26 Oct 2020

Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development Mr Tumiso Rakgare has applauded Masterminds, a youth corporation for utilising youth development fund programme to curb unemployment.

When touring Masterminds horticultural project in Mosenki recently, Minister Rakgare commended the corporative for venturing into horticultural business despite being graduates of different fields other than agriculture. 

He said the need for active participation in the agricultural sector could not be over emphasised as it was the opportunity to diversify the economy, adding that the ministry would support youths who ventured into businesses of such caliber to help reduce unemployment rates.

On behalf of Masterminds group, administration secretary Ms Irene Ramakwate said they decided to pursue agriculture as it was the only option after they had not been successful in their search for employment.

“As fresh graduates we could not cope under the prevailing circumstances of no jobs.”  She said. 

The group then opted to utilise the Youth Development Fund to form a corporation and embarked on a horticultural project. 

Ms Ramakwati added that part of their aim was to contribute in reducing the import bill.  

She said buying food outside basically exported the much needed jobs. In order for the country to be food secure, she said combined efforts such as theirs was a must.

Furthermore, she indicated that despite the challenges they faced such as pests and lack of transport to the field, they were aiming to have a successful projects as the minister’s visit had motivated them to work even harder.  

Minister Rakgare applauded Masterminds for their perseverance despite facing challenges and encouraged the participants to do their best and produce enough to meet market demand. 

He urged members to stick together and set example to other youth.

The group was funded last year and started off with 27 members and currently has nine members. 

They started planting cash crops this year with their first harvest expected around December. Ends