FOR BANTWANA

The Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs has set aside P108,468,000 for the newly introduced Child Support Grant (CSG), which aims to improve the welfare of infants across the country.Initially scheduled to roll out in April, the much-anticipated programme has now been pushed to June 2026, with government citing the need to ensure a smooth and effective implementation process.In its first phase, the programme is expected to benefit 40,000 children, targeting infants below the age of one year.By the end of March 2026, 9,000 beneficiaries had already applied, and the ministry says it expects numbers to rise as registrations continue.Ministry spokesperson Chandapiwa Baputaki said the Child Support Grant is designed as an independent intervention, dismissing concerns that it may replace existing child welfare programmes.“The Child Support Grant does not replace any current programme. Instead, it complements them and is expected to improve access to services such as monthly child welfare clinics,” she explained.Baputaki assured the public that programmes such as supplementary feeding for children aged 0–5 years and nutrition support for severely malnourished children will continue unaffected, each operating under its own budget.Addressing concerns around potential misuse of funds, the Ministry said responsibility lies primarily with caregivers.“Caregivers are entrusted with ensuring that the needs of the child are met. At the same time, communities play a critical role in reporting any misuse so that corrective action can be taken promptly,” Baputaki said.The programme will be means-tested to ensure fairness and reach, and will require applicants to meet specific eligibility criteria. They will conduct third-party verification where necessary to validate information provided by applicants.Baputaki said that extension services will be deployed to reach beneficiaries in rural areas with difficult terrain to ensure that no one is left behind.Asked if government will be able to sustain the programme given the ongoing fiscal pressures, she expressed confidence saying the intention is to sustain the programme long-term.“Botswana has been providing cash-based social support since 1996, and such programmes have always been prioritised regardless of economic challenges. The Child Support Grant is no exception."

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FOR BANTWANA