneng road.
Residents lost their cool at the first constituency Kgotla meeting update on Monday by Kanye East Member of Parliament (MP), Thapelo Letsholo, after he told residents that he had done everything in his power to advocate and bring the hospital to the village.
Letsholo told the gathered residents that the much-awaited hospital will now be built at the site of the Showground, an area in the constituency for Kanye South MP and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Lemogang Kwape.
The Showground was previously shunned as the new hospital location, after it was discovered that the area is water-logged as it has plenty underground water, thereby rendering it swampy.
Worried residents voiced their concerns that the president had previously assured them of a comprehensive consultation process for the tribe to collectively determine the suitable location for the new hospital.
However, they are now shocked that such a serious decision was made without consultation.
MP Letsholo disclosed during the Kgotla meeting that he was recently invited to a meeting by Minister of Health, Dr Edwin Dikoloti, along with MP Eric Molale and other tribal leaders, where it was conveyed that the location for the hospital had been decided on by the president.
Speaking at the Kgotla meeting, Kanye resident Basimanebotlhe Kgomotso said the president told them during his previous visit to Kanye that he will grant them two weeks to decide on the hospital location and that the consultation process will be made, to help the community to arrive at a unanimous decision.
“I am surprised to be told that the location has been decided, was the decision taken or influenced by Kanye residents?” he asked.
The residents raised suspicions that the choice to build the hospital in Showgrounds was solely influenced by Kanye South MP Dr Kwape. They believe the decision was made to appease him, as he is seen as the president’s blue-eyed boy.
Another worried resident said bluntly that he will never hide from voicing his opinion.
“Ga ke batle go iphitlha ka monwana ke na le kitso. Did they purchase the Showgrounds that they plan to build the hospital on?” he asked, further revealing that there is a river beside Showgrounds. He also complained that the allocated space is small to accommodate a referral hospital.
“The whole tribe was never given a chance to decide on the location, we plead for thorough consultation before reaching major decisions like this one,” the resident said.
The gathered elders pointed out that President Dr Masisi consistently touts his government as a model of consultation, despite not actively implementing it. Nkagisang Mokalake was worried, and wondered where the tribe would host village trade fairs if the area will now host the new hospital.
Another resident, Joseph Masala said he was happy for developments that take place anywhere in their village, however, he emphasised the importance of reaching a unanimous decision.
“I am surprised that you stated you were invited to the meeting by two ministers. To my surprise, we selected two places for the construction of the hospital, and those who called the meeting have not provided any feedback about a portion of land in Mhiko. Additionally, they never involved the village land board in their decision,” Masala said.
Masala was further surprised that MP Letsholo said they were closed in an office and told “puso e tsere tshwetso (the government has taken a decision). I believe the decision is purely political and taken on the basis of favouritism,” he said.
The residents complained that previous investigations conducted by experts revealed an abundance of underground water at the Showgrounds, raising concerns about the cost and safety of constructing the hospital there. They said building a hospital in the open and suitable area of Mhiko would have been a better choice. Another resident, Ramaroko Koosaletse, stated that the intention is not to reject developments. He expressed hope that the allocated funds for the hospital would be utilised to build a hospital in Kanye, because in the past they were promised a stadium but was ultimately built in Masunga. The residents told MP Letsholo to boldly defend and represent them, emphasising that as long as he adheres to the law, they will support him. Headman of Arbitration, Mpho Kenosi testified that he attended the meeting where they were informed of the decision.
“We were told that the president decided that the hospital would be built at the Showground. I expressed concern that the expected referral hospital may not fit in that small portion of land. Ke seherwana golo hale,” Kenosi said.
The fed-up elders demanded an update from the Land Board representatives and inquired whether the issue had been communicated to their offices.
Land board Deputy chairman for Kanye Sub Land Board, Thapelo Pelekekae stated that the issue of the Kanye District hospital is not a new one. He disclosed that it has been under discussion for a few years now, with suggested locations including; Goo Raseno, Showgrounds, and Mhiko.
In 2022, a formal application from the District Health Management (DHMT) was received, expressing a preference for Mhiko as the location. Pelekekae mentioned that after assessing the proposed site, the Land Board allocated a 33-hectare plot for the new hospital.
While Showgrounds was the second preference, Pelekekae noted that no official communication has been received by the Land Board office regarding the decision, anticipating that perhaps there will be one as the board is yet to meet.
In an interview with The Midweek Sun, Kgosi of Losabanyane Spencer Bogale, expressed dissatisfaction with Minister Dr Kwape’s alleged preference for directing all developments to his constituency in Kanye South.
Bogale highlighted a specific instance where the construction of a primary school in his region faced delays and almost ended up in Kanye South due to disputes.
He said there is a serious communication gap, stating, “Within the area where the school is built, 18km is in Kanye East, while seven km is in Kanye South. He (Dr Kwape) brings visitors to the ward without any communication, I have reported the issue to my seniors,” Bogale said.
Vice Chairman of the Showgrounds, Lebogang Moeti expressed frustration over lack of formal communication to the committee, making their planned development projects challenging. Moeti said being the chairman does not imply ownership
of the Showgrounds.
He highlighted the difficulty of dealing with issues when they are presented in an informal manner. Moeti urged those interested in the Showgrounds to approach the committee formally and communicate with the Bangwaketse tribe, the actual owners of the land.
He noted the divisive impact on the village leadership due to the ongoing issue. Moeti also questioned the inconsistency in reports regarding the Showgrounds, with one indicating waterlogging and another suggesting suitability.
He said a plot has been allocated by the Land Board in Mhiko for the health facility, which they should consider than opting for the Showgrounds, as it will delay the construction of the hospital.
When approached for comment, Dr Kwape denied influencing the decision for the hospital to be built in his constituency. He explained that new developments are not always welcomed by everyone.
“In most cases, when developments occur, they prioritise areas where the majority faces challenges. Developments may not be universally accepted, but some people freely welcome and embrace them,” he stated.
He clarified the importance of evenly distributing resources for comprehensive development within the village, pointing out the new establishment of primary schools in both Kanye South and Kanye East constituency as an example.