17 Nov 2019

Selibe Phikwe West youth have been  implored to take advantage of programmes and services offered by different stakeholders and departments to better their livelihoods.

Kgosi Ghani Moses of Kagiso ward remarked during a recent workshop organised in collaboration with other stakeholders at Selebi Phikwe. 

Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture (MYSC), Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA), SPEDU, Department of Social and Community Development (S&CD), Gender Affairs, Tribal Administration and District Labour Office were some of the stakeholders that imparted on how they can help young people to improve their livelihoods.

Kgosi Moses observed that young people took things for granted and pleaded with them to take the workshop seriously as it would come handy in improve their lives.

“Sixty per cent of Botswana’s population is the youth, these are energetic, able bodied and nimble minds which have to be guided, nurtured and prepared for societal needs,” said Kgosi Moses.

He said young people needed to be patient and do things one step at a time.

Kgosi Moses said society expected young people to abide by the societal norms and values by being respectful to elders, colleagues, peers, younger people and the opposite sex.

He said young people should heed advice and to work together emphasising that team work was essential in bringing good dividends.

Furthermore, he said young people should have a sense of belonging and identity as culture could build their personalities. 

He encouraged the youth to have a sense of self awareness, self-management and social awareness. 

He further advised young people to shun corruption.

Facilitating at the workshop, SPEDU Communications Manager, Ms Sheila Moribane said although SPEDU did not finance businesses, but facilitated economic vibrancy in the region by attracting investors.

She said SPEDU focus was on the four economic sectors; Agri- business, Manufacturing, Tourism and Strategic Infrastructure due to the key physical features in the region, features like dams, rivers, fertile soil and wildlife.

Furthermore, she said, besides facilitating the setup of businesses under the sectors, SPEDU had an initiative called Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions, crediting it for numerous activities in the region lately.

She said Selebi Phikwe youth could benefit from such events citing the Toyota Desert Race, Bosele Marathon, Miss Botswana and Softball extravaganza among others.

The Department of Social and Community Development, Community Development Officer I (CDO I), Ms Bontle Zaphania said her department served to counsel and refer people to relevant organizations or departments for further assistance.

Ms Zaphania  advised young people that a business needed to be nurtured every step and needed a hard worker who could always go an extra mile in making sure that the business thrived.

“My department is always open to advise and direct the youth to relevant departments for the assistance required.” Ends