02 Jul 2024

It is important for government to establish empowerment schemes aimed at addressing the unemployment rate among youth in Botswana, says Botswana Congress Party (BCP) President Mr Dumelang Saleshando.

Addressing a political rally to launch Gamalete constituency parliamentary candidate, Mr Boniface Mabeo and his team of councilors on Saturday, Mr Saleshando said his party was ready to govern and address various challenges facing the youth.

Mr Saleshando outlined his party’s key policy proposals including the introduction of a P600 unemployment benefit allowance and the increment of the old age pension.

He urged government to establish schemes and programmes that would sustain youth and curb meaningless and unproductive activities they engaged in when idle.

When introducing Mr Mabeo and his team of councilors, Mr Saleshando asked the constituents to entrust their vote on Mabeo whom he described as a selfless and youthful politician who had their best interests at heart.

Addressing the crowd, Mr Mabeo said he was bringing a committed team to represent Gamalete and deliver on their mandate.

He underscored his party’s commitment to take over the reins from the ruling BDP and create a better Botswana.

Mr Mabeo said if given a chance to represent Gamalete, he would amplify the constituents’ concern of water supply challenge which had been bedeviling the area for a long time.

He said the region was sitting on top of an aquifer and there was need to develop systems to make use of the plenty of underground water in the area.

He said development in Gamalete lagged behind despite the fact that the region is peri-urban considering its proximity to the capital city Gaborone.

Mr Mabeo said once given the mandate to represent the constituency in Parliament he would make a proposal to turn Gamalete into a piggery hub due to the region being known for its successful pig farming businesses.

MP for Ngami, Mr Carter Hikuama said the ruling party failed to deliver on its 2019 election promises and urged voters to cast their vote in favour of the BCP.

He said the education system was in disarray and corruption was growing at an alarming rate under BDP’s watch.

He said battles between government and teachers due to the welfare matters of the latter were affecting the teaching and learning processes.

BCP Secretary General, Mr Goretetse Kekgonegile urged the constituents to consider giving the BCP a chance to deliver on its promises.

He said it was time for change and put an end to corruption, poverty and unemployment. Chairperson of the BCP South East Region Mr Buru Madisa said out of the 31 constituencies the party was chasing, they were hopeful of victory in Gamalete.

He said the intention was to win back the parliamentary seat which was initially won by Mr Samuel Rantuana and later lost to the BDP. ENDS