03 Mar 2024

Parliament has adopted the Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture budget proposal of over P1 billion recurrent budget and over P147 million development budget for the 2024/2025 financial year.

Debating the budget earlier on, Specially Elected MP, Ms Beauty Manake raised concern over youth unemployment and urged allocation of more funds in the upcoming financial year to address the concern, particularly within the creative sector.

Ms Manake also said the ministry should consider constructing a state-of-the-art multimedia studio in Selebi Phikwe. “Selebi Phikwe has produced stars such as DJ Oneal, Ezra Neethings, Phologolo, the list is endless and such a studio would provide opportunities for local creatives to further develop their talents and become renowned stars, benefiting both the region and the country as a whole,” she said.

Regarding sports, Ms Manake noted the significance of grassroots development and suggested creation of a development fund to enable sports agencies to access resources and empower children at the grassroots level.

“The investment, I believe, would contribute to the holistic development of youth and promote excellence in sports from the grassroots,” she said.

Selebi Phikwe West legislator, Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse said government should consider sponsoring high performing athletes to international academies. 

This, he argued, would be a game-changer for aspiring athletes, offering them access to top-notch training facilities, expert coaching and invaluable competition opportunities on the global stage.

Mr Keorapetse also said government should amend existing laws to facilitate monetisation of talents within the creative sector through various social media platforms. 

“We are told that we need to have a Youtube partner programme and make corresponding amendments to our tax and cyber laws and anti-money laundering controls to ensure that all regulators are on top of their game to enable our young talented entrepreneurs to thrive through social media entrepreneurship,” he said.

Furthermore, Mr Keorapetse proposed the introduction of tax incentives for organisations which employed the youth and adequately compensated them.

He said it would not only incentivise the employment of young people, but would also ensure fair remuneration, thereby addressing concerns of  youth unemployment and underemployment.

Meanwhile, MP for Palapye, Mr Onneetse Ramogapi said government should introduce tax rebates for organisations who lended a helping hand towards sports development. 

He also said there was a need for a stadium in Palapye.

In response to the legislators’ debate, Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture, Mr Tumiso Rakgare said government had plans for construction of a stadium in the Tswapong region.

He said government was already sending some local athletes to international academies. 

“However, it is high time that world class academies are set up locally,” he said.

In addition, he expressed support for the idea of building a state-of-the-art multimedia studio, stating that if funds allowed it would be considered in the near future. ENDS