VAT Increase A Blow To Pensioners - BFTU

The Secretary General of the Botswana Federation of Trade Unions (BFTU), Gadzani Mhotsha, said the two percent increase in VAT will deal a blow to the already dwindling purchasing power of Batswana workers, the unemployed and pensioners who depend on a stipend of P260 per month.

"This will also affect the business community and pose numerous challenges to job security," Mhotsha said. "This development defeats the labour movement's primary object of improving the lives of workers as it further excludes the majority of them from the category that can afford to acquire property and at least a roof over their heads."

Speaking at a press conference at Babereki House in Gaborone last week, he said his organisation has noted that government's commitment to the Ipelegeng programme and that while it may seem to be a noble initiative, it is not being implemented in a good manner.

Editor's Comment
Routine child vaccination imperative

The recent Vaccination Day in Motokwe, orchestrated through collaborative efforts between UNICEF, USAID, BRCS, and the Ministry of Health, underscores a commendable stride towards fortifying child health services.The painful reality as reflected by the Ministry of Health's data regarding the decline in routine immunisation coverage since the onset of the pandemic, is a cause for concern.It underscores the urgent need to address the...

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