Gaborone youth rap MYSC, CEDA
Gaborone based youth have singled out the turnaround time for funding of their projects and the lack of attention to the Arts by the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture (MYSC) as the main hindrances they face. This emerged during an interactive session between the MYSC minister, Thapelo Olopeng and Gaborone based youth at the National Youth Centre in Gaborone. Senwelo Mere, a tailor who specialises in curtain making, complained that her application for funding has never been responded to.
Mere revealed that she started her small business through self-funding. She also said that has since lost four employees due to the lack of financial support. She pleaded with the minister to fast track the turnaround time for responses so that they are kept in the loop on their application progress.In response Olopeng stated that the turnaround time in processing applications is the main concern that he is tackling. He concurred that if indeed a business has shut down due to the lengthy turnaround time then the ministry would have failed the applicant.
The minister emphasized that in the case of re-financing for previously funded businesses or projects they will be partnering with Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA). However, one young upcoming entrepreneur was quick to express his hesitancy regarding CEDA. “CEDA is for people born with silver spoons in their mouths, I am really disappointed that what they preach at their open day events is not what is happening on the ground. They do not mention the issue of their outrageous demands in regards to security when they tell Batswana about their products and services,” complained Benny Masoro.
Olopeng stated that he will invite the CEDA Chief Executive Officer, Thabo Thamane to his upcoming sessions with the youth so they engage him with their concerns. A popular local DJ Tshephang Izzy Motsisi also added his displeasure at the turnaround time in regards to his application. Motsisi is an approved Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA) holder. He is also a general Arts teacher who aims to expand his craft beyond the classroom. Olopeng responded to Motsisi by explaining that Arts are a vital aspect when developing the economy and assured the youth that he is working on having them fully recognised.
The minister highlighted that they plan to establish a second television channel to support BTV, adding that the channel will be affiliated to DSTV to give local artists more international exposure. The minister reminded the youth to brace themselves for the Economic Stimulus Package. “I urge all of you to be ready for the ESP because I want the youth to be at the forefront.
We will first focus on small projects that will require local manpower. You should take advantage of this opportunity and not be left at the rear,” advised Olopeng. Olopeng concluded that the long-term strategy is to translate the local arts into recognized and respected professions to enable artists to make a living by generating income and creating employment. Moving forward, the minster intends to push for funding of ICT programs so the youth can attain and access more interactive platforms.