13 Mar 2017

Assistant minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Culture Development, Mr Kefentse Mzwinila has implored young people funded under Youth Development Fund (YDF) to develop passion, determination and love towards their projects in order for them to succeed in the world of business.

He made the remarks after touring few of the projects of young people in Maun.

He was told by beneficiaries that the projects were progressing well.

He was also pleased to learn that all the projects he visited had been operational for a year and created employment for other youths.

Mr Mzwinila said the purpose of the programme is to empower young people so that they create jobs for others.

He emphasised the need for the youth to utilise such programmes as an effective relief to overcome the spectre of unemployment.

He also urged beneficiaries to service their loans so that other youths could be funded, adding that servicing the loans would also open opportunities for re-financing in other financial institutions for their businesses to grow bigger.

He urged youth officers in Maun to work closely with the beneficiaries and assist, guide and support them where necessary, especially in marketing their products.

He said they should approach other government departments and lobby for them so that they formally benefit, adding that others could be assisted under affirmative action.

Meanwhile, the beneficiaries told the assistant minister that since their projects were new, they had not experienced any challenges.

Ms Gladys Dikokor, who operates a salon, explained that currently her major problem is the rental price. She said she pays P2 700 monthly.

Another challenge she mentioned was that of lack of commitment of young employees, adding that some youths are so reluctant to work that they disappear when they get paid.

Her business created jobs for three youths and her wish is to find a bigger space so that she transforms it into a beauty spar.

A fashion designer, Mr Richwell Katchiteyo explained that he was funded in 2015 to the tune of P98 000 and currently he has employed two youths.

He decried lack of market, adding that currently he depends on orders.

Firstly when he started, he targeted companies as he was specialising in manufacturing protective clothing, but since there was no market he decided to design clothing in general.

He wants to see the business growing bigger and employing more people.

“My dream is to service my loan and own a factory that will create more employment for youths,” he added. ENDS