Mmegi

Moment of truth for P3bn tertiary financing

Every-changing times: The ongoing revenue challenge facing government has led to tough decisions on students’ sponsorships PIC: PHATSIMO KAPENG
Every-changing times: The ongoing revenue challenge facing government has led to tough decisions on students’ sponsorships PIC: PHATSIMO KAPENG

As Botswana pumps another P3 billion into tertiary education this financial year, it is time the country ponders the uncomfortable questions about an entrenched culture of entitlement and whether its billion-pula student financing scheme is sustainable. Mmegi Staffer, TIMOTHY LEWANIKA writes

Whilst there has been public outcry over government’s decision to review the Top Achievers sponsorship programme — potentially halting opportunities for students to study abroad — the real monkey on its back is the millions of pula in unpaid tertiary education loans.

Coupled with the ongoing brain drain, the country continues to lose thousands of sponsored learners to overseas opportunities. Many ultimately abandon the very government that funded their studies, opting for greener pastures rather than returning home to contribute skills and deliver a return on investment.

Editor's Comment
Depression is real; let's take care of our mental health

It is not uncommon in this part of the world for parents to actually punish their children when they show signs of depression associating it with issues of indiscipline, and as a result, the poor child will be lashed or given some kind of punishment. We have had many suicide cases in the country and sadly some of the cases included children and young adults. We need to start looking into issues of mental health with the seriousness it...

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