The Chairman of Mogoditshane/Thamaga sub district, Councilor Duncan Ramasiagopana has revealed that 133 youth applied for the Youth Development Fund (YDF) during the last financial year. Of these, 118 have been assessed while a total of 59 applications were approved.
When delivering the opening speech at the beginning of the sub district’s full council meeting on Monday, Ramasiagopana said a total of 59 projects have been funded with an expenditure of P5,528,304.72 out of a total budget of P6,000,000.00.
“Let me share with this house that appraisal and receipt of applications are in progress. As you may recall, the Ministry of Youth relied on professional experts from other departments to assist in appraisal, which has led to delays in adjudicating of proposals as these experts have mandates with their respective ministries and departments. The ministry has since invited members of the public to express interest in adjudication of the youth projects,” he said.
He added that the only challenge that continues to be unresolved is the scarcity of appropriate places of operation, high rentals and competition for such places. He therefore asked the councilors to assist children where possible. On employment creation he said the Ministry of Youth Sport and Culture has embarked in a land registration exercise whereby a group of youth will be identified to operate as cooperatives in selected areas.
“To date a piece of land has been identified in Kubung and the ministry in collaboration with Ministry of Agriculture will kick-start a horticultural project. This will include clearing of the land and training of the participants during this financial year,” said Masiagopana. He said the ministry has also introduced the Graduate Volunteer Scheme for degree holders. Though applications are available at the MYSC offices in the districts, his sub-district has not yet received any applications.
