UB Don Cautions Against Corruption

FREDERICK KEBADIRETSE
Staff Writer | Monday October 26, 2009 00:00

Speaking at a public lecture organised by the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) at the University of Botswana (UB) last Thursday, Dr Bashi Mothusi, a lecturer in the department of political science and public relations at UB said, Batswana should work together to fight and eliminate corruption if they want to achieve the national vision. The public lecture, held under the theme 'Zero tolerance for corruption and economic crime: An imperative for poverty alleviation and sustainable economic growth', was meant so sensitise the public about the evils of corruption and economic crime in society.

Mothusi said if people live in a corrupt society, the vision pillars, especially the two of an open, democratic and accountable nation; and a safe and secure nation will be a far-fetched dream. He stated that research shows that African states provide a conducive environment for corruption due to dictatorial leadership, a poorly developed medium, which does not play its fair role in exposing graft. He said corruption continues to grow in Africa because the public is uninformed on the vice, therefore it is difficult for people to distinguish graft from non-graft.

'Because of all these factors which provide a fertile environment for corruption, corruption in Africa has reached cancerous proportions,' Mothusi said. He stated that low salaries for public servants and economic difficulties in most African states encourages corruption. Self-centered leaders who only take into account the interests of the elite are also said to contribute to corruption as well as the discretionary power of some public servants who tend to ignore established rules and regulations. Other causal factors for corruption are said to be weak administrative structures, where public servants fail to be accountable for their actions, personal greed or ambition, which force people to do whatever it takes to get what they want even if it means engaging in corruption.

Mothusi stated that compared to most developing countries, corruption in Botswana has not reached pandemic status and is not institutionalised. He said Botswana has been able to do things differently because of the proper way it manages its natural resources. 'It is through proper planning that we managed to be where we are, and we therefore need to ensure that we minimise corruption to continue developing,' he said. He commended the Botswana government for coming up with poverty alleviation schemes to improve citizens' lives.

On the economic costs of crime, Mothusi said corruption raises the transaction costs in government, making it difficult to implement development projects. This only leaves governments with the options of increasing taxes, borrowing money from international financial institutions or deferring implementation of projects, all of which can leave the country in serious debts, leading to increased poverty. 

'These occur as a result of bribes used to buy government contracts, influencing the outcome of the legal framework, and loosening the regulatory framework that is set to combat corruption,' he said. He added that there is need for political stability and good governance to ensure that corruption is minimised at all costs. He urged the people to do their part in fighting corruption.

'The fight against corruption is a long, hard and protracted one, but we should not lose hope; it is the responsibility of every citizen to report corruption. I therefore challenge you to help fight this beast,' he said.

Senior assistant director of the DCEC, Poppy Monyatsi, urged the public to be on the watch out for any inappropriate use of government resources. She said corruption can hamper economic growth and stability leading to economic collapse and suffering as has happened in other countries. She stated that any misappropriation and embezzlement of public funds should be viewed as corruption. Senior anti-corruption officer at DCEC, Kenneth Petros, warned the public against complacency, saying the people should not relax and think corruption and economic crime are not common in their midst. He said it takes only one day for all the good progress the country has made to be reversed by corruption and therefore the public should always be alert.