Minister of Finance and Development Planning Jacob Gaolathe of Botswana

Finance Minister and Tonota North Member of Parliament (MP) Baledzi Gaolathe has told opposition and some of his party members to stop talking about abolishing school fees.

Commenting on President Festus Mogae's State of the Nation address on Monday evening, Gaolathe expressed concern that close to 30 percent of the country's annual budget is spent on education.

In response, Gaolathe said Kario was "preaching it to the converted" because a final draft paper specifically on citizen involvement was underway.

slump in the diamond market might affect Botswanas economy.

were scheduled for October have been deferred because of the attacks.

The 2007 Budget Speech delivered to the National Assembly on 5th February 2007 by Honourable Baledzi Gaolathe is now available online.