24 Jun 2018

Youth in Ramotswa and Tlokweng constituencies are said to owe the Youth Development Fund (YDF) P2 million in arrears.

The arrears are for the loan component of the programme, which the beneficiaries were to return and it dates back to the years when the programme was started.

Of the 284 projects funded in both Ramotswa and Tlokweng constituencies, only one beneficiary has paid back the fund.

The South East District development report stated that the district has recorded a success rate of 66.1 per cent of projects, which manage to operate after reaching the grace period.

Since the 2013/14 financial year to date, there has been an improvement of the success rate of projects funded under YDF, the report stated.

However, in mitigating the loan repayment challenge, the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development has come up with strategies to follow up on youth entrepreneurs.

The district report further stated that beneficiaries continue to default even though they are sent monthly reminders to pay.

The report further highlights non commitment of some YDF beneficiaries, limited monitoring and evaluation of projects and failure to report as some of the challenges facing the programme.  

The district development report further highlighted that the Livestock Management and Infrastructure Development (LIMID) in the district has cumulatively financed 1133 projects since its inception.

 It was noted that amid challenges, there are success stories from the project as some have managed to buy cattle for themselves, while others are able to support their families through building houses, renovating houses and even buying vehicles among others.

 With regard to women economic empowerment programme, a total of 28 projects were funded and 55 people are employed.

The report said six projects have relocated outside the district, 19 are operating, two are under implementation and the other project has managed to secure a loan from the Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency.  ENDS