Youth unite against fare hike
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Friday April 3, 2026 12:00
For the first time, youth leagues from different political parties are united, presenting a rare show of solidarity as they push for the immediate review and rescinding of the controversial transport fare increase.
The students called on the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) government to fulfill their promises as per the manifesto they promised them P2500.00.
Meanwhile, frustration continues to grow amongst students, as the transport fare hike currently standing at a staggering 86 percent for both taxis and combis has significantly strained their already limited finances. The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) National Youth Executive Committe (NYEC), chairperson Bokamoso Modibedi said; “we are against the unthoughtful and inconsiderate increments that will burden Batswana who are already struggling. Everything that government is doing goes against their electoral promises of a better life for all. Batswana has been taken for granted.”
On the other hand, Botswana National Front Youth League (BNFYL), secretary for Information and Publicity, Leonard Rambwawasvika said; “we are aware of the global fuel crisis due to the Israeli and Iran war which caused a total disruption to the supply chain of oil commodities with the closure of Strait of Hormuz by Iran. We are fully aware that a direct consequence of this, is an increase in other essentials including transport.” However, he said the BNFYL vehemently rejected the recently announced increment.
The youth league said the decision does not make any economic sense and is certainly politically unjustifiable. He, however, called on the UDC government to rescind the adjustments with immediate effect.
“A more considerate intervention should be taken, protecting all the parties involved. Any increase that may be necessary must be balanced and measured, to protect both the interests of the consumer and the transport operators,” he said. He said it is unjustifiable that the poorest of the masses of our people must be the ones to bear the brunt of the ever evolving local and international economic challenges.
Therefore, BNFYL stands with tertiary school students who will be hard hit by these increments too. “This finds them already forced to survive with little living allowance. We believe their cry shouldn't go unheard,” the youth league said. Furthermore, he said the current allowance will only go towards transport and leave them with nothing to cover rental fees and basic needs like food.
Meanwhile, the Alliance for Progressives (AP) Youth league said although it appreciates the global economic issues at hand, they believe the timing and the extent of this hike just do not make sense.
“This increase unfairly burdens students, an ordinary Motswana, young people, and small businesses who are already subsisting in the margins. Public transport is not a luxury for us; it is essential. So, decisions in this area should reflect realities that we face every day,” AP secretary general Botho Nthokwane said.
She called upon the government to immediately: put the fare hike on hold right away and talk to stakeholders in an open review, roll out targeted transport subsidies to protect both commuters and operators, make any future changes gradual, with proper consultation and set up a subsidized or capped fare system specifically for students. She also said the troubling is the National Petroleum Fund (NPF) that was looted in a spree.
“This fund was meant to act as a buffer in times like these. So, we still await the results of the forensic audit that has to produce clear, public and verifiable evidence on how this fund was mismanaged,” she said.
However, the Botswana Congress Party Youth League (BCPYL),president June June said though he recognises that the transport sector is operating under real economic pressures, including rising fuel and operational costs influenced by global market dynamics such as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. “However, these pressures cannot justify the scale and abruptness of the current fare increase, which places a disproportionate burden on ordinary citizens,” he said.
Furthermore, he revealed that young people, students, and low-income earners are the most affected. He said for many, public transport is not optional it is essential for accessing education, employment, and basic services. “An increase of this magnitude risks deepening inequality and worsening already fragile household conditions,” he said. June called for meaningful engagement with stakeholders, including the public and commuter representatives, consideration of targeted relief measures or subsidies for those most affected such as discount cards for students and the elderly. On the other hand, Botswana Patriotic Front Youth League (BPF YL) Secretary general, Lesego Keorapetse said their solutions are that government should provide fuel subsidies or rebates to public transport operators to reduce operational costs and offer incentives for operators to maintain affordable fares and provide quality services.
However, they requested for improvement on transport which includes upgrade transport infrastructure, including bus shelters, terminals, and roads, enhance route planning, scheduling, and vehicle maintenance to improve efficiency and safety and to introduce modern, environmentally friendly vehicles to reduce emissions and operating costs. Again, they asked government to support vulnerable group support by introducing discounted fares or transport vouchers for students, pensioners, and low-income
Households, provide subsidies for essential travel, such as medical appointments or job interviews and collaboration with NGOs and community organizations to support vulnerable groups.Furthermore, they requested government to recover lost funds from the National Petroleum Fund.