17 Dec 2013

Kgosi David Toto II of Kgalagai South Region has challenged young people to compete for political positions.

Speaking during a meeting for Organisation for Youth and Elections in Botswana (OYEBO) in Tsabong recenty, Kgosi Toto II urged the youth to take advantage of their major stake in population to stand for political positions.

He said they should tap on their youthfulness to canvass for support from fellow young people and also ensure that they register and vote in large numbers. “We yearn to see young people participating in various national activities. We should also do away with reserving Bogosi for adults only,” Kgosi Toto II said.

The village leader also expressed his concern at the low turnout of youth at kgotla meetings saying they stand to miss on various consultations and decisions taken at the forum. He promised to take heed of youth advice as they were more advanced in the latest developments.

For his part, OYEBO chairperson, Mr Bernard Bogosi warned that his organization was non-partisan but was particularly concerned with education for elections. Part of their existence is anchored on striving for greater representation of young women in political office, encourage youth to not only partake but run for political office inter alia, he said.

Mr Bogosi appealed to young people to develop interests in being part of village development committees as such committees were a steeping stones to leadership. He also challenged the youth to frequent kgotla meetings and freedom squares and listen to the politicians and weigh their arguments based on their needs.

He further urged young people to put pressure on elected representatives to deliver on their promises. Responding to the challenges, Mr Bogosi conceded that young people faced challenges of competing against the wealthy adults.

He observed that some of the competitors had just quit public office, a clear statement that they could be well resourced to carry out their campaigns and suffocate the youth. ENDS