Young achievers awarded
Dumisani Ncube | Tuesday May 23, 2017 17:00
Young people from different fields that range from academics, agriculture, arts and innovation were given awards after coming tops amongst their peers.
There was no overall winner as all the winners walked away with one award each despite some being nominated in more than one category.
However, some nominees who did not win awards were not happy and satisfied with the judging system that was used to select winners as they questioned as to how the judging criteria worked as some of the winners had low votes during the SMS voting period.
Despite it being a youth oriented awards ceremony President Ian Khama was also given a special award for his contribution as head of state towards youth development. The award was accepted by assistant minister of Youth Empowerment, Kefentse Mzwinila on behalf of the President.
“It is essential to generally inculcate a culture of appreciation as a key driver for motivation. Youth in Botswana comprise half of the population, which implies it is crucial to nurture and appreciate the good they set out to do as they are tomorrow’s nation builders,” Kagiso Morebodi, the awards project director said, as he explained why it is vital to award the youth.
All in all the awards ceremony was fairly planned looking at the fact the organising team had previously struggled with securing funds. Entertainers such as Frost, Mosako, Gaone Rantlhoiwa and Basement All-Stars performed during the awards.
The ceremony was hosted by Ame Makoba and Lekgowa Molalapata. The event was also attended by celebrities, socialites and diplomats such as Prez Beatz, Nono Siile, Bruce Nkgakile and Reacxion.
The awards were an initiative of Remmogo Organisation an NGO, which advocates, promotes youth empowerment and development. Remmogo uses communication interventions to address youth challenges by providing different platforms for young people to debate, discuss, create a dialogue and have a way forward.
Botswana Youth Awards (BYA) by Alpha Direct Insurance winners
Best Youth Innovation and Technology
Thata Phole
Best Youth Owned Business
Thobo Khathola
Best Media House Addressing Youth Issues
Duma FM
Best Youth in Community Volunteerism
Brian Tlholego
Best Youth in Academic Excellence
Moemedi Senwelo
Best Youth in Sports Achievement
Vincent Crosbie
Best Youth in Social Issues
Gaontebale Mmolao
Best Youth Tackling Global Issues
Tracy Sonny
Best Youth Supporting Youth Development
BW Jobs 4 Graduates
Best Youth Living with Disability and Pioneering Disability Issues
Kabelo Malongwa
Best Youth in Agriculture
Bonosi Selotlegeng
Best Youth Media Personality
Resego Motlhokathari
Best Youth Fashion Personality
Segolame Kudumedi
Best Youth Promoting Health and Well being
Chaikhwa Lobatse
Best Youth in Performing Arts and Entertainment
Vusumuzi Botshelo
Best Youth Promoting Culture and Heritage
Edwin Moroka