25 Feb 2015

Rolong Land Board, in collaboration with other institutions, held a workshop to empower the youth with adequate information about government programmes and policies. 

Speaking during a joint workshop, land board secretary, Mr Godiramang Moepeng, said it was gratifying to have representatives from such organisations because the youth needed mentoring, technical assistance and other appropriate support from those relevant institutions.

The workshop was held in collaboration with institutions such as CEDA, LEA, MYSC, deeds registry and Department of Animal Production that support entrepreneurship development by exposing the youth to a whole range of possible business ideas and financing packages. He said their role as the land board was to allocate land to the citizens for any purposes therefore it was critical to involve other stakeholders as land plays a vital role in setting businesses.

Mr Moepeng also commended the government for taking a leading role in issues pertaining to youth unemployment through the establishment of Young farmers’ fund, Youth Development Fund, LEA and CEDA. He said youth programmes put in place were steadfast in uplifting their lives, particularly those with viable business ideas hence the need for the youth to utilise the programmes to the maximum. Outlining the day’s objectives, principal land surveyor, Mr Kemiso Leburu said the aim was to inspire the youth, adding that “An inspired youth is an empowered nation.”

He cited as challenges lack of access to finance by the SMME due to the youth’s inability to meet security requirements of commercial banks and other financial institutions. He also said they intend to foster youth enterprises in business through effective pursuit of opportunities in all sectors of the economy. Speaking on behalf of the youth in Goodhope Sub District, Mr Wilfred Motshidisi lauded the host and other supporting institutions for conducting such an eye opening workshop.

He pleaded with the authorities to collaborate with each other for easy accessibility of services by the youth and any other individuals. Mr Motshidisi further implored the institutions to take into consideration all their concerns and suggestions for the betterment of improving the programmes and policies in the future.

In his closing remarks, Rolong land board Chairperson, Mr Ogone Molema applauded the youth and the supporting institutions who attended the workshop. He urged the youth to share and educate their fellow colleagues for the benefit of the country to have a well-informed nation. Mr Molema implored them to take youth programmes seriously by engaging in income generating activities, saying they would generate employment opportunities and ultimately lead to the promotion of sustainable economic diversification and reduce destitution.

He also said there was acute shortage of land and urged the youth to stop selling land because they were likely to be impoverished but rather lease it out to fellow citizens. Mr Molema said, “Land is a finite resource” and challenged the youth to be innovative, passionate and determined to start their own businesses and create employment for fellow citizens. ENDS