Delivering the 2025-26 budget speech yesterday, Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe announced an increase in the old age pension, commonly known as Tandabala, from P830 to P1,400 per month, effective April 1, 2025. The adjustment aims to help senior citizens maintain a dignified standard of living amidst rising costs. The old-age pension is a monthly cash payment for citizens aged 65 and above. For the youngest members of society, the government has introduced a P300 monthly allowance for newborns until their first birthday.
This initiative seeks to ease the financial burden on parents and ensure infants receive proper nutrition and care during their crucial early months. Additionally, in a move to promote education and dignity amongst young girls, the government has proposed the provision of free sanitary pads to female students. This intervention is expected to improve school attendance by removing a significant barrier to education. However, the budget didn't include an anticipated increase in tertiary student allowances. Many students had hoped for financial relief amidst rising living costs, and its omission has sparked debate on social media platforms on whether the government should do more to support them. These measures align with promises made by the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) in their 2024 General Election campaigns.
The coalition had pledged to enhance social welfare, including setting the minimum wage at P4,000, increasing pensions to P1,800, and introducing a P300 sustenance allowance for nursing mothers and newborns. “Despite fiscal constraints, these measures have been fully accommodated through budget reprioritisation and cuts within existing allocations, ensuring financial responsibility,” Gaolathe said. The government has assured Batswana that as the economy strengthens, further social allowances will be reviewed and adjusted to maximise their impact.
