100 Days Later: Is the UDC Already Failing the People?

At the tip of the everyday Motswana’s tongue was the removal of the BDP. What once seemed like a dream that could never be achieved eventually came to life. The idea that a challenging governance would follow, however, not so much. The brainchild of Duma Boko, championed by Gomolemo Motswaledi, a coalition, a pact that once brought hope. But how do we even bask in that victory now, with such minimal signs of life? Today, we tackle the issue of potential versus indefinite failure. We’ll look at the promises made by the UDC, the actions taken so far, how they correlate with those promises, and lastly, how the UDC compares to the previous government.

The Promise: Was It Just a Strategy to Get Votes?

While the country was still under the ruling of the BDP, the opposition-led UDC made sweeping promises, many aimed at the failures of the ruling party and the cries of the people. Among these promises was the increase of the minimum wage from P1080 to P4000, in response to the nation’s concerns that the current rate does not even allow people to live above the poverty line.

Other monetary promises followed: increasing student allowances from P1900 to P2500, turning the Chema Chema loan into a grant, reducing electricity prices, and addressing the sky-high youth unemployment rate.

While these promises sounded good and won the votes of a desperate nation, we now see little to no progress in their delivery. In fact, all the average Motswana hears today is why these promises are “not achievable”, even though they were made with full awareness of the country’s economic situation.

Actions Taken So Far: Do They Reflect the UDC Manifesto?

As of today, it’s debatable whether there’s any meaningful action that shows signs of life from the UDC-led government. However, a few initiatives have been introduced:

• Pension for retirees increased from P530 to P1100 (effective end of April, the start of Botswana’s financial year)
• Finalization of the De Beers mining deal, securing a 30% stake in proceeds
• Commencement of a forensic audit into government spending under the previous regime
• Opening of new ministries and visible engagement of youth and women in leadership
• Reopening of closed mines and power stations

So, how do these align with the UDC’s campaign promises? Firstly, they have indeed delivered on some promises. Their first hundred days reflect progress on commitments to pensioners, the mining sector, and reindustrialization through mine reopenings.

However, the elephant in the room remains: what affects the masses. The standard of living is still subpar due to the stagnant minimum wage. Unemployment, especially among youth, hasn’t improved significantly. The 100,000 promised jobs now seem more like a fantasy. Even more disappointing was the outright dismissal of the student allowance increment during the budget speech, alienating the youth, who make up the majority of voters.

This raises a fundamental question: Were we lied to during the campaign?

Comparing the UDC to the Previous Government: Economic Fairness

While it is important to exercise our political right to scrutinize the government of the day, we must also acknowledge the economic mess they inherited. Situations in parastatals like CEDA and the Carter Morupisi saga revealed the lack of transparency and integrity in the previous administration.

Presidential debates exposed alarming government expenditure waste. The BDP could not account for large sums meant for public services and administration. As a result, the new government was forced to borrow from national banks such as the Botswana Savings Bank (BSB).

Further validating this was the need to conduct a forensic audit, seeking to hold former officials accountable for mismanagement of ministerial funds. This can be seen as an honest effort to keep a sinking ship afloat.

However, this “inherited mess” cannot be used as an excuse forever. The expectation from the public is simple: proper solutions that demonstrate the caliber of leadership promised to us.

What Does the State Expect from Its New Government?

Transparency, at the forefront of it all.

Too many pressing issues have been side-stepped during speeches and seminars meant to illuminate the economic state of the country. The moment the government shuts the public out is the same moment it loses the people’s confidence.

While giving the new government time and space to govern is reasonable, an informed nation is a confident nation. Whether we are witnessing a failing government or the painful beginnings of real change lies squarely on the shoulders of those who stood before us and said: “I can, and I will.”

About The Author 

Prince Saulosi is a double major student, currently pursuing his LL.B. (Bachelor of Laws) degree at the University of Botswana, alongside a focus in Criminal Justice. With a strong academic background, he also boasts impressive debate experience as a member of Team Botswana at the 2019 Orate Africa Championships. Additionally, Prince has represented Botswana as a public speaker at the same competition. A passionate Pan Africanist, he is an activist for the reform of African structures and a staunch advocate for women’s and children’s rights. His dedication to these causes serves as the foundation of his movement towards global recognition.