Freeze the Youth Fund

Abuse of public funds is usually discovered in retrospect. Uncovering the rot usually happens when an audit is carried out. Very rarely are public finance managers given an opportunity to witness the abuse actually taking place; a unique vantage point from where one can stop the rot as it happens.

A case in point is the Youth Development Fund (YDF), established seven years ago. It is as noble an initiative as any other in government’s array of measures to support its citizens. The YDF, an empowerment programme aimed at out-of-school, marginalised and unemployed youth, provides successful applicants with up to P100,000 comprising of both a grant and an interest free loan.

As with the road paved with good intentions, the YDF has morphed into a sinkhole of public revenues, with millions of pula disbursed and unaccounted for, while the projects initiated have in many cases collapsed.

Editor's Comment
Women unite for progress

It underscores the indispensable role women play in our society, particularly in building strong households and nurturing families. The recognition of women as the bedrock of our communities is not just a sentiment; it's a call to action for all women to stand together and support each other in their endeavours.The society's aim to instil essential principles and knowledge for national development is crucial. By providing a platform for...

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