14 Oct 2018

The long abandoned Remote Area Dwellers’ (RADs) hostels in Nokaneng have been salvaged by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development for use as a youth business centre.

Refurbishment of the dilapidated structures will soon commence.

Phase one of the project will be renovation of the hostels and training of key personnel within the ministry who will run the centre, while for phase two, the ministry will provide funding for purchasing key equipment for the centre and facilitating connection of utilities such as telephone, internet, electricity and water.

The youth business centre would be expected to, among other things, reduce cost for renting commercial buildings and provide advertisement and marketing. 

It would also transform youth into more creditworthy entrepreneurs and direct them to youth-friendly financial products.

Speaking at a consultative meeting over refurbishment of the hostels, deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, Mr Kgopotso Ramoroka, said they had the idea of utilising the hostels in 2011, but due to financial constraints, they could not start the project until this year.

He noted that this year, P200 000 was secured and phase one of the Nokaneng youth business centre woiuld stasrt.

Mr Ramoroka said the project would be carried out by his ministry in conjunction with the Okavango sub-district council, which is the custodian of the P200 000.

“We want to start the project now, that is why we are here today to consult you on how and who is going to run the centre and what services you expect from the centre,” he said.

He suggested that some possible amenities at the Nokaneng youth business centre could be a training centre and recreational centre.

Mr Ramoroka said specific businesses suggested by the public such as milling project, internet café and restaurant should be owned by the youth.

“As government we cannot set up such businesses at the centre because we would be taking business opportunities that you could earn a living from,” he said.

One of the Nokaneng youth, Mr Ponalo Mothobogi said the initiative by the ministry was a wise move, adding that he was one of the people who had always advocated for a business centre in Nokaneng.

Mr Gaerobale John suggested that a library be set up at the centre for research and other services by the people of Nokaneng.

He also suggested a recording studio for aspiring artists to avoid travelling and recording costs incurred by the artists when accessing the service elsewhere.    

However, an elder, Mr Kubung Murangi was concerned about high levels of delinquency in Nokaneng, hence pleaded with the community to take good care of the facility once it is completed. ENDS