Backlash As Botswana Asks For Money For Olympic Heroes

People in Botswana have reacted angrily on social media after the government asked citizens to donate money to reward the country’s historic gold medal-winning Olympic team.

The fund would be a way for citizens to honor the athletes by “donating rewards to our champions,” the government said in a statement on Monday.

Letsile Tebogo brought fame to Botswana when he became the first African athlete to win the men’s 200 metres at the Olympics, taking home the country’s first ever gold medal.

But the government’s request for donations has put a stop to the festivities for some, who question why their tax dollars aren’t being used to reward the Olympians.

“We already pay taxes, give our champions money from the state treasury,” one user fumed on Facebook.

The Botswana government has not responded to the BBC’s request for comment and it is unclear whether they also contribute to the prize fund.

“I would love to make a donation to support the boy’s historic achievement, but unfortunately I am currently an unemployed electrical engineering graduate with a bachelor’s degree,” one user wrote.

Another suggested that the government set a good example and donate 25% of their salaries.

Other countries in Africa have often rewarded winners of Olympic gold medals or the Africa Cup of Nations with houses or large sums of money.

According to the report, Botswana has one of the highest per capita incomes in Africa, but also one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the world. Afrobarometer.

Although Botswana is one of the world’s largest diamond producers, the southern African country has recently suffered a decline in diamond revenues, forcing the government to cut spending, Bloomberg reported.

Despite the objections to the fund, there have been voices in favor of the Olympic prize fund.

One person enthusiastically suggested opening the fund so that anyone across the continent could send money.

“Open it up to all Africans, I want to contribute from Kenya,” said a statement of support.

Tebego ran an African record of 19.46 seconds in the 200 metres and, together with his teammates, won a silver medal in the men’s 4×400 metres relay.

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 the event a half-day holiday.