- says remains silent on most key UDC campaign promises
- but support govt’s efforts to modernise the energy sector
Leader of the Opposition, Dumelang Saleshando has in his response in parliament to the 2025/26 financial year budget delivered by Vice President and Minister of Finance, Ndaba Gaolathe this week, expressed shock that the speech remained silent on most key promises, including the fundamental commitment to achieving an average annual economic growth rate of 10%.
Saleshando urged the minister and the new government to be transparent with the nation about which 224 election promises they intend to fulfill, and those they will abandon or revise. He emphasised that quietly abandoning commitments is deceptive and that the government must not provide misleading justifications for doing so.
The Botswana Congress Party (BCP) leader pointed out the budget’s failure to address the increase of the minimum wage from P1,500 to a living wage of P4,000, as well as the pledged stipends of P2,500 per month for Ipelegeng volunteers and tertiary students.
He further noted that out of the 12 promises outlined in the UDC manifesto, made with full awareness of the economic and government investment bank conditions less than half have been delivered.
The Maun North member of parliament further expressed concern over the budget, noting that the new Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) administration had pledged to create 500,000 jobs by 2029 but it had failed to bring forth clear targets, particularly in tackling unemployment. He stressed that government should have outlined specific employment targets for the current financial year.
“The minister must set the tone regarding the current unemployment levels. The focus should be on eradicating poverty, addressing high unemployment, improving education, and enhancing the healthcare system,” Saleshando told journalists post the budget presentation.
However, Saleshando commended government’s decision to provide free sanitary pads to all school-going children, noting that the BCP has long been advocating for this initiative. “We also support the government’s efforts to modernize the energy sector by shifting towards a solar-dominated industry,” he added.
In his address, Ndaba has however emphasised job creation through various initiatives spanning different industries. These include Mining Sector Expansion where Khoemacau Copper Mine plans to ramp up production, increasing its workforce from 2,000 to 4,000 employees. This he said will boost employment and strengthen the mining industry’s economic contribution.
Another industry expected to create employment according to Ndaba, is Agricultural Growth where agricultural project is expected to nearly double its workforce from 294 to 600 employees, supporting the agro-industry and food sector.
Large-scale initiatives in transport, energy, water, and ICT infrastructure he added are also expected to generate significant employment opportunities. The construction and maintenance of railways, roads, power plants, and digital infrastructure will create thousands of jobs across various skill levels.
Recognising the potential of the creative and tourism sectors, the government is also investing in initiatives to generate jobs, particularly for young people. This includes support for artists, entrepreneurs, and businesses in hospitality and cultural tourism.
