Fresh optimism or another damp squib
Pauline Dikuelo | Friday January 30, 2015 15:26
Three years ago, government announced that public servants salary adjustments would no longer be announced in the budget speech. However, Oratile Modisane, a self-employed street vendor is hopeful that a salary increment will be in this year’s fiscal speech. “Many public servants earn peanuts. This is not only a concern to them, but also affects us as we depend on their income to boost our businesses. Government should consider their employees’ welfare when allocating the budget,” she said.
Dithuso Selepeng, an artist who runs his own company said he expected this year’s speech to dwell on improving education. Also, he would want to see a substantial increment to public workers’ salaries. “This will improve performance in school, which has been deteriorating. I also expect a good cut for Tourism along with Sports, Arts and Culture. We need to create a platform to attract tourists and improve on leisure for recreation,” he said.
Thuso Molekane, a cobbler at the Gaborone Main mall said that last year the budget speech didn’t have any exciting changes, so he had no high expectations of the impending one. “If there will be a change, it will definitely be a surprise. I will bring my radio to work with me on Monday, but I am not really excited,” he said.
Obakeng Khumo was more positive about the fiscal budget. “This year’s budget is most likely to be hinged upon subdued prospects for global economic recovery. I foresee more commitment to economic growth and job creation,” he said.
Gospel artist Frank Lyn predicted that we might see more government expenditure directed towards infrastructural development and maintenance, which he said would have a positive impact on the economy. He also expressed hope that the arts would be accorded a sizeable portion of the budget.