Young people need jobs, not empty promises

Mmegi Editor | Friday November 9, 2018 11:07

During his maiden State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, Masisi said in pursuit of these development objectives, they continue to be guided by the pillars of National Vision 2036 which provide for broad based, inclusive, comprehensive and complementary National Development Plans.

He said in order to achieve the overarching objectives government is in the process of developing a National Transformation Strategy whose key objective will be to unlock the tremendous potential of our human and financial resources. It will also broaden and deepen the beneficial participation of citizens in all sectors of the economy.

He said underpinning the Strategy “will be the national value system that will promote the spirit of entrepreneurship and commitment to development.

In addition, our public institutions will be revitalised and they in turn, will renew their commitment to serve effectively with purpose and agility. In this regard, a National Monitoring and Evaluation Framework is also in place to ensure that we achieve the targets that we have and will continue to set for ourselves”.

We hope that Masisi will walk his talk. The nation is tired of empty promises by various presidents before Masisi. We all know that Botswana lacks the culture of implementation. Forget about many policies and strategies that Masisi spoke about, which Batswana endeavor to benefit from but implementation.

A member of the Public Accounts Committee and chairperson of Parliamentary Committee on Statutory Bodies and State Enterprises Guma Moyo was yesterday on one radio station talking about quality of leaders. Moyo stated that there are a number of principals who are clueless in their positions and deter progress. We call on Masisi to carefully look at removing these deadwoods that make implementation impossible and appoint the right people who will take Botswana forward. Young Batswana need jobs Mr President. We need to see them get employed with the new Employment Policy.

In the meantime, we wish to applaud the President for engaging external consultants to review salaries for civil servants. We also hope the unions will not be left out as Masisi has promised.

 

Today’s thought 

“Sustainable development is the pathway to the future we want for all. It offers a framework to generate economic growth, achieve social justice, exercise environmental stewardship and strengthen governance.” 

- Ban Ki-moon