The Committee of Supply has deferred the 2025/26 budget allocation for the Ministry of Gender, Youth, and Social Development to allow amendments to the procurement procedure of the Sebabatso program. The decision was made on Monday by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Tlohang Sekhamane, following concerns raised by the majority of Members of Parliament regarding the Ministry’s handling of the procurement process.
During the debate, members of the National Assembly argued that the Ministry had not adhered to proper procurement procedures in relation to the Sebabatso program. One of the key voices in the discussion, Mr. Remaketse Sehlabaka, a member of the Portfolio Committee on Social Cluster, highlighted that they had previously warned the Ministry about its approach. He pointed out that government funds were transferred to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for the operations of the Sebabatso program without following the correct procurement guidelines.
The deferral of the budget allocation signals a demand for greater accountability and transparency in the management of public funds. Lawmakers emphasized the need for the Ministry to rectify the procurement procedure to ensure compliance with national financial regulations before the budget can be approved.
The Ministry of Gender, Youth, and Social Development is expected to address the concerns raised by Parliament and make necessary adjustments to the procurement process for the Sebabatso program. Until then, the Committee of Supply will withhold the budget allocation, reinforcing the government’s commitment to proper financial management and adherence to legal procurement frameworks.
