Key oversights, insufficiently addressed issues in Budget Speech
Friday, February 21, 2025 | 450 Views |
Setting policy: Gaolathe PIC KENNEDY RAMOKONE
The speech highlights several positive developments, including the successful renegotiation of the diamond agreement with De Beers, which is expected to bolster Botswana’s position in the global diamond market.
Additionally, the government’s commitment to diversifying the economy through investments in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and renewable energy is commendable. The proposed increase in old age pensions and the introduction of a targeted monthly allowance for newborns are also steps in the right direction, reflecting a focus on social welfare and inclusivity.
It highlights the need to protect rights such as access to clean water, education, healthcare and freedom of expression.President Duma Boko, rightly honours past interventions from securing a dignified burial for Gaoberekwe Pitseng in the CKGR to promoting linguistic inclusion. Yet, they also expose a critical truth, that a nation cannot sustainably protect its people through ad hoc acts of compassion alone.It is time for both government and the...