- Most MPs experience delay in payment, some haven’t received since February
- Sitting allowance has been very irregular during this session – Dr Gobotswang
- There are no reasons given except apologies for the delays -MP Reason Lekhutlane
- Some owed for 7 weeks, others 3 weeks; MPs get P530 a week for sitting allowance
In the corridors of Botswana’s National Assembly, whispers of frustration have grown into open discontent as Members of Parliament (MPs) grapple with a troubling financial anomaly: unpaid sitting allowances. As the nation tunes in to Parliament’s intense budgetary debates, many of its legislators have been doing so without receiving their expected financial support—a situation that has persisted for several MPs since February 2025.
The P530 weekly allowance, intended to aid MPs in their parliamentary duties, has become irregular, with some MPs going unpaid for as long as eight weeks. The issue is not only a question of financial strain but also raises significant concerns about transparency and accountability within the government. Despite the critical nature of these allowances, MPs report a disconcerting silence from the parliamentary secretariat, which has offered nothing more than vague apologies for the delays.
Kgalagadi North MP Reason Lekhutlane expressed his frustration, noting, “There are no reasons given except apologies for the delays.” This lack of communication has left many MPs in a precarious position, hesitant to voice their grievances publicly for fear of backlash amidst ongoing debates about the perceived excesses of political salaries and privileges.
Dr. Kesitegile Gobotswang, a seasoned parliamentarian, noted that this is an unprecedented situation for him. “Sitting allowance has been very irregular during the budget sitting,” he said, highlighting the anomaly in what should be a straightforward financial process. For MPs like Maun West legislator Caterpillar Hikuama, who is owed for three weeks, the irregularities are not just inconvenient—they are untenable.
The broader implications of this financial oversight are concerning. It suggests a breakdown in administrative processes within the National Assembly, potentially undermining the institution’s credibility. Without clear communication or justification for the delay, MPs and their constituents are left in the dark, questioning the efficiency and integrity of parliamentary operations.
This situation is compounded by the challenges MPs face in addressing the issue. One MP, who managed to receive their allowance after weeks of persistent follow-up, described the ordeal as exhausting. “I had to engage the National Assembly daily before any funds were released,” they reported. This anecdote speaks to a larger systemic issue: a lack of proactive management and accountability in handling parliamentary finances.
The silence from the Parliamentary spokesperson, who had not responded to inquiries at the time of publication, further exacerbates the issue. For a body that relies on public trust and transparency, this lack of responsiveness is a significant misstep. It leaves MPs and the public alike questioning the priorities and capabilities of the parliamentary administration.
Moreover, this financial debacle comes at a time when Botswana is navigating complex economic challenges. The government’s recent budget proposal includes plans for tax reforms and increased corporate tax rates, aiming to stabilize the national economy. However, the inability to efficiently manage internal parliamentary finances casts doubt on the government’s broader fiscal management capabilities.
As Botswana’s MPs continue to debate pressing national issues, the unresolved matter of sitting allowances looms large. Some MPs say it serves as a reminder of the critical need for transparency and accountability in government operations. For the MPs affected, the delay is more than an inconvenience—it’s a disruption to their ability to serve their constituents effectively.