This is not reversal born of weakness- Salakae
Larona Makhaiza | Wednesday April 1, 2026 17:40
Earlier today, UB students embarked on a protest to hold the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) government over exorbitant transport fares and called for an increase in student living allowances as promised.
The Minister of Higher Education, Prince Maele has since announced that government will notch up the student living allowance by P300 increasing it to P2 200.
Shortly after that, MIT released a communiqué suspending the fares new hike that was announced yesterday.
Addressing the public at Parliament following today’s developments, Salakae said government went 360 on its decision because of the cries of Batswana.
“Following urgent consultations and careful review, I inform this House that government has suspended with immediate effect the implementation of the new transport fares announced yesterday,” Salakae said.
In the new prices, Salakae announced that prices would go back to the December 2025 proposed fares. These are; P10 for shared taxis, special hire at P36, Mini bus at P9, local distance bitumen P0.38 per kilometer, and long distance gravel sandy road at P0.41 per kilometer.
The Minister announced that the prices would remain in place until further notice.
In light of these developments, Salakae said this was not a sheer moment of weakness but a moment that shows what type of leaders they are.
“This is not reversal born of weakness. It is leadership grounded in context. Household incomes remain under pressure, cost of living is a central concern for citizens, our youth particularly students face high economic vulnerability,” he said.
The minister revealed that the ministry will continue to consult with transport operators to find a common ground.