Dow tears Gaolathe’s budget speech apart
Member of Parliament for Kgatleng West, Dr Unity Dow, has strongly criticised the Budget speech presented by Vice President and Minister of Finance Ndaba Gaolathe.
She described it as lacking in key areas and failing to outline how the government plans to fund the deficit.
Speaking candidly, Dow questioned the fundamental principles underpinning the budget, noting that it reflects a significant deficit with little explanation in the speech on how it will be financed.
She expressed hope that Minister Gaolathe would provide further clarity when responding to the debate.
Regarding the Development Budget, Dow pointed out that it primarily finances BDP plans, as the current government has not yet had the opportunity to formulate its own. She emphasised that the new administration should not be faulted for this due to time constraints.
On the Recurrent Budget, she noted that apart from new initiatives such as the increase in specially nominated councillors and the rise in old age pension from P800 to P1,400, BDP policies remain largely unchanged.
She highlighted the uncertainty surrounding how the UDC’s recurrent budget would differ from that of the previous administration and expressed anticipation for further details to emerge during the committee of supply discussions.
She pointed out a lack of consistency in the promises made, emphasising the need for the UDC/BPF government to carefully review their commitments, consolidate them, and present a clear, final package.
She noted that these promises have been communicated through various channels, including: Statements made at political rallies before the elections; Declarations during political debates leading up to the elections; The UDC manifesto; The BPF manifesto; The State of the Nation Address (SONA); Statements by ministers at different events; The Budget Speech, and Debates by UDC MPs in response to the Budget Speech.
She highlighted that there are too many voices making different statements, creating confusion. It is now time for the UDC to consolidate these promises into a single, definitive 'governing
manifesto' that provides Batswana with clarity on what exactly is being promised.
She stressed the importance of accountability, stating that promises must either be fulfilled or justified if they cannot be kept. The public deserves to know which promises will be honoured, which are
being delayed, and which are being abandoned altogether.
Addressing the credit given to the Leader of Opposition, Dumelang Saleshando for the UDC Manifesto, she made three key points: She expressed gratitude for the acknowledgment.
She questioned how a Manifesto from 2019 could be simply reproduced five years later without addressing major events that occurred in the interim, namely: The COVID-19 pandemic, Russia-Ukraine war and the Masisi administration.
Dow questioned how the UDC Manifesto was approved in its current form, despite the presence of experienced and well-educated advisers such as Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe, Minister of Minerals Bogolo Kenewendo, Minister of Education Prince Maele, and Minister of Tourism Wynter Mmolotsi.
She emphasiaed that these individuals, as former MPs and Ministers, should have known that many of the promises made were unrealistic. Yet, they proceeded with them.
Addressing Parliament, Dow stated: “It’s time to say: Mea culpa! I am sorry! Give me time to review what I promised! I will come back to you with a realistic package of promises.”
On Human Rights Approach to Governance- Dow posed several critical questions regarding how the government’s human rights approach would be reflected in policies, programmes, projects, and the 2025/26 Budget.
She asked how this approach would shape government spending and what the current human rights challenges in the country are.
Economic Inequality & Taxation: On the issue of wealth disparity, Dow questioned how the budget would address the unequal distribution of resources.
While she acknowledged the proposed tax increase for “high earners,” she sought clarity on the definition of a 'high earner' and whether the Minister of Finance would provide more details when responding to the debate.
Gender Equality & Social Justice: Given that the UDC government has positioned human rights as a central pillar, Dow expressed expectations for significant progress in gender equality.
She stated that this commitment should be evident in the budget presented by the Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs.
On Education and Health Access, Dow further inquired about how the Budget addresses unequal access to education and health services. She is looking forward to responses from both Ministers of Education regarding disparities in schooling opportunities and from the Minister of Health on improving access to healthcare.
Personal & Child Safety: Raising concerns about security, including protection from gender-based violence, Dow asked how the budget would tackle these issues.
She also emphasised the need for measures ensuring child safety and protection, urging the government to outline its plans in these areas. Dow spoke candidly on corruption, questioning how the
budget addresses this pressing issue.
Batswana acknowledge the importance of due process before anyone is found guilty of corruption or abuse of office. However, they are baffled by the government’s silence and inaction, even in cases where courts have made clear rulings against certain individuals, she argued.
How does the current administration justify this lack of action? Why do these individuals continue to enjoy the same level of protection and privilege?
Dow highlighted a troubling pattern within corrupt intelligence networks when a new government comes into power. She explained that their first move is to bug individuals they perceive as threats, feeding misinformation, disinformation, fake news, and fabrications to leadership.
Offering a word of caution, she urged sceptics to reflect on the drama of 2022, when fabrications, fraud, and fake news dominated the narrative. She warned against trusting clips of conversations presented as national security intelligence.