19 Jan 2025

Vice President and Minister of Finance Mr Ndaba Gaolathe has called on local authorities to focus on the needs of their communities while upholding integrity and accountability.

Addressing councillors, mayors, district commissioners and other key stakeholders, who attended the Local Authorities Budget Pitso to hold discussions aimed at shaping a budget strategy that reflects the values of inclusivity, sustainability, and progress for all in Tlokweng on Friday, Mr Gaolathe emphasised that the success of the 2025/2026 budget hinged on their collective commitment to improving lives and combating corruption.

The Vice President commended the newly elected local leaders, urging them to approach their roles with vision and dedication.

“You are the anchors of hope for the people who entrusted you with leadership,” he said, adding that their decisions would echo in the lives of many 'tomorrow'.

Highlighting the challenges on the global and local economic landscape, VP Gaolathe mentioned the importance of reimagining priorities to address critical issues such as poverty, unemployment and inequality.

He said Botswana's real GDP growth had slowed significantly, while inflation had fallen to its lowest levels in years, creating a mixed economic outlook.

The VP also challenged local authorities to diversify revenue streams in order to reduce dependence on singular sources such as government grants.

“Diversifying revenue is essential to financial sustainability and ensuring the effective delivery of services,” he stated, identifying property rates as a key area with untapped potential. As such he urged councils to conduct accurate property valuations and improve collection mechanisms.

The Vice President also stressed the importance of fiscal prudence and cost containment, urging leaders to focus on essential services, be proactive in maintaining infrastructure and eliminate wasteful spending.

“Financial discipline is not just an administrative responsibility; it is a moral obligation,” he said

Mr Gaolathe described corruption as the greatest enemy of progress, eroding public trust and diverting resources meant for development, urging local leaders to take a firm stand against misconduct and ensure transparency in managing public funds.

He also called for collective action in advancing Local Economic Development (LED), which he said was a strategy to empower communities, create jobs and foster sustainable growth.

“The success of LED lies in the collaboration of local authorities, businesses, civil society, and citizens,” he noted.

To enhance public participation, he said the Ministry of Finance had introduced platforms such as a WhatsApp line and an email address, inviting citizens to contribute ideas for the 2025/2026 budget.

This, he said, was to ensure that the budget reflected the collective wisdom and aspirations of the nation.

In his closing remarks, the Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Mr Ketlhalefile Motshegwa said making the budget process more open by involving local leaders and citizens was meant to ensure that the budget met the needs of communities.

He encouraged local leaders to work together, promote transparency and make decisions geared toward improving life for every citizen. ENDS