13 Mar 2014

Constituency tournaments prize money benefits the youths as some have used the proceeds to start businesses, Parliament has been informed.

Responding to a question from Ngami MP, the Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture, Mr Shaw Kgathi cited Tsolamosese netball, Kabo Stars in Mogoditshane and Green Arrows in Mmadinare as some of the youths who used the proceeds to start businesses.

Mr Kgathi urged people in Ngami constituency to desist from charging youths exorbitant transportation prices as these programmes were meant for empowerment.

He, however, said in some instances, charges could be high hence his ministry providing transportation at regional and national levels given the distances teams had to travel to these competitions.

Minister Kgathi said youths in remote area settlements were provided with transportation from ward to national level. He explained that the ministry could not provide transportation at ward level due to budgetary constraints.

MP Taolo Habano had asked the minister if he was aware that winners in constituency tournaments and competitions did not benefit as their prizes were eroded by exorbitant transport fees. He asked if the minister would consider providing transport to assist youths taking part in the activities. Ends