07 Mar 2017

Ministry of Defence, Justice and Security hosted a second Youth Pitso to engage the youth in their ministry.
Speaking during the Pitso, Ms Anna Mphetlhe  from the ministy said the youth are a priority to the government and the ministry would do everything possible to ensure the youth are facilitated and empowered to have a meaningful participation in the economy
Ms Mphetlhe mentioned that the participation of youth in Pitso is an indicative of government’s commitment to engage youth at every level, saying they are the future of the country.
She further mentioned that engaging the youth is therefore logical to ensure that youth become a common denominator in all that happens, especially in view of strengthening the country’s system of effective governance, as well as in the ministry efforts to develop and diversify the economy of Botswana.
Ms Mphetlhe stated that the youth are progressive, but fragile segment of Botswana population.
She pointed out that their input was critical because ‘it is your voice that would provide the blue print for what government would stand for in years to come,’ she said.
She also mentioned that the youth cross cut everything that happens, irrespective of ministry portfolio responsibilities, saying that youth should be engaged by every ministry and entity, private or public.
She further stated that engagement of youth, should  be done because it is in the interest of the development of Botswana.
She said it was important to pay particular attention to the pronouncements made in Vision 2036 of achieving prosperity for all.
Meanwhile, Ms Mphetlhe acknowledged that youth were  faced with a high unemployment rate that now rests at above 20 percent. She said unemployment among the youth was partly due to the fact that most of them lack the requisite skills and experience needed at the work place.
She further mentioned that there was an oversupply of certain skills in the job market, saying that had led to a considerable high number of graduates being unemployed.
She revealed that the Pitso was meant to provide an opportunity for youth to engage with the ministry, adding that they wanted to help them to identify opportunities that could open doors for job creation and ways in which the youth could become self-reliant.
Ms Mphetlhe urged the youth to commit and ensure that by 2036 Botswana would be a land of peace, freedom and progressive governance.
She also said they should work on reducing crime and corruption to minimal levels, with civil society organisations and the community being active participants in the national development process. ENDS