Good morning, let’s get into it!
Hon. Lesego Chombo, the Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs, delivered a focused address during the ongoing debates for the 2026/2027 Appropriation Bill.
As the nation enters the implementation phase of the Twelfth National Development Plan (NDP 12), Chombo’s speech underscored a pivot from "planning" to "active delivery," specifically targeting the twin crises of youth unemployment and gender-based violence (GBV).
A Focus on Economic "Take-Off"
Aligning with the national budget theme, “A New Era of Economic Transformation and Fiscal Prudence,” the Minister emphasized that the youth portfolio will no longer rely on passive grants. Instead, she outlined a strategy for private-sector-led growth.
"This budget marks a deliberate transition from diagnosis to delivery," the Minister noted, echoing the Finance Ministry's earlier sentiments. "Our focus is on creating a digitally enabled, export-driven economy where young Batswana are not just job seekers, but the primary drivers of productivity."
The Minister's address touched on three critical pillars for the upcoming fiscal year:
The Youth Development Act: Chombo confirmed that the government is fast-tracking the creation of a Youth Commission. This body is intended to ensure that youth interests are mainstreamed across all ministries—from Agriculture to Trade—rather than being siloed within a single department.
Combating GBV: Building on her December pledge, the Minister detailed the progress of new anti-GBV legislation expected to be tabled by July 2026. This includes gender-responsive budgeting to ensure that public funds directly address the safety and economic empowerment of women.
Remodelling the YDF: Addressing long-standing criticisms of the Youth Development Fund (YDF), Chombo proposed a more rigorous mentorship model. The goal is to move away from high-failure rate "startup grants" toward a sustainable "Fund of Funds" approach that encourages private investment in youth enterprises.
The "New Era" Challenges
While the Minister spoke with optimism, the session was not without scrutiny. Members of the opposition, including Leader of the Opposition Dumelang Saleshando, raised concerns regarding the high budget deficit and called for more stringent "fiscal prudence" to ensure that the allocated funds actually reach the ground level.
Minister Chombo responded by highlighting the National Volunteer Movement, a program designed to bridge the gap between education and employment, providing out-of-school youth with the "digital competency" required for the modern workforce.
What’s Next?
The debate continues as the 13th Parliament reviews individual ministry allocations. Minister Chombo is expected to defend her specific budget portion of the P23.7 billion development fund in the coming days.
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