Saleshando calls for tougher GBV laws
Pini Bothoko | Friday November 14, 2025 11:35
Responding to the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Wednesday, Saleshando painted a grim picture of a country grappling with widespread violence, systemic inefficiency, and a justice system that has lost public confidence. He said that while the President speaks passionately about ending GBV, the reality on the ground tells a different story.
“Ask women why they do not report cases to the police, and they will tell you that nothing ever happens and perpetrators are set free. Ask men why they do not report, and they will tell you that they get mocked and laughed at. The nation has sadly lost faith in law enforcement and the justice system. Yet the President says we are bullying his cabinet, instead of addressing the people’s concerns, ' he said.
The LoO said it was concerning that survivors of GBV continue to face insensitive and dismissive treatment when reporting abuse, adding that parliament has a legislative duty to tackle the issue head-on.
He revealed that focus group discussions held by his party recommended the criminalisation of all forms of GBV, saying that the failure to recognise every form of domestic violence in the Penal Code undermines justice and distorts reporting data.
“Lack of recognising all forms of domestic violence as GBV aids in defeating the hands of justice for survivors, also prevents accurate reporting, which becomes an obstacle to evidence-based interventions focusing on prevention and rehabilitation,' he said.
Saleshando further challenged President Boko to match his rhetoric with action. “The President often talks about ending GBV as something as simple as one calling out their brother or sister at home. I challenge him to also do something simple; Mr President, capacity-building for GBV response officers and criminalising all forms of GBV. It must be treated as a criminal offence with strict legal consequences to deter perpetrators and protect victims,' he said.
Turning to child protection, Saleshando said it was unacceptable that the government continues to preach that children are “the future” while failing to protect them effectively.
“A low-hanging fruit here would be to abolish child marriages, in line with the SADC Model Law on ending child marriages. The revision of the Children’s Act should also ensure the acceleration of children’s cases. It is absolutely uncalled for that a child can be abused today and only years later the case is heard before the court,' Saleshando laments.
He also proposed the creation of a public sex offenders register within 100 days, saying it would strengthen deterrence and enhance community safety. On crime, Saleshando warned that Botswana has become unsafe, even for the very officers tasked with protecting the public.
“We seem to be silent about the increasing crime rates. Having been to countries with very low crime rates, like Denmark, has reassured me that we need not accept criminal behaviour as part and parcel of our society,” he said.
He called for a comprehensive national crime prevention strategy, anchored on community policing, intelligence-led operations, and modern forensic capacity. “I welcome the President’s ‘Road to Damascus moment’ when he speaks against violence meted out on the police, having previously invested his energy in educating the public that violent attacks on the police could be accommodated under the law,” he said.
Furthermore, Shaleshando expressed concern over what he termed a growing culture of secrecy and lack of transparency within government. He accused the administration of announcing projects without consultation or accountability mechanisms.
'Announcements are made that overlook oversight, consultation, and good governance. Initiatives are launched with no comprehensive roadmap, timeframes, or project milestones,” he said. He also lamented that citizens and civil society groups find it increasingly difficult to access cabinet ministers, saying some have been blocked from meeting them despite following official procedures.
“You cannot be a good leader if you want to be completely detached from ordinary citizens,” Saleshando warned.
Addressing corruption, Saleshando said the ongoing forensic audit will only be meaningful if followed by tangible prosecutions and asset recovery. “Without that plan, the exercise is cosmetic tinkering disguised as fighting corruption,” he said.
He further quoted an African saying, warning against selective anti-corruption efforts: “African leaders do not fight corruption to end it; they fight to stop others benefiting from it so that they can replace them and start benefiting themselves. I hope this statement will not be true of your government'.
He said the mandates of institutions such as the DCEC, EID, DIS, DPP, Ombudsman, and IEC need to be aligned with international best practices and restore integrity. “As the Botswana Congress Party, we will bring private members’ bills aligned to these reforms, and we look forward to your votes in support,” he said.
The opposition leader also highlighted mental health and substance abuse as pressing national issues that require immediate attention. “You mentioned dedicating some funds from the alcohol levy to the creative industry. Please consider extending some of these funds to initiatives aimed at public awareness on the dangers of drug and substance abuse,” he said.
He proposed Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to establish rehabilitation centres and urged the Ministry of Health to improve public relations for Sbrana Psychiatric Hospital, which he said still suffers from stigma despite its crucial role. He further noted that investment in recreational and artistic programmes could help address the root causes of mental health challenges, drug abuse, and crime.
Saleshando further warned about the dangers of cyberbullying and online harassment, which he said are increasingly leading to cases of suicide and violence. “If the government does not expeditiously move to nip this in the bud, there will be an increase in suicides and violent incidents that start on social media. Responsible use of social media is important. And please do not misunderstand me to mean I am calling for censorship or restriction of freedom of speech, no, just responsible use,' he cautioned.
During his SONA, President Boko acknowledged that GBV remains a hefty challenge, citing 14,020 cases recorded by police in 2024—of which 4,468 involved children under 18. He said these figures reflect “shattered lives and broken families” that threaten Botswana’s moral fabric.
The President said the government is reviewing the National Strategy Towards Ending GBV to include emerging issues and adopt a human rights-based approach. He also announced plans to establish One-Stop Service Centres for survivors of GBV to receive comprehensive support.
However, for Shaleshando and the opposition, these promises remain empty rhetoric unless backed by firm legal, institutional, and social reforms. “What the nation needs is not another strategy document, but action that restores faith in justice, accountability, and equality before the law,' Shaleshando lamented.