Postal banks programme still on track - Dr. Khaketla

A pilot postal bank programme is to be started in 10 of the country's post offices this year, the Minister of Communications, Science and Technology, Dr. 'Mamphono Khaketla announced during a tour of  the Thakabanna, Botha Bothe Post Office on February 9.

The establishment of postal banks will not only help reduce congestion in the few available commercial banks but would also ensure profitability within the postal service. their presence in even the remotest of areas would go a long way towards helping people avoid travel expenses to towns to access banking services, the Minister said.

Introduction of the latest telecommunications services, including telephones, telefaxes and and even e-mail had meant a steady erosion in the use of the traditional means of communications such as letters. As an example, Dr. Khaketla pointed to the steady decline in the sale of stamps at post offices.

Confirming the Minister's assertion of a drop in stamp sales, Post Mistress, Mrs. Mathe Letsie said the only time these were sold in large enough quantities was at the end of the school year when schools posted students' reports to their parents.

 People preferred using the postal services in towns so that they could do other things, such as banking, at the  same time. The establishment of postal banks would answer many rural needs, she said

10 February 2004