02/06/2026
REPRESENTING BOTHA BOTHE: Pre-Budget Consultation 2026
Yesterday, Botha Bothe Youth And Adult Development(BYAD) had the honor of joining the Pre-Budget Consultation hosted by representatives from the Ministry of Finance.
We were in the room with key district leaders — the Honorable District Administrator of Butha-Buthe, councilors from each council in the district, Community Council Secretary, Town Clerk’s Office, District Secretary Office, District Business Community, and fellow youth groups/CSOs. It was a powerful gathering of voices all asking one question: how do we build a better Butha-Buthe together?
The session took us through the national budget process. We reviewed the 2025/2026 budget performance, then got insight into what’s being considered for the upcoming budget. The discussions were honest and practical. Participants were asked: “How would you like to see your district look?” and “What initiatives can we start here in Butha-Buthe to generate our own revenue?”
As Botha Bothe Youth And Adult Development, we shared insights from the ground. For development priorities, the district called for sustainable road infrastructure to connect communities, electricity especially in rural areas, solar-powered streetlights for safety, sustainable water solutions, and economic skills-building programs targeting rural youth. Many of our young people don’t have access to formal education, and we believe vocational and informal training can close that gap.
On revenue generation, we proposed ideas that can work for Butha-Buthe: construction of parks and leisure spaces with entry fees, paid parking in town centers, public places with paid toilets and showers, designated truck stops, and preservation of cultural heritage sites like Ha Mopeli — the fortress of King Moshoeshoe before Thaba Bosiu. Our history and our land can work for us.
We’re grateful for the platform and for being part of shaping the budget before it’s written.
the future