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
Public servants deserve better than union infighting

‘The strongest bond of human sympathy outside the family relation should be one uniting working people of all nations and tongues and kindreds’.- Abraham LincolnUntil then, the Council’s operations remain suspended, delaying critical decisions affecting thousands of public sector employees.The current standoff is between the Manual Workers Union on one side and the Six Cooperating Trade Unions, namely BONU, BOPEU, BTU, BDU, BOSETU and...

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