The youth in Maun and other surrounding villages have been advised to guard against the many social ills as the district is notoriously known for its many entertainment spots.
The warning was made by Officer Commanding No.5 District Senior Superintendent, Chabaesele Kesupetswe, at a day to mark the official opening of a campaign on Youth empowerment on alcohol and drug related issues.
Kesupetswe said the youth here are at a higher risk of derailment as compared to their peers in other parts of the country, thus making them vulnerable to law breaking.
The event was organised by Maun police through youth focal persons, amongst them the Department of Youth and Culture as well as Women Against Rape.
Also present were community leaders and stakeholders who were called on to share experiences as well as impart knowledge on the youth on how alcohol and drugs contribute to those that abuse it.
With limited spaces in the labour market, the police boss said youth with wayward behaviour might not stand a chance of being absorbed in, regardless of their academic qualifications, which is why it is important for them to ensure they do not go above the law and lead clean lives.
Corporate Communications Manager at Kgalagadi Breweries Limited (KBL), Mokoro Ketsitlile, said at the launch that although at the forefront of brewing and marketing alcohol, they at KBL are equally concerned about the escalating numbers of youth who indulge in underage drinking particularly at urban centers, leading to anti social behaviours.
“Our wish is that law enforcers should intervene and help in the fight against this underage drinking, considering the fact that it has never had any positive outcomes. We also have a challenge on the side of alcohol traders, most of whom because of the love of money take pride in selling to these young people,” he said.
“I have always believed the situation is better in villages where people have set cultures, but this has since proven to be wrong because numbers have shown there are concerns there too.”
Ketsitlile said there is more need of a community spirit to guide people, because should this continue, it might turn out that “we are failing in our assignment, which is to raise public awareness on responsible drinking”.
Speaking at the same event was renowned Maun Prophet T.P Elias of Saving Grace Ministries who urged the youth to be responsible and mature in their minds.
He added that if they cannot attain responsibility now, tomorrow might be too late. His other advice was that the youth should make it a point that they always question God about their purpose and destiny as they are the very people with various gifts and abilities which they should search through.
┬á“Your time if filled with great opportunities, pleasures, and overwhelming decisions, some of which might be good or bad, thus confusing. As the youth, you need to be focused on what you want to do and achieve, and see yourselves as leaders of tomorrow,” he said.
“Do not misuse your lives as you also need to be a generation of long term thinkers and planners. You also need to patient in pursuing long term dreams and goals and avoid pursuing destinies that are not meant for you,” he added.
