23 Mar 2014

Deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Youth Sport and Culture, Mr Jefferson  Siamisang has said the national service programme will commence beginning of April 2014.

Addressing the Selebi Phikwe special full council meeting on March 20, Mr Siamisang said about 15 000 out of the 26 000 young Batswana who applied would take part in the programme.

He said only 15 000 applicants would take part in the initiative because government had budgeted for that number for the 2014/2015 financial year, adding that government had to cut down the number by 11 000.

Mr Siamisang noted that graduates applicants from tertiary institutions were not included because they had more opportunities than others as they could join the internship programme or be absorbed into other opportunities in the market.

He further indicated that applicants on the verge of reaching 30 years of age would not be given priority including those eligible for enrolment into the Back to School programme.

The deputy permanent secretary said for the purpose of equity, all 57 constituencies would be allocated equal number of places to be filled by the 15 000 participants who would be engaged in government and non-governmental organisations.

On other issues, Mr Siamisang told councilors that the second African Youth Games  scheduled to commence on May 22 in Gaborone will bring together 2500 young athletes competing in 21 sports codes, 1500 officials and scores of other international delegates including leaders of sport, journalists, parents and talent scouts.

He said 53 African countries will take part in the 2nd African Youth Games hosted in Gaborone.

He stated that the 2nd African Youth Games termed Gaborone 2014 are not only the biggest sport and international event that this country has hosted, but it also provides the greatest opportunity for the country to profile itself as a destination for business, tourism and education.

“These games are a national imperative that all Batswana have to ensure that they succeed,”he said. The government, he said contributed P28 million towards the event whilst the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) contributed P17 million.

Mr Siamisang said government organisations and local private companies also made contributions towards the event. He called on Batswana as a whole to play a role and also contribute in cash or kind to the sporting event.

He said currently, the ministry is undergoing a restructuring exercise which will result in officers being redeployed to the districts and sub districts to effectively manage programme implementation.

Preparation and count down to the 2016 Independence Celebrations is on track and encouraged all Batswana to play a role in the preparation.

Regarding the 2nd African Youth Games, Selebi Phikwe councilors expressed concern not much has been done to include all Batswana especially those living outside Gaborone.

They requested that more should have been done to make the event more inclusive. However, they gave their support to the games and acknowledged the fact that the prestigious event will have a positive impact on the country’s economy. ENDS