19 Feb 2026

Government has, despite ongoing economic challenges, successfully steered the national economy, as evidenced by a suite of newly initiated social and developmental programmes. 

This was said by Minister for State President, Defence and Security, Mr Moeti Mohwasa, during his contribution to the 2026/27 budget debate on Wednesday. 

Minister Mohwasa highlighted several historic milestones, including the increase of the Old Age Pension to P1 400 and the substantial hike in brigade student allowances, which rose from P300 to P1 900. 

He also noted that government had successfully reduced water and electricity tariffs by 30 per cent to ease the cost of living. 

On the support for the creative industry, the minister said P200 million had been earmarked for the sector. 

Additionally, he said, infants under one-year-old would receive a monthly allowance of P300 starting this April. Addressing long-standing labour issues, Mr Mohwasa said government had assisted former BCL employees to purchase mining houses while all outstanding payments owed to former staff would be settled soon. 

He added that a joint committee involving former employees and the liquidator had been established to oversee the process. 

The minister further noted that the Labour Relations Act had been amended to prioritise employees during company liquidations. 

Other labour wins, he said, included the introduction of paternity leave and the resuscitation of the Public Service Bargaining Council (PSBC), which had been dormant for years. 

Under the public service, Minister Mohwasa announced that all Special Constables would soon be absorbed into the Police Force. 

Similarly, he said all temporary cleaners and security guards were set to be offered permanent and pensionable positions. 

He further indicated that the traditional Ipelegeng programme was replaced by Ikageng Public Works, under which allowances had been increased to P2 500, while focusing on upskilling participants to ensure future self-sufficiency. 

On the legal front, the minister confirmed that Parliament had approved the establishment of Constitutional Courts, a move intended to anchor government’s commitment to human rights. 

Regarding the media, Mr Mohwasa stated that while government supported a self-regulatory industry, journalists must remain committed to professional ethics. 

He also noted that news broadcasts had been expanded to include various local languages to promote inclusivity. 

Furthermore, he said the Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) had turned its fortunes around, significantly reducing the payment turnaround time for farmers to just seven days. 

The minister explained that his ministry received the lion’s share of the budget primarily because P5 billion had been allocated to pay former soldiers who had been owed for several years. 

Meanwhile, the budget debate followed the initial speech presented by Vice President and Minister of Finance, Mr Ndaba Gaolathe, on February 9. ENDS