17 Jun 2013

Tonota South MP, Mr Pono Moatlhodi has encouraged the youth of Loomboko to not only seek employment but also create jobs with the youth grant from government .

MP Moatlhodi was responding to Loomboko Village Development Committee (VDC) chairperson, Mr Moeti Thutwe’s concerns that they were faced with youth unemployment, during a kgotla meeting last week.

“When we heard about the construction of a new road, our hopes were high as we thought the company will hire our youth, but to our surprise the company came with its own employees, who we do not know where they come from,” Mr Thutwe said.

Mr Moatlhodi, who is also the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, said he was aware of the youth unemployment and encouraged them to apply for the youth grant.

He said P121 million was available, for which the youth could apply to start businesses such as salons and bakeries as a way of creating jobs for others. “In January, 33 youths attended youth meetings in this ward but only one among those applied for the youth grant and I am not happy to see youth in the Ipelegeng programme,” he tsaid.

Meanwhile the VDC chairperson said they had long been promised a mobile clinic since the nearest clinic was three kilometres from their village. He said sometimes when they went to the clinics in Semotswane and Manyanda, they were either told nurses weree only helping pregnant women or there are no nurses at all.

On other issues, Mr Moatlhodi commended Tholodi Primary School head-teacher, teachers, Parents Teachers Association (PTA) committee and parents of Loomboko for the good results the school had produced.

“I believe schools must do well, that is why I always encourage them with trophies. Good results show that parents are working well with teachers, “he said.

He also briefed Loomboko residents about the changes done in the ISPAAD programme, saying this year only those who plant in rows would be paid.  MP Moatlhodi said farmers who chose to do cluster fencing would be helped for free while those who fence as individuals would be expected to pay half of the cost.

The MP also thanked residents for cooperating with the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) officers, saying by doing this they were helping in the fight against Food and Mouth Disease (FMD). ENDS