Explanatory journalism: Botswana’s antidote to disinformation and civic confusion
THOMAS NKHOMA | Monday November 3, 2025 06:00
In recent years, the media landscape in Botswana has undergone a profound shift. Social media platforms, podcasts, and instant messaging services have created unprecedented speed in the dissemination of news, but this rapidity often comes at the cost of accuracy. Misleading claims frequently circulate before verification. A striking example was when rumours falsely suggested a cholera outbreak in Botswana. Conversely, the government had declared a public health emergency to address the severe shortage of essential medicines due to supply chain and financial challenges. Most importantly, the incident illustrates how misinformation can spark unnecessary panic and undermine public trust. It is here that explanatory journalism emerges as a vital tool. Unlike conventional reporting that often focuses on “who, what, when and where,” explanatory journalism essentially addresses the “how” and “why.” It connects events, policies, and social phenomena to help the public understand the forces shaping their lives. For instance, during discussions around Botswana’s Economic Transformation Programme, headlines alone cannot capture the intricacies of fiscal reforms, public sector restructuring or diversification strategies. Explanatory journalism can translate technical policies into digestible narratives, allowing citizens to engage meaningfully instead of relying on conjecture. Globally, the value of explanatory journalism is well-documented.
The New York Times’ “The Upshot” and Vox’s explainer-driven stories demonstrate that audiences actively seek clarity in a world of information overload. In Kenya, explanatory reporting during the 2022 elections helped citizens understand electronic voting systems, reducing anxiety and countering the spread of misinformation. These examples underscore that explanatory journalism does more than inform. It restores trust, promotes civic understanding, and reduces polarisation. Incidentally, the rise of citizen journalism and social media content in Botswana has amplified the challenge. Platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook are now primary sources of news for many, yet they often lack contextual depth. Misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines, educational policy, or economic interventions has circulated widely, at times causing confusion and fear. While citizen contributions enrich the information ecosystem, the absence of context and expert insight can mislead the public.
Mainstream media, with its credibility and resources, is uniquely positioned to bridge this gap and transform fragmented reports into coherent, insightful narratives. Consider how explanatory journalism could have clarified the recent public health emergency. Beyond simply reporting the declaration of a medicine shortage, journalists could have explained the systemic causes, such as procurement delays, financing challenges, and supply chain disruptions, besides outlining the government’s mitigation measures. Citizens armed with such understanding are not only reassured but also empowered to engage constructively with public initiatives, a critical function in maintaining social cohesion and trust. Moreover, explanatory journalism strengthens media sustainability. In an era of shrinking advertising revenue and declining print circulation, audiences increasingly gravitate towards content that offers depth and practical insight. Stories that unpack complex issues, highlight solutions, and contextualise events retain readership and build loyalty. By positioning themselves as interpreters of reality rather than mere transmitters of headlines, mainstream media outlets in Botswana can reinforce their value in society while maintaining financial viability. Ethically, explanatory journalism reinforces the social responsibility of the press. Journalists become guides, educators, and interpreters, ensuring citizens can make informed decisions that affect both individual and collective well-being. When reporting on controversial or complex topics, from environmental policy to economic reforms, providing context and explanation mitigates misunderstanding and reduces the space for speculation. It elevates public discourse and strengthens democratic practice.
The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Botswana Chapter’s recent initiatives, including campaigns on media literacy and digital communication, highlight the importance of equipping journalists with the skills needed to practice explanatory reporting. Collaborations with civil society, think tanks, and policymakers are key to producing content that is not only accurate but also deeply insightful. By fostering investigative rigour, analytical thinking, and clear storytelling, newsrooms can transform public engagement and fortify trust. Local examples also abound. During drought crises in Botswana’s rural districts, explanatory reporting that detailed water allocation policies, community relief measures, and sustainable farming practices helped residents understand and respond to government interventions. Such reporting does more than inform. It empowers citizens to take proactive steps in their own lives, illustrating the transformative potential of journalism that explains rather than merely announces.
As Botswana navigates the complexities of a knowledge-based economy, digital transformation and social change, explanatory journalism is not optional; it is indispensable. It equips citizens with comprehension, mitigates the impact of disinformation, and reinforces the democratic principle that informed citizens make better decisions. The role of journalists extends beyond reporting events. It encompasses the responsibility to illuminate, educate and guide society through complexity. In a media environment often overwhelmed by speed and noise, explanatory journalism could be the lifeline Botswana needs. It fosters informed citizens, resilient institutions, and a media ecosystem rooted in credibility and trust. By helping people understand the forces shaping their world, journalists render a service that is both civic-minded and indispensable, ultimately sustaining democracy, public confidence and media relevance. Thomas T. Nkhoma MISA-Botswana Chairman