21 Nov 2017

Member of Parliament for Tonota South, Mr Thapelo Olopeng has noted that contrary to what some people believed, it was not government’s responsibility to create jobs.

Mr Olopeng, who was contributing to the ongoing response to the State Of the Nation Address on November 20, said the duty for government was instead to create a conducive environment for the private sector to do business and in turn create jobs for the nation.

He said it was thus crucial to enhance the ease of doing business, saying the policies in place should not be an impediment to doing business.

Mr Olopeng, who is also the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, also commended President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama for his commitment towards entrepreneurship development.

He said during President Khama’s tenure of office scores of local entrepreneurs had been assisted through such entities as LEA.

He also commended the President for helping restore the dignity of many Batswana through the provision of shelter through the Presidential Housing Appeal.

Mr Olopeng said presently over 800 houses had been built through the initiative.

For his part, Boteti East MP, Mr Sethomo Lelatisitswe thanked government for having ensured that workers in Botswana did not lose jobs during the global economic downturn.

He said for that to have happened was a sign of President Khama’s visionary leadership, noting that workers in many countries had lost their jobs during the recession.

He said instead of laying off some of its employees, government introduced some initiatives such as the poverty eradication programme, the destitute housing programme and Ipelegeng so as to cushion Batswana against the hardships brought about by the economic meltdown.

On a different issue, MP Lelatisitswe pointed out that doing business in Botswana remained a challenge, observing that the country would not develop if it did not address the existing hurdles such as those pertaining to obtaining the permits necessary for doing business locally.

He also decried the relocating of the CEDA office from Letlhakane to Palapye, saying people from the Boteti area  had to travel long distances to seek the institution’ services.

On a positive note, the MP expressed gratitude for the developments that had been brought to his constituency, especially through the Economic Stimulus Programme.

Among those he cited kgotla shelters and teachers’ houses.

He also hailed the recently enacted Tribal Land Act, saying it had put more value in plots in tribal land as they would now have title deeds.

On the announcement by President Khama that he would be handing over power to the Vice President, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi at the end of his term, Mr Lelatisitswe said the move would enhance the credibility of the ruling Botswana Democratic Party and further endear it to the hearts of Batswana. ENDS