Positive Reaction To Khama's Address
By Baboki Kayawe
Staff Writer
| Monday November 16, 2009 00:00
Lesego Gaotlhobogwe, a tertiary education student said he is happy that Khama announced measures to be taken against crime. He hailed the private neighbourhood watch programme to be introduced next year, which the President said could create employment for the youth. 'I would also like to commend the issue of investigations of instances in which security agents are reported to be harassing the public,' he said. Another Gaborone resident, Backie Lekunutu Rantshwaneng said that while the address had the interests of the people at heart ,through its emphasis on service delivery, the biggest challenge will still remain implementation. 'It is good that the address touched on the importance of standards of service delivery, both in the public and private sectors, so that we can compete globally; but the challenge of implementation lies ahead,' he said.
Rantshwaneng added that it is a pity that while the President is so keen about delivery, a majority of those charged with implementation are reluctant to serve the nation. He said more has to be done to ensure that government programmes are effective. He called for a review of the newly introduced fines for traffic offences. Elizabeth Selepa, a cosmetics businesswoman said she was impressed by the amount of revenue that has been generated by the alcohol levy, which was introduced last year. 'I am very much impressed that the President's initiative can yield such fruits within a space of a year, and I think this has to be a lesson to those who opposed Khama on the 30 percent alcohol taxation.' Selepa said it is a good thing that the money will be channeled towards youth development programmes to show the outcome of what they heavily opposed. She stated that the National Development Plan (NDP) 10 focusses on achieving high levels of productivity in the workforce through the deployment of vocational and entrepreneurial opportunities, can produce skilled and experienced manpower.
'I believe emphasis in vocational education is a good thing because currently the curricula is theory based and graduates leave the classroom with little practical knowledge,' she said. Mosimanegape Oitsile hailed the government for its continued support of the youth. He said the recent creation of the Department of Youth is a clear indication that the country has a long-term vision for young people. He urged the youth not be held back by the risks in business. 'Young people should not be afraid of challenges. Let us seize this opportunity presented to us to better our lives and that of the nation,' he said. He advised the youth that to succeed, they should have a vision and know that to make it in life, they must overcome challenges.