Lobatse Corruption Under Microscope

Tumelo Mouwane | Monday July 24, 2017 16:10

 

Speaking during a Kgotla meeting here yesterday the council’s anti-corruption wing chairperson, Mike Taukobong said they are concerned with the way tenders are awarded and issues of bribes, which he said have become a common practice.

“There are some cases of corruption that we have put under microscope which happen in the eyes of the community of Lobatse. People are corrupt and they are known. Company owners steal from the council because of relationships they have with officers.

It took too long for you as residents to come forward with information and tip us off. Some of the investigations into the cases were initiated by us because we were suspicious in the way tenders were awarded. “We have formed the anti-corruption committee and we have already written to some people to be part of the team,” Taukobong said.  He urged the community to come forth when they witness acts of corruption.  “Corruption is great concern in the country but it looks like we will continue singing the same song because we don’t see any difference despite advising people to stop being corrupt,” he said. Taukobong urged the public to look closely into the council to see whether they get services without being asked for bribes. He said he had realised that employees take bribes from customers when requesting for service. “I call upon the community to take care of the government resources.  Every service offered by the council is not really theirs. It is yours as residents and as Batswana to see to that people don’t put their personal interests into government resources. We want informers; we want people who will tell us if they see something suspicious,” he said.

Addressing the issue of his capability to head the committee, Taukobong said he was fit for the office since he is not corrupt.  “I am anti-corruption and I am proud of it. I can confidently say that I am not corrupt and I am fit to be in this position as the chairman. I want residents not to be afraid to come forward and bring information, even if it means facing anyone powerful, I am up to the challenge,” he said.

One of the entrepreneurs, who opted for anonymity for fear of being victimised, said the issue of corruption within council is complicated.  “It is a very difficult issue. Companies outside Lobatse are awarded tenders with huge sums of profits. The council outsources services that we can offer as business people in Lobatse.

Those in offices have their own preferences. For example, they award certain companies big money tenders, but some of us are always awarded small margin profit tenders because we don’t have special relationships with such officials. Corruption is rife within the council and it is a course for concern,” he said.