15 Sep 2016

Kgalagadi District Council chairperson, Mr Justice Nkwane said Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (smme’s) are key to sustainable economic diversification, employment creation and poverty eradication.

Speaking during a full council meeting in Tsabong on Tuesday (September 13), Mr Nkwane said government had used various economic, enterprise development and support programmes in the past.

He pointed out that the government did this through the formation of the Financial Assistance Policy (FAP) in the early 1980s and Integrated Field Services (IFS) as a program for training SMME’s in business management skills.

Mr Nkwane said the sustenance of SMME development programs continued to be vital, particularly that they contribute significantly to job creation through tourism and agriculture sectors.

He pointed out that despite these efforts, the sector continues to face challenges that hamper business growth and sustainability such as lack of ability to attract and retain skilled manpower, shortage of water and land. The chairperson said enterprises such as LEA and CEDA continued to build on the legacy by coming up with interventions which include business plan development and market access.

On other issues, he pointed out that Kgalagadi district was allocated funds amounting to P4 million for youth development fund for the financial year 2016/17.
“Currently, there are 464 funded projects with the success rate at 91.5 per cent, adding that it is however regrettable that a few of the beneficiaries comply with the loan repayment agreement,” he said.

Furthermore, he implored councilors to take part on the independence activities to ensure that the celebrations become a success.

He pointed out that the celebrations aimed at celebrating Botswana’s achievements since the attainment of independence in 1966, and further enhance patriotism, national identity, unity and pride.
 ENDS