14 Sep 2016

Project manager of 50 Young Batswana Change Makers Project says following over 1 000 nominees of young Batswana under 40 years, the number was reduced to 177 and then 71 for which the final 50 would be announced at a gala dinner.

Briefing the media, Mr Kenneth Moeng said the initiative started in 2015, meant to celebrate young Batswana, as Africa’s heroes and heroines, who have led from the front notwithstanding the human challenges that plague the national, continental and international social stage.

“This is a partnership between Gabz Fm and Mail&Guardian Africa,” said Mr Moeng.

He indicated that the project noted that Botswana’s 50^th independence celebration would be incomplete without recognising these individuals’ contribution through courage, innovation and discipline.

“These people have made a significant change in society, business, political, sport and culture and in the lives of people or in contribution to Botswana at 50 different sectors,” he said.

Mr Moeng said following a road show to 50 destinations across the country and public nominations in May and June 2016, close to 1 000 nominations were received from villages and towns such as Shakawe, Kang and Sekoma .

“We were inspired by these trailblazers in their respective industries and the selflessness of our youth doing philanthropic work and those contributing positively to the social development of our nation,” he said.

He said these young people have achieved great things; they have been selfless in their desire to help the less fortunate and have been brave enough to dream big.

Speaking further on the final 71 nominees, Mr Moeng said they have balanced gender equity between men and women with the youngest being 18 years old.

“61 per cent of the shortlisted nominees are from urban areas, 28 per cent from rural areas while 11 per cent are from the diaspora,” he said.

He noted that the 71 nominees would be invited to the Future of Employment Summit on September 19 and the finalists would also be invited to the unveiling of the final 50 Batswana Change Makers during a gala dinner on September 20. ENDS