01 Sep 2015

Assistant Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Sadique Kebonang has implored Batswana to utilise available government programmes to improve their lives.

Speaking during a kgotla meeting in Molapowabojang recently, Mr Kebonang said he was concerned that people under utilise programmes geared towards improving their standard and quality of life. He observed that people could be lacking adequate knowledge about such programmes, adding that his ministry has embarked on educating Batswana throughout the country on government programmes.

He said the government has tailor-made some programmes with a view to alleviate abject poverty amongst Batswana.

The assistant minister said people should consult with the Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) and the Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) to better their economic status.

He noted that CEDA’s mandate was to provide funding for the development of competitive and sustainable citizen owned businesses and joint ventures operating both within and outside the country. Mr Kebonang said LEA provides development and support services to businesses that encompass training, mentoring, business plan finalisation, market access facilitation and technology adaptation. 

He said people should take advantage of such assistance and venture into businesses that would diversify the economy.

CEDA’s client service centre manager in Kanye, Ms Ogaufi Tafa said her organisation provides assistance in the form of loans at subsidised interest rates.

She noted that CEDA funds all sectors of the economy, emphasising that a business plan was a prerequisite for funding.

Ms Tafa said the plan should include market research that would give information on the viability of the business. She said the business plan should also include a budget proposal that would guide as to how much was needed to kick- start the business.

A resident of Molapowabojang, Ms Tiny Kojane called for stringent consumer laws to protect Batswana from unscrupulous business practices. Mr Kebonang said what was sold in the market should be of quality and beneficial to clients. Ends