BDP admits job creation failures

KABO RAMASIA

editors@thepatriot.co.bw

Pressure is mounting on the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) due to unprecedented rise in unemployment levels, with the latest figures showing that 33.5 percent of young people are roaming the streets.

According to a Quarterly Multi-Topic Survey, Quarter 4, 2022 released in February 2023, employed

population (15 years and above) recorded a slight increase between quarters four (4) 2021 and four

(4) of 2022, from 717,418 to 717,725 persons. This was accompanied by a decrease of 3.1 percent of unemployed persons, from 252,316 to 244,594 persons over the period. According to the figures, formal employment went down from 494,457 in Q4 of 2021 to 486,379 in Q4 of 2022, a decrease of 1.6 percent.

BDP Communications Committee Chairman, Kagelelo Kentse last week conceded to insurmountable challenges the party faces in the quest to create job opportunities. He was quick to point out that unemployment is a global issue and a cause for concern for every responsible citizen.