Khama's TS revival met with contempt

In the State of the Nation Address, Khama officially announced the revival of the national service initiative. The President first made mention of the intention at a Kgotla meeting in Kang two weeks ago. On Monday Khama said the voluntary programme, will cater for out of school youth between the ages of 20 and 30, would stimulate the spirit of community service, discipline and self-help among young people.

Participants on the programme will assist in the delivery of public services for community and youth development, including in areas such as agricultural extension, health education, poverty eradication, remote area development, cooperative marketing and infrastructure maintenance, he said. The programme is expected to enrol 15 000 participants next year, who will receive a monthly allowance with an additional monthly sum being paid into an interest bearing account. Participants will be able to serve up to the age of 30, with the option to exit the programme at anytime.