Mmegi

Rolling deficits push budget into tricky waters

Friday, February 28, 2025 | 380 Views |

Mountains to climb, rivers to cross: Gaolathe is steering the economy through choppy waters PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE

The deficits for the current financial year and the next are both far beyond the limits government set for itself. The Finance Ministry is banking on greater spending efficiencies backed by renewed political will to steer a path to stability, but fears abound. MBONGENI MGUNI writes

The golden rule of debt is that you should only borrow what you can afford to pay. One of the country’s financial regulators requires lending institutions to warn clients that “borrowing more than you can afford to repay could lead to severe financial difficulties”.

Vice President and Finance Minister, Ndaba Gaolathe’s inaugural budget speech indicated a forecast deficit this financial year of P24.7 billion and another projected shortfall of P22.1 billion for the 2025-26 financial year.

Already have an active account? Log in here.

Or Sign up and get unlimited access to premium articles.

ECONOMY

Search continues for Maun boy feared to have been taken by a crocodile

Larona Makhaiza | 13 h ago

Inimba Gets the Nod for Season 2 on Mzansi Magic

correspondent | 16 h ago

Peace conference addresses growing list of social ills

Laone Choeunyane | 20 h ago

GAYO Botswana and BA ISAGO University Forge Major Partnership to Advance Climate Education and Youth Leadership

correspondent | 20 h ago

Pastor accused of defiling Teen during counselling session

Larona Makhaiza | 20 h ago

FIFA World Cup draw – The countdown begins!

correspondent | 23 h ago

DIS Director's daughter rape case stalls

Larona Makhaiza,Opelo Rakereng | 23 h ago

Main Mall’s resilience, sturdiness in the face of stiff competition

Ryder Gabathuse | 28 Nov 2025

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...

The Monitor Editor | 02 December 2025

About us

Mmegi is the leading independent source of breaking news, latest news, current
affairs, Politics, Business, Sport, debates, analysis, and entertainment news in Botswana.

Explore

More