Botswana

Botswana introduced a work injury regulatory framework in 1936 and all other social insurance related instruments were introduced after independence in 1966. A social assistance programme, the Destitute Persons’ Allowance, was introduced in 1980. The programme aims to ensure the provision of minimum assistance to destitute citizens, specifically targeting poor people and persons with disabilities. In 1988, a Vulnerable Group Feeding Programme was introduced to assist children, pregnant women, and chronically ill individuals who are the most vulnerable and food-insecure with food transfers. The programme had 302,343 individual participants in 2018, compared to 383,392 in 2013, receiving food rations via clinics. In 1996, the Old-Age Pension, targeting all individuals who are at least 65 years old, was introduced. It provides a cash transfer of about US$74.26 every month through post offices, bank deposits and pension officers at the community councils. To cater for the poor but working-age population, the Ipelegengpublic works programme was introduced in 2008. Of all the social assistance programmes, only the World War Veterans Allowance and National Orphan Care Programme allow for appeals to be made against selection decisions. The government of Botswana fully funds its social assistance programmes.