President Duma Boko has announced a forthcoming salary increase for Village Development Committee (VDC) chairpersons and members, bringing renewed hope to grassroots leaders who have long called for improved compensation. The announcement was made during a Kgotla meeting held in Tlokweng, where the President addressed local residents and community leaders.
President Boko confirmed that he and the Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Ketlhalefile Motshegwa, have reached a mutual agreement to revise the salaries of VDC officials. He stated that the long-awaited change is set to take effect sooner than initially anticipated, a move that signals the government’s commitment to uplifting local governance and enhancing community development structures.
“Together with Minister Motshegwa, we have agreed on the need to fast-track this process. The VDC plays a crucial role in delivering basic services and mobilising community efforts, and it is only right that their contributions are fairly recognised,” said President Boko.
Currently, VDC chairpersons and members earn between P520.00 and P570.00 per month, an amount many believe does not reflect the scope and impact of their responsibilities. These committees are instrumental in coordinating projects such as sanitation, infrastructure maintenance, and public health initiatives at the village level.
The President’s announcement was met with appreciation from attendees at the Kgotla meeting, many of whom are directly involved in local governance. Improved compensation is expected to motivate committee members and attract younger, skilled individuals into community service roles.
Minister Motshegwa echoed the President’s sentiments in a separate statement, saying the salary revision is part of a broader strategy to professionalise and strengthen community-level institutions. “We are building from the ground up, and the VDCs are a cornerstone of that foundation,” he said.
The revised salary structure is expected to be announced in full once all administrative procedures are finalised. The government is also exploring opportunities to provide VDCs with additional resources, including training and digital tools to enhance service delivery.
This development marks a significant policy shift under President Boko’s administration, reinforcing his campaign promise to empower local structures and improve service delivery across Botswana. As communities await the final figures and timeline, the move is already being hailed as a step in the right direction for inclusive governance and rural development.
