The Botswana government has sparked controversy after asking citizens to donate money to reward the country’s historic Olympic gold-medal-winning team. The request, made public on Monday, suggested that the fund would allow citizens to honor the athletes by “contributing rewards to our champions.”
Letsile Tebogo made history by becoming the first African athlete to win the men’s 200m at the Olympics, securing Botswana’s first-ever gold medal. However, the government’s appeal for public donations has overshadowed celebrations, with many questioning why taxpayer money isn’t being used to reward the Olympians.
“We are already paying tax, give our champions money from the government purse,” one outraged Facebook user commented. The Botswana government has yet to respond to requests for clarification on whether it is also contributing to the reward fund.
The call for donations has drawn mixed reactions on social media. While some, like an unemployed electrical engineering graduate, expressed regret at being unable to contribute, others suggested that the cabinet should lead by example and donate 25% of their salaries.
In contrast, some voices of support for the fund have emerged, with one user proposing that the donation drive be opened to all Africans, eager to contribute from Kenya. “Open it to all Africans, I want to contribute from Kenya,” said the user.
Botswana, one of the world’s largest diamond producers, has recently faced a slump in diamond revenues, leading to government spending cuts. Despite this, the country has one of the highest levels of income per head in Africa, though it struggles with high youth unemployment rates.
Other countries in Africa have often rewarded the winners of Olympic gold medals, or the Africa Cup of Nations, with houses or lump sums of cash.
The mixed reactions highlight the broader socio-economic tensions within Botswana, as citizens grapple with the government’s approach to celebrating a momentous national achievement. Meanwhile, the Olympic team’s triumphant return was marked by a half-day holiday declared by President Mokgweetsi Masisi, with tens of thousands gathering at the National Stadium in Gaborone to welcome the athletes home.
Melissa Enoch
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