One of the key promises made by the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) ahead of last year’s elections was to increase the student living allowance to P2 500.
This pledge was seen as a crucial step towards ensuring that students live in dignity while pursuing their academic goals. However, the recently-delivered Budget Speech by Minister of Finance and Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe did not mention this commitment, leaving many scholars frustrated.
This omission prompted the Leader of Opposition, Dumelang Saleshando, to criticise the budget, emphasising that students from disadvantaged backgrounds are particularly affected. Saleshando highlighted that financial struggles push some students into exploitative relationships and even prostitution, a harsh reality that cannot be ignored.
He called on the government to fulfil its promise, arguing that remaining silent on the issue reflects dishonesty.
In response to the growing concerns, Student Representative Council (SRC) Presidents of various universities held a joint press conference to launch the SRC Union and voice their frustrations.
University of Botswana SRC President, Topo Kwena, said government should not remain silent but must provide clarity on the allowance increase and how it will be implemented.
The SRC presidents of Botswana University of Agriculture & Natural Resources (BUAN), Botswana Accountancy College (BAC), and the University of Botswana (UB) reiterated the need for student-centred policies.
BUAN SRC President, Boitumelo Makhura, declared that they are building a movement to challenge the status quo, emphasising that every student deserves a voice and meaningful participation in decision-making.
“We are going to challenge outdated policies and advocate for quality education in our institutions. This marks the beginning of a new era where students will demand their right to education, not just accept it as a privilege,” Makhura stated.
BAC SRC President, Loago Saleshando, outlined additional challenges faced by students, with the Department of Tertiary Education Financing (DTEF) being a major concern.
He pointed out that the re-registration process often leaves out some students, delaying their allowances and putting them in financial distress.
Saleshando also called for a review of book allowances, arguing that the current allocation is insufficient to cover essential academic materials.
Regarding the P2 500 allowance, Saleshando emphasised that students are frustrated by the lack of communication from government officials.
“When will the P2 500 arrive? No minister or relevant authority has addressed this. Students are in the dark about critical financial matters that affect their education and well-being,” he stated.
He urged Minister of Higher Education, Prince Maele, to take student concerns seriously and work towards tangible solutions.
With growing frustration among scholars, the SRC Union has vowed to continue advocating for students’ rights and holding the government accountable.
As the new academic year progresses, students eagerly await answers and action on the P2 500 allowance increase.
Late last year Minister of Higher Education, Prince Maele, promised that the UDC-led government will increase the student allowance to P2 500 and assured parliament that they have done all the necessary calculations.
The ministry of education has been allocated P4.66 billion in the current budget.
This pledge was seen as a crucial step towards ensuring that students live in dignity while pursuing their academic goals. However, the recently-delivered Budget Speech by Minister of Finance and Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe did not mention this commitment, leaving many scholars frustrated.
This omission prompted the Leader of Opposition, Dumelang Saleshando, to criticise the budget, emphasising that students from disadvantaged backgrounds are particularly affected. Saleshando highlighted that financial struggles push some students into exploitative relationships and even prostitution, a harsh reality that cannot be ignored.
He called on the government to fulfil its promise, arguing that remaining silent on the issue reflects dishonesty.
In response to the growing concerns, Student Representative Council (SRC) Presidents of various universities held a joint press conference to launch the SRC Union and voice their frustrations.
University of Botswana SRC President, Topo Kwena, said government should not remain silent but must provide clarity on the allowance increase and how it will be implemented.
The SRC presidents of Botswana University of Agriculture & Natural Resources (BUAN), Botswana Accountancy College (BAC), and the University of Botswana (UB) reiterated the need for student-centred policies.
BUAN SRC President, Boitumelo Makhura, declared that they are building a movement to challenge the status quo, emphasising that every student deserves a voice and meaningful participation in decision-making.
“We are going to challenge outdated policies and advocate for quality education in our institutions. This marks the beginning of a new era where students will demand their right to education, not just accept it as a privilege,” Makhura stated.
BAC SRC President, Loago Saleshando, outlined additional challenges faced by students, with the Department of Tertiary Education Financing (DTEF) being a major concern.
He pointed out that the re-registration process often leaves out some students, delaying their allowances and putting them in financial distress.
Saleshando also called for a review of book allowances, arguing that the current allocation is insufficient to cover essential academic materials.
Regarding the P2 500 allowance, Saleshando emphasised that students are frustrated by the lack of communication from government officials.
“When will the P2 500 arrive? No minister or relevant authority has addressed this. Students are in the dark about critical financial matters that affect their education and well-being,” he stated.
He urged Minister of Higher Education, Prince Maele, to take student concerns seriously and work towards tangible solutions.
With growing frustration among scholars, the SRC Union has vowed to continue advocating for students’ rights and holding the government accountable.
As the new academic year progresses, students eagerly await answers and action on the P2 500 allowance increase.
Late last year Minister of Higher Education, Prince Maele, promised that the UDC-led government will increase the student allowance to P2 500 and assured parliament that they have done all the necessary calculations.
The ministry of education has been allocated P4.66 billion in the current budget.
