Batswana are an unhappy nation - Saleshando
Pini Bothoko | Friday November 14, 2025 11:25
Responding to President Duma Boko’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) this week, Saleshando said the prevailing mood among Batswana is one of deep frustration and disappointment, adding that the government has lost touch with the realities people face.
“If I were to give an overview of the true state of our nation in one word, I would say frustrated and stop there. To be a Motswana right now is to be a very frustrated human being,” he said.
He cited the World Happiness Report 2025, which ranked Botswana 142 out of 147 countries, as a reflection of the reality of this public dissatisfaction.
“Even countries that are exposed to armed conflict fare better than us. Libya, for instance, ranks 79th,” he said.
Saleshando said frustration cuts across all age groups and sectors. “You are a 26-year-old with a Degree still at home depending on your parents. You work 12 hours a day, six days a week, yet earn just enough to pay bills and repeat the cycle,” he said.
He added that many wish to retire peacefully, but are forced to continue working to support unemployed children and grandchildren who risk turning to drugs for escape out of their own despair.
Business owners, he said, are equally frustrated. “You have had to shut down your business or retrench loyal workers, and you don’t know if you’ll make payroll next month,” he said.
Farmers are left helpless, he added, because government has failed to implement clear support programmes, leaving their ploughing fields idle even when rains come.
“You have submitted proposals to ministries and, despite follow-ups, no one responds, not even to say your request was unsuccessful. I could go on, but you get the picture,” he said.
Despite this bleak assessment, Saleshando said his pre-SONA consultations with different sectors such as trade unions, NGOs, business owners, creatives and civil-society leaders revealed that hope still exists.
“Though they were frustrated, they also gave me hope. Hope in the form of ideas and solutions that can be implemented to drive transformation, sustained development and improved livelihoods,” he said.
He said across all groups, the collective sentiment was clear: “Hope remains alive, but patience is running out.”
On other issues, Saleshando accused the government of neglecting the healthcare system, saying it remains plagued by shortages of staff, commodities and equipment.
“Our facilities are short-staffed and overburdened. People are subjected to long queues and long waiting periods to see specialists, and there is no culture of accountability,” he said.
He said high unemployment and stagnant wages continue to cripple citizens, as many job seekers roam the streets year after year.
“Young people are doing internships and volunteering but still have to go back home after that period because no other opportunity opens up. Many citizens now live from hand to mouth. Those who work earn just enough to survive, not to thrive. The economic disempowerment of one partner can easily lead to financial, emotional and even physical abuse,” he said, adding that economic hardship has also contributed to rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV).
Saleshando accused the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) government of failing to honour its 2024 campaign pledges, including 100,000 jobs, a P4,000 living wage, a constitutional review, increased pensions and higher student allowances.
“The President came into office on the wings of great expectations. Today, they get upset when we remind them of those promises and say ‘go busa ga se mme mpha bogobe’.” he said.
He dismissed claims that government has implemented the P4,000 minimum wage as misleading.
“A minimum wage that includes allowances which can be withdrawn at any time does not address the plight of workers,” he said.
On land issues, Saleshando said the government has failed to act despite repeated promises.
“Batswana have been patient, but a year later, there is still no plan. The landboard system is riddled with corruption, nepotism and maladministration,” he said.
Saleshando proposed that government conduct a land audit, professionalise land management, establish a Land Management Authority, and review ministerial powers to improve oversight.
On youth unemployment, he called for an audit of the National Internship and Apprenticeship Programme to address claims of exploitation and ensure graduates are absorbed into the job market.
Saleshando said the UDC must stop blaming the previous administration for the country’s economic woes.
“When you choose to lead, you inherit both the good and the bad. The excuse that you did not inherit a perfect government is tired and must be retired,” he said.
He said Batswana voted for change because they were tired of the status quo and expected bold leadership.
“A year later, you have wasted time pitying yourselves instead of engaging Batswana and tackling low-hanging fruits to boost the economy,” he said.
In a parting shot, Saleshando urged President Boko to direct his energy toward national issues instead of attacking his critics. “I will not tell you to drink water. However, I kindly plead with you that instead of attacking the media, attack unemployment. Instead of attacking activists, attack inequalities. Instead of attacking lawyers, attack the failing economy,” he said.