Business Botswana Lobbies Private Sector
Pauline Dikuelo | Monday January 15, 2018 16:47
Last September Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) noted that the code has so far received just over 400 subscriptions out of a total of 2,989 members of BB, which is a representative of the business community.
The code that was promulgated by DCEC, BB and Commonwealth Business Council in 2001 is aimed at inspiring ethical business principles in the private sector.
According to acting CEO, Norman Moleele, by signing, the private sector would be joining the organisation in its journey towards a corrupt-free business environment in the country. He said that the organisation would also engage the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Board (PP ADB) to strengthen the already existing code with the intention to ensure that all businesses demonstrate commitment towards the fight against corruption.
“BB would like such commitment to be a requirement in order for businesses to participate in any public procurement activities,” he said.
Further, he said that the current allegations to possible impropriety on the management of government imposed levies noting that specifically the current reference to the National Petroleum Fund and Pension funds are a cause for serious concern.
“Our concern stems from the fact that these are public funds, which are falling victim to either fraud or corrupt practices. It leaves us to ask ourselves a question as to whether the systems and procedures that are in place are so weak such that they are open to abuse,” he said.
Further he questioned whether the boards that have fiduciary responsibility over such resources are vigilant enough to avert any fraudulent activity in the funds that they are managing.
Moleele said BB is concerned with issues of governance, accountability and financial management that ought to be in place to mitigate any fraud related activities should such occur. He highlighted that their concern is further agitated by what seems to be very loose control mechanisms in place relating to the safekeeping of large funds.
“BB feels that there has been one too many of such incidents, pointing to a possible threat to the levy funds that have been created for the benefit of Batswana now and in future. That levies on their own, worse still managed by ministries, are prone to abuse,” he said.
Furthermore, he said that corruption continues to be identified as a major challenge in the country and it has affected Doing Business Rankings. The acting CEO said both the public and private sectors identified this at their bi-annual High Level Consultation Council.
“There is no doubt that corruption has a negative impact in the performance of the economy and it affects employment creation efforts by all involved,” he said.