Corruption is a barrier to development � Morupisi
Pini Bothoko | Thursday December 11, 2014 19:22
Addressing the United Nations International Anti-Corruption Day that was held at Francistown stadium on Tuesday, noted that corruption affects poverty eradication efforts and sustainable development.
“Corruption is a serious roadblock to economic development. This is why Botswana joins the rest of the world in bringing awareness to the public by recognising this day every year. It is meant to facilitate continuous engagement and dialogue in the fight against corruption,” he said.
The day was celebrated under the theme, ‘Zero Corruption, 100% Development’.
Morupisi said that corruption has become one of the major challenges that governments across the globe are confronted with today, as it undermines human development and democracy. He said the practice reduces access to public services by diverting public resources for personal gain. Morupisi said that the government of Botswana has reviewed several laws that include among others, the Corruption and Economic Crime Act, the Counter Terrorism Act, the Electronic-Evidence Act, as well as the Proceeds and Instruments of Crime Act. The PSP said that the DCEC Act was reviewed and amended in 2013, giving it more powers to deal with new offences such as trading in influence, and abuse of office.
He said that the government introduced the DCEC to fight corruption and economic crime in all forms.
“This mission cannot be achieved by one institution, I therefore urge all to contribute in fighting corruption,” he said urging his audience to report any suspected acts of corruption.
He said that the government has set up a corruption court to deal with cases of corruption and a specialised unit has been established within the Directorate of Public Prosecutions to deal specifically with corruption.
Morupisi said that corruption undermines the rule of law and public trust in politicians, business leaders and the public service.
Morupisi urge public servants to be transparent, practice good governance, accountability to fight corruption. He said that even though Botswana has once again rated the least corrupt country in Africa, this does not suggest that there is no corruption in Botswana.
“This means that we are doing well but still have to commit ourselves to Zero tolerance of corruption,” said Morupisi.
Meanwhile, Morupisi called on the private sector to contribute in the fight against corruption, since they are equally affected and should know that corruption erodes corporate identity, undermines confidence between business partners and can destroy the reputation of once-trusted companies. Francistown mayor Silvia Muzila said that the event came at a more opportune time as the city is on the drive to becoming an investment hub.
She said that they want to attract investment to the city, promote the already existing investment opportunities and transform them into an investment centre of vibrancy by the year 2022.
Muzila said that people should be aware that these developments may attract undesirable elements such as corruption and economic crime therefore should be ready to counter.