10 Mar 2024

Government has increased Chema Chema funding from the initial P200 million to P500 million.

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi revealed this at the International Women’s Day commemoration in Paje recently, an event that was themed; Invest in Women: Accelerate progress.

President Masisi said the Chema Chema Fund was aimed at fundamentally transforming the informal sector and providing the necessary financial support to entrepreneurs and small businesses.

He said in view of the unemployment rate, government increased Chema Chema Fund to cushion Batswana against unfavourable economic conditions and other hardships of life arising from unemployment.

“Money must be invested wisely to ensure it benefits the economy of the country and improve the lives of Batswana,” he said.

The President thus challenged those aspiring to benefit from the fund to engage experts to train them on prudent financial management and how best to invest the money.

“Whether they were granted or loaned, or both, the fact that remains is that they must come up with the best modalities on how to use the money for the benefit of the country. Youth and women funding have been increased and all tailor made to improve the livelihood of Batswana,” he added.

He challenged Batswana to take advantage of the dispensation, saying money was disbursed through Chema Chema, Temo Letlotlo and Thuo Letlotlo that would accord women an opportunity to practise farming through the use of ICT to compete with other African countries.

On other issues, President Masisi said owing to the increase in incidents of threat to kill and gender-based violence (GBV), government took a decision to increase funding for gender affairs department.

He said the previous budget was increased by 25 per cent and would be increased by 530 per cent from April 1 to be used for various purposes.

President Masisi said Parliament enacted laws, particularly the Sexual Offenders’ Registry Act, to address GBV.

President said it would be amiss not to convey a message depicting warm love for women from First Lady Neo.

He said the First Lady was stunned by International Women’s Day pageant, which was aired on television and shown on other media platforms.

Meanwhile, Ms Galemodimo Kebalatlhe was crowned the queen, while Ms Goitsemang Jeji and Ms Tetlelelo Ntwakgolo were first and second princesses respectively. ENDS