27 Mar 2014

The Botswana National Youth Council (BNYC) executive director, Mr Benjamin Raletsatsi has vowed that the youth council would continue to be instrumental in the society by providing well rounded people.

Speaking at a breakfast seminar in Gaborone to reflect on BNYC’s 40 years of existence, Mr Raletsatsi said BNYC’s plan was to facilitate about 50 thousand projects for youth by next year, something which would bring with it, employment creation.

BNYC’s mandate, he said, was to have youth at the forefront of the resources, as well as being an organisation that could lead the country to a better future. Mr Raletsatsi said BNYC had been one of the biggest contributors of good leaders at parliament and council level and will continue to do so.

In his remarks, the former BNYC executive director, the Rev Mpho Moruakgomo said the youth of today were not as vibrant as those of the past. Therefore, there was need for youth empowerment and training.

He stressed the necessity of investing in young people, something that he said could prove to be perilous if it is not done. Rev Moruakgomo pointed out that BNYC was a non partisan organization because when it was formed, the idea was to have people putting aside their political affiliations and serving nation’s interests first.

Former BNYC chairperson from the time of its inception in 1974, Mr David Moremong said BNYC was mandated for youth in Botswana to have a platform to discuss issues affecting them, and realise their worth as young people.

Mr Moremong, said during the former years, BNYC was faced with challenges since there was no agreed age for youth and some young people accused the organisation for being politically affiliated to the ruling party.

Current BNYC chairperson, Mr Metlha Mokwena said it was significant for organisations to remember and appreciate the past leaders and their efforts. Ends