No more free help from burdened gov’t

Friday, October 03, 2025 | 760 Views |

Boko addressing UDC members PICS: KENNEDY RAMOKONE

With a significant proportion of the population relying on social protection, the government plans to move away from giving people free assistance as it seeks to reduce public spending pressure.

Under the National Development Plan 12 draft, which will be considered by Parliament at a special meeting from October 13 to November 7, the government is worried that Batswana’s heavy dependence on such programmes raises concerns about their long-term financial sustainability.

Reportedly, out of a national population of 2.3 million, a total of 1.6 million individuals benefit from various social protection programmes across ministries.

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