16 Aug 2015

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Vincent Seretse has implored the youth to utilise government programmes as they are meant to augment unemployment.

Addressing residents of Oodi in a kgotla meeting recently, Mr Seretse said the government was committed to assist the youth who want to venture into business in order to create employment.

He said unemployment continues to be a challenge in the country due to the slow economic growth, but that the government was trying all it could to help the youth.

Mr Seretse said his ministry was tasked with making sure it helps the youth and other eligible Batswana who want to venture into business through the Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) and Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA).

He encouraged the youth to visit LEA offices where they would be assisted to shape their dream.

Mr Seretse said after mentorship and training, they would be recommended for funding by CEDA who exists to help Batswana start their businesses.

He said CEDA offers low interest on their loans and assists Batswana.

Minister Seretse also briefed residents about the functions of his departments among them cooperatives, Botswana Bureau of Standards, Botswana Investment and Trade Centre, Consumer Protection, Competition Authority and others.

One resident, Mr Nico Molwantwa expressed worry over the delays by CEDA as they take a long time to respond to proposals, adding that some business proposals never see the light of day after engaging private consultants who charge them money.

He also said the P100 000 given to the youth to begin projects was not enough as they meet challenges among them water and electricity connections.

Mr Molefi Motsamai, who is a youth, opined that the money given was small as they have a problem of access to water in their projects especially when digging a borehole.

He also said they continue to face water shortages in their village as they could go for days without water, adding that water affairs did a better job than water utilities and suggested it be brought back.

When responding to their questions and comments, Minister Seretse said whoever applies to CEDA for funding has to make sure that all they need was included in the proposal or else they would be delays until all necessary documents were sourced.

He advised potential entrepreneurs against using private consultants when making business proposals, as some of them perform a shoddy job that leads to rejection by funding institutions.

Mr Seretse said the maximum funding for youth projects under the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture was P100 000, and that those who feel the money was small have to visit other financial institutions as it means they want bigger projects.

The minister also visited Oodi Weavers Cooperative to appreciate the work that they do as it was the only one of its kind in the area and applauded them for bringing the youth on board. ENDS