Panellists brand budget a sham

FRANCISTOWN: What was to be an evening of formal discussion about the 2012/2013 national budget as presented by the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Kenneth Mathambo last week turned into an explosive forum where various speakers accused the government of insensitivity.

Organised by the Botswana Council of Non-Governmental Organisations (BOCONGO) with support from Friedrich Ebert Foundation, the discussion - which was held at Thapama Hotel here last Thursday - had discussants from the youth organisations, labour unions and faith organisations. The notably absence of political parties made little difference as the speakers, among them former Councillor for Somerset East, Phillip Butale, who came as a priest, took turns to excoriate the government.