02 Dec 2024

Government should not rest until it ensures that unemployment, especially among the youth, is tackled, Good Hope/Mmathethe legislator, who is also the Assistant Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Dr Edwin Dikoloti has said.

Debating State-of-the-Nation Address recently, Dr Dikoloti, who is the sole independent legislator in the 13^th Parliament, second in the history of the country and first one to hold an executive post, indicated that youth unemployment was frustrating more so that they worked hard to earn their qualifications.

“Just when they expect to get rewards for their hard work do they fail to secure employment. This might be one reason the youth resort to miscreancy,” he said. 

Dr Dikoloti said efforts at job creation should be prioritised, and should be a joint effort by all concerned stakeholders.

Concerning his constituency, Dr Dikoloti appreciated planned infrastructure meant to support economic reforms.

He cited the planned Mmathethe-Metlobo-Bray road, indicating that it was a good thought as it connected farms and would therefore, enable farmers to easily transport their produce to the markets.

 He pleaded for similar consideration of other equally vital road networks in the constituency.

Dr Dikoloti also raised a concern about the Construction Industry Trust Fund (CITF) school in Phitshane-Molopo, which he said was completed seven years ago, but was yet to be opened for use.

“It is a pity to see such a government building turning into a white elephant while it could help boost vocational skills in the area,” he said, noting that opening the school, coupled with the existing vocational training centre in Pitsane would boost vocational skills in the area.

Dr Dikoloti also pleaded with government to tackle cattle rustling in the constituency, which he said was rife as the area was next to the South African border.

On other issues, Dr Dikoloti appreciated the electorate in his constituency for showing trust in him despite pre-elections turmoil. Ends