DCEC's wish for autonomy granted
Spira Tlhankane | Wednesday February 11, 2026 11:57
Speaking during the budget speech yesterday, Gaolathe announced that urgent steps are being taken to operationalise the independence of the graft-busting agency.
“Botswana’s transformation journey risks being undermined if we do not act decisively to address declining performance on the Global Corruption Perceptions Index. In parallel, the review and repeal of the Corruption and Economic Crime Law is underway and is expected to be finalised during the 2026–2027 financial year. These reforms will modernise enforcement powers, close legal and procedural gaps, and strengthen deterrence, thereby safeguarding institutional integrity and supporting Botswana’s path to high-income status,” Gaolathe disclosed.
DCEC’s lack of independence has been mooted for a while, with different stakeholders describing its lack of independence as a hindrance in the organisation’s fight against corruption. Its former director general, Tymon Katlholo, even went on to allege that the DCEC was, in the past, infiltrated, weakened, and innocent citizens were persecuted on trumped-up charges in the absence of evidence.
“Allow me to speak plainly against corruption. Every pula stolen from the public purse is a clinic not built, a school left to decay, and a road that becomes a grave, medicine that never reaches a patient. When resources meant to save lives are diverted for personal enrichment, the consequences are measured not only in lost opportunities but in lost lives. Botswana will not, and must not, be held hostage by corruption, greed, or indifference,” Gaolathe said. Gaolathe added that combating corruption remains fundamental to improving spending efficiency. He indicated that these efforts will be anchored in a strengthened Medium-Term Fiscal Framework that supports a credible fiscal consolidation path. “In addition, MDAs (Ministries, Departments, and Agencies) and local authorities will be required to align their financial practices with enhanced oversight and control frameworks. This includes strict compliance with financial regulations, transparent and competitive procurement practices, prudent management of public resources and robust internal controls,” he said.
The DCEC autonomy announcement by Gaolathe was adding to what President Duma Boko had revealed about officially delinking the DCEC from the public service, with about P83 million budgeted for its transformation.
Speaking during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) last November, President Boko said in recognition of the need for a modern, independent anti-corruption institution, the government had prioritised the review of the Corruption and Economic Crime Act (CECA) of 2013.
'The revised Draft Bill, currently under legal vetting, proposes to grant the DCEC greater operational independence, including a redefined reporting structure and enhanced protections for the office of the Director General. The CECA Draft Bill will be tabled for approval during the current sitting of Parliament,' Boko said at the time.
He stated that the delinking of the DCEC from mainstream public service has been initiated and submitted for inclusion under National Development Plan 12, with a projected budget of P35 million for Development, and P48 million for Recurrent.