11 Oct 2015

In an endeavour to empower and engage the youth, the Chobe Land Board held a workshop to inform the youth about land challenges prevailing in the district.

Mr Johane Chenjekwa, a board member, has described youth empowerment as a key factor to overcoming socio economic development and climate change challenges faced by the youth. The youth need to be empowered so that they could come up with business projects that match the challenges. 

He said despite land scarcity, the land board strives to have sustainable human development and management for socio economic development. 

“Shortage of land is a serious problem in Chobe and we are working hard to help the youth despite this challenge,” he said. 

Mr Chenjekwa said unemployment among the youth was worrisome, adding that the land board was trying all it could to help the youth. 

He said although they were faced with land shortage, the land board has reserved five ploughing fields in Pandamatenga for the youth who want to venture into horticulture and small businesses.

He said for every layout they make, they demarcate land for the youth. He added that the land board shared land with tourism, forestry reserves and other resources that need to be protected and preserved.

Mr Chenjekwa added that youth challenges need to be given first priority, noting that the land board has set up an office to assist the youth. The office, he added, was manned by youthful individuals who were understand youth challenges. 

Mr Chenjekwa raised concern about undeveloped commercial plots in Satau and Kachikau.

He urged the youth to utilise government programmes such as the Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency, Local Enterprise Authority and the Youth Development Fund to better their status and shape their future. 

For his part, Chobe Land Board registration officer, Mr Godfrey Ntuluki said the purpose of the workshop was to provide a platform for the youth to raise their concerns as most of them do not attend kgotla meetings.  He said the workshop aimed to capacitate, inform and educate the youth on land rights.

Mr Ntuluki challenged the government to link all government programmes meant to assist the youth. He encouraged them to change their mindset and participate in government programmes aimed at uplifting their economic status.  Ends