Africa-Press – Botswana. The 2024/2025 national budget is expected to respond to the diverse needs of Batswana and to serve their interests.
It was on such a backdrop that the Minister of Finance, Ms Peggy Serame encouraged Batswana from all walks, including people with disabilities, students, street vendors, youth and the elderly, to participate and contribute to the preparation and formulation of the national budget.
Minister Serame made the call when launching the budget campaign in Mochudi recently, an exercise which will see a number of consultation meetings (dipitso) held around the country.
She said spreading the venues across the country underscored the ministry’s commitment to reaching places which were not in the proximity of Gaborone to ensure that diverse voices were heard and fresh perspectives infused into budget decisions and spending plans. She explained that the budget campaign was the beginning of the journey of inclusivity, governance and stakeholder participation in the budgeting process.
Also, the minister said the budget tagline of #mybudget, yourbudget, ourbudget, would enable Batswana to participate and influence their nation’s fiscal roadmap as well as to shape relevant policies and programmes that would deliver the goals of the Vision 2036.
“Through this segment, we seek to empower Batswana to not only voice their opinions on the 2024/2025 budget but to actively contribute to the shaping of our future,” she said.
She added that the ministry had, in addition to existing social media platforms, introduced two vital channels for engagement; a WhatsApp number +267 74960078 and email addresses: [email protected] or [email protected], for members of the public to share their comments and contribution to the 2024/2025 national budget.
“Through the WhatsApp and short messaging number availed, all comments will reach the ministry irrespective of who originates them, be it ethnicity, colour, gender, educational or creed or economic status,” she said.
Further, she said through the platform, every Motswana would be given the opportunity to share their views, which would be considered and where feasible, be incorporated into the budget plans.
“The launch of these platforms represents a transformative step towards participatory decision making,” she said.
She therefore urged Batswana to embrace the campaign, saying their suggestions would form a firm foundation for the upcoming budget speech and by extension, help spur the development agenda.
Meanwhile, Kgatleng District Council chairperson, Mr Daniel Molokwe commended the ministry for the initiative, saying that showed commitment to an inclusive and transparent government.
Mr Molokwe implored the ministry to put in place some legal instruments or guidelines that wouldempower councils and other public enterprises to augment their revenues streams through collaborations with Public Private Partnerships rather than to rely on the revenue support grant.
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