11 Apr 2013

Kgalagadi District Youth Development Fund beneficiaries are said to be doing well.

Hence, deputy permanent secretary (DPS) in the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture, Mr Jefferson Siamisang appealed to councillors to encourage YDF beneficiaries to continue working hard.

Addressing Kgalagadi District Council meeting on April 10, Mr Siamisang said P25 million was used to fund 298 projects in the district and created 418 jobs.

Of the 298 projects, 232 were still operational, two had collapsed while 64 were still setting up. Mr Siamisang said by working hard, beneficiaries would empower themselves financially while at the same time employing other young people.

The DPS also solicited support for young people saying while they were being impatient in seeking immediate returns, they were still in dire need of operational spaces as well as market for their products.

He pleaded with the district council to emulate the Ministry of Infrastructure, Science and Technology by putting aside some of their projects for youth empowerment.

He informed councillors that each of the 57 constituencies would be allocated P2 million, which would result in the funding of 20 projects. Mr Siamisang also informed councillors that YDF was allocated P120 million for the financial year 2013/14.

In other issues, Mr Siamisang said had it not experienced economic recession, government planned to construct stadia in Tsabong, Kanye and Ghanzi.

He also explained that even though government shelved some projects, completion of the National Stadium and the one in Francistown were ongoing.

He also conceded to have heard reports that constituency football tournaments have led to the collapse of Botswana Football Association (BFA)’s second division in Kgalagadi South.

He said the idea of the constituency league was anchored on talent identification and hence could not compete with BFA structures. ENDS