People in Botswana have expressed anger on social media after the government asked citizens to contribute money to reward the nation’s Olympic gold-medal winning team.
The government announced on Monday that the fund would allow citizens to “contribute rewards to our champions” as a way to honor the athletes.
Letsile Tebogo made history by becoming the first African athlete to win the men’s 200m at the Olympics, earning Botswana its first-ever gold medal.
However, the government’s request for donations has dampened the celebrations for some, with critics questioning why tax revenues aren’t being used to reward the Olympians.
“We are already paying tax, give our champions [sic] money from the government purse,” raged one user on Facebook.
The Botswana government did not respond to the BBC’s request for comment and it is unclear if they are also contributing to the reward pot.
“I would love to donate in support of the boy’s historic achievement, but unfortunately, I’m currently an unemployed electrical engineering graduate with a bachelor’s degree,” one user said.
One person suggested that the cabinet should lead by example and donate 25% of their salaries.
In many African countries, Olympic gold medalists or Africa Cup of Nations winners are often rewarded with houses or lump sums of cash.
Botswana boasts one of the highest income levels per capita in Africa but also suffers from one of the world’s highest youth unemployment rates, according to Afrobarometer.
Despite being one of the world’s largest diamond producers, Botswana has recently faced a decline in diamond revenues, leading the government to reduce spending, according to Bloomberg.
While the proposed fund has sparked criticism, some people have expressed support for it. One person even suggested that the fund be opened to contributions from across the continent.
“Open it to all Africans; I want to contribute from Kenya,” one supporter said.
Letsile Tebogo, who set an African record with his 19.46 seconds in the 200m, also won a silver medal in the men’s 4x400m relay with his teammates.
On Tuesday, tens of thousands of people gathered at the National Stadium in Gaborone to welcome the Olympic team home after President Mokgweetsi Masisi declared a half-day holiday.
