31 Jan 2019

Members of the public are expected to be attentive when finance and economic development minister, Mr Kenneth Matambo, delivers a national budget on Monday.

In an interview, a labourer at the Ministry of Basic Education based in Gaborone, Mr Ditiro Motlhajwa said he was only interested in hearing what Minister Matambo had in store for public servants.

Mr Motlhajwa said public servants served with diligence, integrity and commitment, adding that they deserved a decent salary increase and improved conditions of service.

This, he said, would also help to address the deteriorating workers’ morale and low productivity.

Twenty-six year old, Ms Kebuanao Mokoke said as a self-employed youth, she expected the minister to cover the issue of high unemployment rate, given that many young people had acquired different qualifications, but remained unemployed.

“I expect the minister to give a clear indication of what other new and innovative ways government has come up with to try and address the issue of high unemployment, more especially amongst the youth,” she said.

Another interviewee, who is a street vendor, Ms Setshego Mogotsi, lamented that government’s focus seemed to be on youth and pensioners.

“We, the middle aged unemployed women and men, seem to be completely forgotten, since there are no grants reserved for us,” she said.

The 44-year-old Mogotsi, added that more provision should be made in capacitating and empowering them to run sustainable small businesses. She also noted that government departments should be encouraged to buy from local businesses and pay them on time.

Mr Pono Keetile of Setsile near Mahalapye appealed to government to consider introducing an unemployment benefit fund to assist the unemployed with a monthly allowance as well as increase the old age pension, which he said was not commensurate with the cost of living.

Letlhakane’s, Mr Otsile Mmatlakgomo wished for improved public health services and water supply, which he said remained a challenge countrywide. From Palapye, Ms Boitshepo Mokokwana and Ms Lame Baratedi said civil servants’ welfare issues should be top of the list, as they run the country’s economic affairs.

The duo also wished that government could invest more in education to enable schools to purchase enough books as well as improve technology in schools. From Serowe, Mr Mompoloki Lethapa said the minister’s speech should reflect on issues of high unemployment, poor education sector as well as the agricultural sector which despite being given millions was struggling. 

Matshelo Tshireletso of Khakhea said the budget should include upgrading of health facilities in villages such as Khakhea, adding that a senior school was also overdue for Mabutsane Sub-district.

Sekoma’s Tinah Ramotsababa said there was need for recreational facilities, such as community halls in rural areas to help promote the arts. “There is need for construction of ablution blocks by Sekoma junction to service motorists who travel along the Trans Kalahari. ENDS