05 Aug 2019

Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Ms Bogolo Kenewendo says cluster fairs demonstrate government’s commitment towards improving and advancing small scale entrepreneurs.

Officially opening the Central District Council (CDC) Cluster Fair Ms Kenewendo said small businesses needed to be nurtured accordingly to contribute positively to the economy of the area where the business had been setup and also play a role in the diversification efforts of the country.

Ms Kenewendo said government had a made a move to identify local talent through the use of locally viable resources.

She mentioned that events such as the Fair were conducted as platforms to showcase locally produced goods, enable people to interact , network, share skills and experiences to improve workmanship of products for quality production.

“The production skills, which are mostly indigenous, are key in eradicating poverty because they are a resource that one can use to earn a living,” she said.

Such skills, she noted, must be preserved to enhance sustainable livelihoods and job creation.

Minister Kenewendo urged organisations mandated to capacitate on natural resources preservation to work hand in hand with small economic entrepreneurs.

She called on beneficiaries of government empowerment programmes to take their projects serious and market their products accordingly. In addition, she urged small businesses to utilise the internet to market their products.

Meanwhile, the deputy council secretary, Mr Robert Letlole said the objective of the  fair was to encourage local producers.

He said the fair also served as a platform for small businesses to market and sell their products, adding that the event also served as a place for networking and skills transfer.

Giving welcome remarks, Kgosi Masego Olebile of Palapye, commended CDC for holding the cluster fair in Palapye to promote local products. 

He also encouraged residents especially the youth to take advantage of government empowerment programmes to sustain their lives.

Held under the theme ‘Local resources and indigenous skills for sustainable communities’ the event was characterised by awarding of certificates to excelling beneficiaries in categories such as machine sewing, leatherworks, basketry, beadwork, pottery, woodwork, art, patchwork, weaving and food preservation. Ends