Joe McConnell
Botswana residents have reacted with outrage on social media after the government asked citizens to donate money to award the country’s historic gold-medal winning Olympic team.
The fund would be a way for citizens to honor athletes by “contributing rewards to our champions,” the government said in a statement released Monday.
Letsile Tebogo brought glory to Botswana by becoming the first African athlete to win the men’s 200 metres at the Olympics, taking home the country’s first gold medal.
But the government’s demand for donations has put a damper on the celebrations for some, who question why their taxes aren’t being used to reward Olympians.
“We are already paying taxes, let’s give our champions [sic] money from government coffers,” one user fumed on Facebook.
The Botswana government did not respond to the BBC’s request for comment and it is unclear whether it will contribute to the reward.
“I would love to donate to support the boy’s historic achievement, but unfortunately I am currently an unemployed electrical engineering graduate with a bachelor’s degree,” one user said.
Another suggested that the government set a good example and donate 25% of its salaries.
Other African countries have often rewarded Olympic or Africa Cup of Nations gold medal winners with houses or sums of money.
Botswana has one of the highest levels of per capita income in Africa, but also one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the world, according to Afrobarometer.
Although Botswana is one of the world’s largest diamond producers, the southern African country has recently seen a decline in diamond mining revenues, forcing the government to cut spending, according to Bloomberg.
Despite opposition to the fund, some voices have been raised in support of the Olympic prize money.
One person enthusiastically suggested making the fund accessible to anyone on the continent who wants to send money.
“Open it to all Africans, I want to contribute from Kenya,” said one voice of support.
Tebego set the African record in the 200 metres with a time of 19.46 seconds and also won the silver medal in the men’s 4×400 metres relay together with his teammates.
Tens of thousands of people gathered at the National Stadium in the capital, Gaborone, on Tuesday to welcome the Olympic team, after President Mokgweetsi Masisi declared a half-day holiday.
