17 Feb 2026

The 2026/27 budget continues to spark mixed reactions, with opposition legislators dismissing it as uninspiring, while those on the ruling aisle view it as comprehensive and impactful. 

On Monday, Letlhakeng MP, Brigadier Domcaza Mokgwathi argued that an export-led economy required concerted efforts to foster industrialisation. 

He said infrastructure integration should be the starting point, thus called for improved aviation hubs to connect towns and cities, alongside enhancements to logistics businesses. 

“To improve our economy, there must be a deliberate effort to intensify infrastructure development,” he stated. 

Regarding fiscal policy, Mr Mokgwathi advocated for an up-to-date digitalised tax system. 

He noted that integrating all existing tax platforms would enhance collection and ensure every thebe was accounted for. 

He also advocated human capital investment as low-hanging fruit, suggesting short-term strategies to encourage graduates to pursue postgraduate degrees to enable them to compete for international jobs. 

On healthcare, he cited Sustainable Development Goal 3, noting that curbing economic hemorrhage was essential to redirecting resources toward medical systems. 

Locally, he advocated for the tarring of the Letlhakeng-Kaudwane road, which he said was a gateway to development, as well as improvements to the Hatsalatladi and Diphuduhudu roads to assist the farming community in transporting goods. 

Kgatleng East MP, Mr Mabuse Pule called for a systemic overhaul of the budget process. 

Mr Pule proposed that the Parliament Estimates Committee received the draft budget before its formal presentation to ensure better oversight. 

He argued for greater transparency to prevent legislators from being kept in a state of ‘speculation or anxiety’ regarding their constituency wish-lists. 

While he lauded the budget for aligning with the Botswana Economic Transformation Plan (BETP) and welcomed cost-savings from the suspension of Government Purchase Orders, he expressed disappointment in the Umbrella for Democratic Change, saying the party had failed to realise the ambitious pledges that originally earned the voters’ trust. 

Lentsweletau/Lephepe MP, Mr Tshenolo Bogatsu suggested that an inventory of range resources and other local initiatives should be exploited to create employment. 

He called for the opening of the Medie Mine to spur coal beneficiation and the construction of power stations as well as investment in pharmaceutical manufacturing, utilising indigenous plants like Sengaparile (Devil’s Claw). 

Mr Bogatsu also highlighted deteriorating school infrastructure, noting overcrowding at Kopong JSS and the need for the refurbishment of Matsheng Boarding School. 

He expressed hope that the Ikageng programme (the successor to Ipelegeng) would move Batswana away from a dependency syndrome and toward economic empowerment. 

Molepolole North MP, Mr Arafat Khan supported the budget, particularly the prioritisation of water projects in Molepolole. 

He demanded a clear timeline for such developments. 

However, he expressed concern over the P4 million bus rank budget. 

He suggested that UDC cadres should be deployed to implement the party manifesto, hinting at potential ‘sabotage’ of progress. 

He also highlighted inefficiency at Kweneng District Ventures, noting that despite a payroll exceeding P100 000, development at the Kweneng District Council remained stagnant. 

On unemployment, Mr Khan suggested that 30 per cent of government procurement should be reserved for SMMEs and that public works programmes should be expanded to absorb unemployed youth. 

Under vocational training, the legislator proposed turning the Kweneng Rural Development Administration into a dedicated vocational training centre. ENDS