Whistleblowers need to be protected

The Monitor Editor | Tuesday January 16, 2024 06:00

The concerning tale of a university lecturer dismissed for raising alarm about possible corruption and another of a man fearing for his life after he blew the whistle on alleged misconduct within the Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) underline the urgent need to address and strengthen the institution of whistle-blowing in Botswana.

Whistle-blowers play an indispensable role in safeguarding the ethical fabric of our society. Their willingness to step forward and shine a light on malpractices is not just an act of courage but a civic duty. It is an act that echoes the core values upon which our democratic society stands. As Batswana, we must recognise the pivotal role whistle-blowers play in fostering transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. However, the recent incidents point to a disturbing trend where those who dare to speak truth to power find themselves facing persecution rather than protection.

This raises pertinent questions about the mechanisms in place to shield whistle-blowers from retribution. It is imperative that our legal framework and institutional safeguards are robust enough to shield these individuals from the adverse consequences of their disclosures.

Protection of whistle-blowers is not merely a matter of legal compliance; it is a moral obligation that we owe to those who risk everything to expose wrongdoing. As a society, we must advocate legislation that ensures the protection of confidentiality and anonymity of whistle-blowers, shielding them from victimisation and providing avenues for redress when their rights are violated. It is high time that Botswana strengthen its legal and institutional frameworks to instil confidence in potential whistle-blowers that they will be shielded from harm. Credibility is the bedrock of effective whistle-blowing. In order that our society may benefit from the revelations made by whistle-blowers, we must ensure that there are mechanisms in place for reporting and investigating allegations of corruption, abuse of office and other forms of rot are credible and impartial.

This requires the establishment of independent bodies with the mandate to investigate claims of corruption or misconduct, ensuring that justice is served without bias or favour. Moreover, cultivating a culture that encourages credible whistle-blowing necessitates education and awareness. Batswana must be informed about their rights and protections as whistle-blowers, and the broader societal benefits derived from their actions. This education should extend beyond legalities to instil a collective sense of responsibility for upholding ethical standards in both public and private sectors.