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[QUOTE="Queen, post: 86657, member: 27"]
A post-budget huddle just put Botswana’s spending plan under a microscope from civil society watchdogs.

Budget scrutiny after national speech
[LIST]
[*]BNYC teamed up with BOCONGO two days after the National Budget Speech.
[*]Groups dissected whether allocations tackle youth joblessness and high costs.
[*]Attendees questioned how spending lines up with fiscal strain.
[*]Calls grew for a broader dialogue that reflects citizens’ realities.
[/LIST]
Civil society pushes accountability
[LIST]
[*]Ms. Laone Desert framed the budget as a signal of priorities.
[*]She pointed to gender equality and youth inclusion in allocations.
[*]Monitoring spending was pitched as a civic duty.
[*]Organisations were urged to track results, not just promises.
[/LIST]
Transparency gaps spark concern
[LIST]
[*]Mr. Robert Letsatsi flagged weak oversight in the budget cycle.
[*]He cited limited Auditor General independence and audit delays.
[*]Absence of a Budget Act drew criticism.
[*]Greater public access to fiscal data was demanded.
[/LIST]
Youth focus and coordinated advocacy
[LIST]
[*]Participants admitted that civil society has not shaped priorities enough.
[*]Collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs was suggested.
[*]Tracking expenditure was described as fuel for evidence-based advocacy.
[*]Coordinated pressure during parliamentary debates was encouraged.
[/LIST]
[/QUOTE]

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