Economy on ‘E’: Still Coasting Somehow

Thulaganyo Jankey | Wednesday July 30, 2025 06:00

The country is clinging to life by a single, frayed thread. During this time there will be a lot of speeches on TV and radio by ministers trying to assure people that though the tide is against the country they are busy rowing. Given the cost of ammunition (and the empty coffers) we might well get to a situation where law enforcement officers do not fire warning shots. That could lead to dangerous situation and a reduction in population.

Do not be surprised when the ‘Welcome To Botswana. Our Pride, Your Destination’ signs are replaced by ‘Welcome to Brokesburg! A proud nation with zero liquidity and infinite resilience.’

The Ministry of Finance, once a glittering tower of spreadsheets will soon be repurposed into a thrift store with a sign that says ‘Closed for Renovation (of our expectations)’. Inside, the Honourable Minister sorts paperclips by mood.

The national currency is backed by hope and leftover stationery. Very soon the country will hire consultants to explain how to save money by, well, spending money on consultants!

And usually when consultants are done they will leave the workforce grappling with phrases like ‘resources optimisation’, ‘budgetary streamlining protocol’, ‘workplace frugality enhancement mode’ which primarily mean making everyone else's job slightly more annoying.

Frugality is going to be stitched into civil servants heads like a plastic weave procured at the BBS flea market. So when you go into a government office don’t be surprised when there is no paper and you are asked to bring your palm so they write you an invoice. If it was a business we would lock the doors with chains and put up a sign that says something like • ‘Closed Due to Lack of Enthusiasm (From You, Not Us)’ or • ‘We came. We stocked. You ignored.’ or • ‘Come back and stare through the window like you used to.’

Countries though do not have such luxuries. No, unlike a struggling corner shop, a country doesn't get the dignity of a quiet closure.

There's no putting up a ‘Closed’ sign and hoping for the best. Instead, we're forced to keep the lights on, even if we're powering them with sheer willpower and recycled sighs. Because even when the money's gone, the people, the problems, and the slightly-too-large national flag still stubbornly remain.

And somewhere, a brave civil servant is probably still trying to reconcile the last ledger, just in case a miracle (or a very confused foreign investor) shows up. (For comments, feedback and insults email inkspills1969@gmail.com) Thulaganyo Jankey is a Rapporteur and training consultant who runs his own training consultancy that provides training in BQA- accredited courses. His other services include registering consultancies with BQA and developing training courses. Contact him on 74447920 or email admin@ultimaxtraining.com.bw