Inflation is eating into students' allowances

This is the dilemma that most Batswana students studying abroad, especially those in South Africa find themselves in. With the spectre of power outages, spiralling fuel prices and the high cost of living, the excitement of studying abroad seems to be fizzling out each passing day. With rent going from R3,800 for two bed- roomed houses to R4,500 for three bed-roomed apartment, the R3,020 allowance that includes the housing allowance is far from enough.

Frustration seems to be taking its toll, especially after government announced a 15 per cent hike of civil service salaries without any mention of student allowances abroad. It was after 7pm when I received a text message from a friend who has the privilege of watching Botswana Television news in his house saying that civil servants salaries have been increased by 15%. I was so excited because I hoped that the allowances were included but to my disappointment it was just my wish.