Graduates from the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) recently took to the streets to protest against the high levels of unemployment and joblessness they are facing despite their qualifications. The demonstration highlighted the challenges faced by these graduates in securing stable, permanent employment in their field, particularly within parastatals under the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture.
The protesters voiced their frustration over what they described as unfair recruitment practices, specifically targeting the recruitment procedures within government agencies. Many of the graduates, some of whom hold Master’s Degrees in various fields of Agricultural Science, expressed their dissatisfaction with the Ministry’s failure to absorb them into permanent positions despite their qualifications and expertise.
A significant grievance raised during the protest was the prevalence of temporary, short-term contracts, often lasting as little as three months. Graduates argued that such contracts offered little job security and failed to provide the stability they need to contribute meaningfully to the country’s agricultural development.
Furthermore, the protestors highlighted the perceived injustice of younger graduates, who are often preferred over more experienced ones, being hired for positions over those who have been waiting for years to be absorbed into the workforce. Many of the graduates felt overlooked and demoralized, questioning why their qualifications and experience were not given the same recognition as newer entrants to the job market.
“We’ve worked hard to earn our degrees and qualifications, but we are continuously overlooked for permanent positions. It feels as though our efforts are not valued,” said one of the protest leaders. “Despite having more experience and higher qualifications, younger graduates who are fresh out of university are often given preference, leaving us with no opportunities for career advancement.”
The protest, which took place in the heart of the capital city, brought attention to the growing unemployment crisis faced by graduates in Botswana. The demonstrators called on the government to review recruitment practices, ensure fair employment opportunities for all qualified candidates, and create more permanent positions in government parastatals, particularly in the agricultural sector, which is crucial to Botswana’s economy.
The protestors’ actions reflect a growing sense of frustration among young graduates who feel that their academic achievements are not being translated into meaningful career opportunities. They hope that their demonstration will prompt a reevaluation of the employment policies in place and lead to better opportunities for future graduates.
As the protest continued, many expressed a desire for a long-term solution to the unemployment problem, urging the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture to offer more sustainable employment contracts that could allow them to build careers in their respective fields.
This protest serves as a call to action for the government and private sector to create an environment where qualified and dedicated individuals can thrive, ultimately benefiting both the graduates and the broader Botswana economy.
