Quthing, June 09 — Quthing District has been recognised for its efforts in fighting corruption after securing second position nationally in a recent review of district anti-corruption initiatives.
Speaking during the monthly meeting of heads of departments, District Administrator Mr. Bonang Tlali congratulated the District Anti-Corruption Team for its commitment and hard work, which earned the district national recognition.
The team received a certificate and a glass trophy from the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO) during a national review meeting. In addition, all 15 members of the district team were awarded certificates for their contribution to anti-corruption activities.
Mr. Tlali urged government departments to continue supporting the team in carrying out its planned activities, saying the fight against corruption is essential for the district’s development.
District Anti-Corruption Team Secretary, Senior Superintendent Thabo Sekhonyana, said transport challenges were the main reason Quthing did not secure first position.
He explained that limited transport affected the team’s ability to conduct public awareness campaigns on the work of the DCEO across the district.
Senior Superintendent Sekhonyana noted that Butha-Buthe, which took first position, benefited from full support from district departments, particularly in providing transport, enabling the team to reach more communities. Mafeteng came third in the national rankings.
Meanwhile, District Council Secretary Advocate Monyaluoe Lebeta-Busi encouraged the team to develop a resource mobilisation plan that departments could use to assist with transport and other logistical needs.
She suggested that departments and the business community could work together to provide support, including meals for officers conducting field activities.
At the same meeting, District Assistant Economic Planner Mr. Khotso Nokana called for the revival of District Planning Units (DPUs), describing them as an important tool for improving coordination and strengthening development planning.
He said the DPU is mandated to coordinate development planning and implementation across sectors and should not be viewed as a new administrative structure.
Mr. Nokana explained that the unit helps departments plan collectively, reduce duplication of projects, improve service delivery and align district priorities with national development goals.
He added that the DPU also strengthens monitoring and evaluation, promotes efficient use of resources and encourages collaboration among departments and stakeholders.
According to Mr. Nokana, the unit comprises economic planners and technical officers from both government and non-government sectors, including local government, agriculture, food security, natural resources, public works, health and trade.
He said the District Administrator is responsible for overseeing the planning process, while the District Council Secretary ensures the full participation of community councils.
Participants at the meeting welcomed the proposal to revive the District Planning Unit and pledged their support to ensure its successful implementation for the benefit of district development.
Ends/NS
