11 Apr 2021

Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, Mr Tumiso Rakgare has decried youth unemployment, which he said was on the rise.

Speaking during a Press briefing in Gaborone on Thursday, Minister Rakgare highlighted that the country experienced growing numbers of youth unemployment, mainly due to close down of some businesses, lockdowns as well as restricted movements, especially for the informal sector.

He indicated that internship programme and Tirelo Sechaba assisted in providing a platform for the youth graduates to acquire work-based skills in order to enhance their marketability and employability.

As at February, he said the two key programmes had enrolled a total of 14 770 against the targeted 22 400, which translated to 66 per cent enrollment, adding that the drop in enrollment for both programmes was a result of suspension of placement due to the COVID-19.

He said his ministry had partnered with the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food security in the implementation of a horticulture project using grey water and protected technological equipment at Serowe grey water ponds as well as livestock registration into the BAITS. 

“These projects has created job opportunities for the youth,” he added.

The minister indicated that indicated that his ministry’s 2021/2022 recurrent budget was P942 379 760 and P53 635 000 was for development.

The recurrent budget, he said, decreased by 0.5 per cent compared to 2020/2021 budget. 

Mr Rakgare  said P104 million would go towards Youth Development Fund (YDF), noting that priority under the programme would be given to organised groups than individuals. 

Mr Rakgare urged the youth in different sectors to form or join groups such as BOMU that could represent them on different issues. 

“The groups would talk with one strong voice to the government and different stakeholders on behalf of the youth,” he added.

He pointed out that his ministry was working with different organisations in the entertainment industry on how best they could assist them since their activities were stalling due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He further highlighted that preparations for the Olympics were going well, noting that there were six athletes who had already qualified and they were looking forward to them bringing medals home.

For his part, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Youth Sport and Culture Development, Mr Kago Ramokate said the ministry had reviewed most of its policies such as Botswana National Sport Commission Act and National Anti-Doping policy.

He indicated that there were positive signs in terms of YDF loans repayment, noting that the ministry had so far collected P3.6 million and were optimistic that more would come forward. Ends