This is an optimistic budget � Botlhale

“On optimism, his glass is half full, not half empty. That is, he is saying that despite tough economic times, we must soldier on. On the cautious side, he unremittingly continues the ethic of fiscal prudence by proposing a modest budget surplus of P1.23 billion.

“He exhorts us to cut our coat according to our small cloth (government revenues) and also to self-deny and sacrifice. The challenge therefore, is for Batswana to step up to the plate and help the government deliver the national budget.