Where is civil society?

Mmegi Editor | Monday October 10, 2022 06:00

Justice Ketlogetswe accused both the CJ and Morwaeng of trying to influence his decision in a case that involved Member of Parliament for Lobatse, Dr Thapelo Matsheka.

Similarly, Balete Chief, Kgosi Mosadi Seboko revealed details of a meeting between her and President Mokgweetsi Masisi in which the President allegedly declared to her that he has the power to meddle with Judiciary.

The revelations have left Batswana stunned and wondering what has become of their beloved country as democracy is seemingly under siege. If at all these allegations are true, then the country could possibly be headed for disaster because this is a breeding ground for serious assault on democracy, Judiciary and the rule of law.

Amidst all this chaos, it is even shocking that there is deafening silence from those whose responsibility is to provide checks and balances and ensure that the powers account. Despite the seriousness of these allegations, it has become business as usual.

Where is the civil society? The civil society comprises organisations that are not associated with government—including advocacy groups, professional associations, churches, cultural institutions, political parties (opposition in this case) as well as the media.

The civil society is an essential building block of development and national cohesion. In a peaceful and stable democracy, the civil society fills the space untouched by government and the private sector. They monitor government policies and actions and hold government accountable. They engage in advocacy and offer alternative policies for government, the private sector, and other institutions.

But that has not been the case. In fact, it has been the opposite as we find democracy under serious attack without no one to defend it. Those who are supposed to do are nowhere to be found.

Our civil society is non-existent if not sleeping with the enemy. It is just quiet or if anything, just releasing docile and vague press statements on these issues. If we were to do just a random survey on who the chairperson of BOCONGO is, we would be shocked to find out that people don’t know who he is, let alone if the organisation still exists. In the case of opposition parties, they are currently busy fighting each other, ignoring these pertinent issues. When they are done fighting, they will find the country already on fire.

There is absolutely no action on the ground to show serious protest against what is happening in the country. This is the time for the civil society to stand up and defend democracy in the country, which is being assaulted in broad daylight.

Today’s thought

“Society cannot exist without law. Law is the bond of society: that which makes it, that which preserves it and keeps it together. It is, in fact, the essence of civil society.”

-Joseph P Bradley