A rare financial stumble has rattled Botswana’s political establishment after MPs were formally notified that their sitting allowances have not been paid, with no indication of when the money will reach their accounts.
Sunday World has seen a letter addressed to MPs dated February 25, where the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly of Botswana, Betheul Moreme, wrote that the government is facing significant cash constraints. Moreme informed lawmakers that the delay is due to “continuing austere economic circumstances”.
The Botswana Parliament pays sitting allowances weekly, but payments have not been made since the official opening of Parliament. MPs receive approximately P500 (R606,02) per sitting. While the amount may appear modest, members say it plays a practical role in covering work-related expenses.
According to the letter, payment documents were submitted to the Accountant General as early as February 9. The correspondence concedes that officials are unable to provide a timeline for payment.
Although MPs’ basic salaries have not been affected, the delay has disrupted financial planning and created strain for members who had already factored the allowances into their monthly obligations.
The Parliament of Botswana consists of the National Assembly and the Ntlo ya Dikgosi. The National Assembly, which exercises primary legislative authority, is made up of 69 members: 61 directly elected constituency representatives, six specially elected members, the Speaker,
Dithapelo L Keorapetse, and the attorney-general.
The governing Botswana Democratic Party leads the chamber. Opposition parties include the Umbrella for Democratic Change and the Botswana Congress Party, alongside smaller parties and independent MPs.
A former MP told Sunday World that sitting allowances are essential for carrying out parliamentary responsibilities.
The delay has also drawn attention to broader economic pressures facing the country. Botswana has historically been regarded as fiscally disciplined, but weaker global demand for diamonds, its primary revenue source, has reduced state income. Rising debt levels and sustained public expenditure have further tightened resources.
Credit rating agency S&P Global Ratings recently lowered Botswana’s sovereign credit rating from BBB+ to BBB and maintained a negative outlook.
Opposition figures argued that the allowance delay points to deeper liquidity challenges, while ruling party members have called for patience as the government works through the constraints. Authorities have already introduced austerity measures, including limiting travel
expenditure, freezing certain posts and reviewing departmental spending.
