23 Feb 2014

Parliament is yet to vote on a motion calling for government to sponsor unemployed first degree holders to Masters level.

Although the Deputy Speaker Pono Moatlhodi had ruled it had passed, Kgatleng East MP Isaac Mabiletsa ruled that there was division, thus putting the motion to vote.The motion was tabled by Member of Parliament for Okavango, Mr Bagalatia Arone who said a number of graduates roamed the streets and called on government to sponsor them for higher education saying this would improve their chances of employment locally and internationally.

He said a number of local tertiary institutions have engaged foreigners because Batswana are not qualified for the post.For his part, the Assistant Minister of Education and Skills Development Mr Patrick Masimolole said his ministry already sponsors unemployed youths to progress from certificate to diploma and diploma to degree.

He said accounting students are sponsored up to professional levels such as CIMA.The assistant minister said the request by MP Arone would be costly saying currently only students enrolled in psychology, architecture and pharmacy including top achievers are sponsored up to Masters level.

Supporting the motion, MP Mabiletsa said education fails to meet market demand and therefore crucial for government to continue sponsoring students up to high level.He said the government has for a long time talked about privatisation saying this could only be achieved if Batswana are educated adding this was a reason the private sector is filled with foreign experts.The Kgatleng East legislator said junior degree holders are faced with limited employment opportunities adding the quality of education was important.

MP for Selebi Phikwe West, Mr Gilson Saleshando also supported the motion saying for graduates to be relevant to the economy, they need further training. ENDS