02 Mar 2025

The recent floods that devastated parts of the country showed the need for a different approach to developing physical infrastructure, Vice President and Minister of Finance Mr Ndaba Gaolathe has told the National Assembly.

Concluding the Budget Speech debate in Parliament last week, Mr Gaolathe said lack of solid, long-lasting infrastructure was laid bare by how important it was to plan and execute improved infrastructure. He said better urban planning, disaster preparedness, and climate change resilience should be at the core of the national development planning agenda.

In response to key concerns from fellow parliamentarians regarding the budget, Mr Gaolathe said the government was committed to fulfilling its manifesto promises, but had to be mindful of prevailing economic circumstances. He said the old age pension scheme increment and introduction of the child grant were the first steps towards fulfilling the government’s social contract pledges to the electorate.

Mr Gaolathe said that the proposed national fund would not be about rebranding or repackaging existing funding structures but about a fundamental change of mobilising and distribution of business funding to drive entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic transformation.

He said current funding mechanisms had served their purpose and may no longer be fit for purpose, stating that there was a need to, among others, account for the unique characteristics of different business sectors. Mr Gaolathe added that it was time Batswana cultivated a business culture of collaboration instead of always endeavouring to conduct business separately.

Expressing gratitude for the alternative viewpoints ventilated by members of Parliament, Mr Gaolathe said while the government was unapologetically ambitious, they do not claim to possess the monopoly of wisdom.

“We have listened. We have heard and taken note. This new government stands unapologetically aspirational for to dream is the foundation of progress. Yet, we do not seek to govern with arrogance; instead with the humility to listen, to learn, the receptivity to be guided and resolved to act,” Mr Gaolathe said.

He commended MPs for their “depth of insight into the realities faced by their constituents,” and in reflecting the lived experience of Batswana across the country.

“In the noble pursuit of nation building, wisdom knows no allegiance. We look forward to working with all fair minded MPs, guided by their knowledge, informed by their counsel, to identify and implement high impact projects that will drive inclusive growth and tangible change,” Mr Gaolathe said.

He singled out Kgatleng West legislator Dr Unity Dow as an example of an MP who reached out to him directly with advice based on ‘genuine patriotism’ in yearning for a Botswana that thrives beyond the present moment.

“Among the many pearls of wisdom that she has shared, I was particularly struck by her observation that there exists across this nation infrastructure built by enterprising Batswana, facilities that remain underutilised, yet hold the potential to serve the public good if meaningfully engaged through government partnerships. This warrants thoughtful exploration,” Mr Gaolathe said.

Mr Gaolathe voiced his support for Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Ms Helen Manyeneng’s call for targeted informal sector empowerment for women and other marginalised groups in the economy.

“Enhancing financial inclusion for these entrepreneurs strengthens their economic participation and contributes to broader socio-economic stability,” Mr Gaolathe remarked.

He said government would seek to invest in the growth of small and medium enterprises as well as coooperatives, and propose with initiatives that reward innovation and ambition. ENDS