Ahead of the 2025-26 national budget, the Botswana Public Employees Union (BOPEU) has called for a strategic overhaul of the country’s internship initiatives to more effectively address the persistent issue of unemployment. The union emphasizes that both the current internship program and the Tirelo Sechaba initiative, originally designed to mitigate joblessness, require thorough reassessment and realignment with the evolving demands of the labor market. Finance Minister Ndaba Gaolathe is slated to deliver his maiden speech on 10 February after Umbrella Democratic Change (UDC) assumed power from the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) at the last 2024 general elections.
BOPEU’s leadership asserts that by ensuring these programs are attuned to the dynamic needs of various industries, a more supportive environment can be established for graduates transitioning into the workforce.
The union’s proposal includes conducting comprehensive evaluations of existing programs to identify gaps between current training and industry requirements. BOPEU suggests that collaborative efforts between government entities, educational institutions, and private sector stakeholders are essential to redesign these initiatives. Such partnerships aim to create targeted training modules, mentorship opportunities, and placement programs that reflect the current job market landscape.
By fine-tuning these programs, BOPEU believes that graduates will be better prepared to secure meaningful employment, thereby reducing the national unemployment rate. The union urges policymakers to prioritize this approach in the upcoming budget allocations, viewing it as a sustainable investment in the country’s economic future.
BOPEU also urged “the government should establish a comprehensive salary framework, referred to as the fan-shaped salary structure, while also updating our human resources policies that have been unresolved for the last five years.”
“ We urge the government to adopt a proactive approach in crafting comprehensive strategies that tackle the root causes of graduate unemployment. One promising option is to enhance apprenticeship programs, providing graduates with practical experience and meaningful opportunities to engage in the economy in favourable working conditions,” said BOPEU.
In terms of productivity BOPEU says, by prioritising key sectors such as manufacturing, technology and sustainable agriculture in the 2025/26 budget, we can build a more prosperous and equitable future for all workers nationwide.
