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.

Already have an active account? Log in here.

Or Sign up and get unlimited access to premium articles.

Boko

BDP leaves Balopi out in the cold

Larona Makhaiza | 2d ago

Fiscal authorities brace for credit ratings’ decisions

Mbongeni Mguni | 2d ago

BNF mourns benign, fearless Akambakamba

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | 2d ago

Fiscal authorities brace for credit ratings’ decisions

Mbongeni Mguni | 2d ago

Rollers spend P1.2m to settle FIFA debts

Kabelo Boranabi | 2d ago

'Machine' expected to take over Zebras role

Mqondisi Dube | 2d ago

Chess team embarks on Olympiad quest

Calistus Kolantsho | 2d ago

Tebogo carries memories, Kebinatshipi chases history in Budapest

Calistus Kolantsho | 2d ago

Rising abortion figures demand urgent action

Instead, they should serve as a warning to health authorities, community leaders, and policymakers that something is not right. According to the Palapye District Development Committee’s latest report, 130 abortion cases were recorded between April and June 2026.On the face of it, the overall figure may represent a decline from the preceding quarter. However, going deeper into the figures, the monthly trend tells a different and more worrying...

The Monitor Editor | 08 September 2026

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.

No more free help from burdened gov’t

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.

Explore

More

BDP leaves Balopi out in the cold

Fiscal authorities brace for credit ratings’ decisions

BNF mourns benign, fearless Akambakamba

Fiscal authorities brace for credit ratings’ decisions

Rollers spend P1.2m to settle FIFA debts

'Machine' expected to take over Zebras role

Chess team embarks on Olympiad quest

Tebogo carries memories, Kebinatshipi chases history in Budapest

Rising abortion figures demand urgent action