President Duma Boko’s recent claim that “90% of media output is fake news” is not only baseless but dangerously dismissive.
Such rhetoric risks eroding trust in Botswana’s press, an institution vital to democracy. While no media landscape is flawless, Botswana’s journey from State-controlled broadcasting to a diverse, vibrant sector deserves recognition. Since independence, Botswana’s media has transformed into public and private outlets, broadening public debate and fostering accountability as MISA (Media Institution of Southern Africa) chairperson, Thomas Nkhoma, wrote elsewhere in this publication. Investigative journalism, in particular, has exposed corruption, from government mismanagement to corporate malpractice. Without reporters uncovering scandals like the National Petroleum Fund embezzlement, such abuses might remain hidden, leaving citizens in the dark. The media’s role as a watchdog is not a luxury, it is democracy’s lifeline.
Beyond holding those who exercise power to account, the press amplifies marginalised voices. Coverage of the San people’s land rights struggles or the surge in gender-based violence has spurred national dialogue and policy action. During the COVID-19 pandemic, journalists bridged the gap between authorities and the public, combating misinformation and disseminating of life-saving guidelines. Their work, often under-resourced, has been important during crises. Yet, challenges persist. Botswana remains one of Africa’s few nations without Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation, forcing journalists to navigate bureaucratic stonewalling or legal threats. Meanwhile, reliance on government advertising revenue risks editorial independence, as outlets hesitate to criticise funders. The shift to digital platforms has further strained traditional media’s finances, threatening the survival of in-depth reporting.
To strengthen the sector, reforms are urgent. First, passing FOI {Freedom of Information} laws would empower journalists to scrutinise public institutions transparently. Second, diversifying revenue via reader subscriptions, grants, or partnerships could reduce over-reliance on state-linked advertising. Third, investing in training for investigative journalism and digital storytelling would raise standards and public trust. Newsrooms must also prioritise fact-checking and community engagement to counter perceptions of bias.
President Boko’s broadside against the media ignores these complexities. Rather than alienating the press, his government should collaborate with stakeholders to address systemic hurdles. A free, thriving media benefits everyone: it exposes graft, unites communities, and empowers citizens. Dismissing 90% of its work as “fake” without evidence undermines this partnership. Botswana’s media is not perfect, nor is it the villain here. It is a mirror reflecting the nation’s triumphs and faults. Silencing critics or peddling stereotypes helps no one. Instead, let us nurture a press that holds power to account while being accountable itself. The path forward lies in reform, respect, and dialogue, not unfounded accusations. Democracy demands nothing less, Mr President.
Public schools belong to the government as much as they belong to the people. This is a critical message, which school authorities should preach with no lack of effort. Parents and students always demonstrate enthusiasm and zeal to give their best love and energies to a school that loves them and has successfully created a true spirit of collective ownership.
Beyond holding those who exercise power to account, the press amplifies marginalised voices. Coverage of the San people’s land rights struggles or the surge in gender-based violence has spurred national dialogue and policy action. During the COVID-19 pandemic, journalists bridged the gap between authorities and the public, combating misinformation and disseminating of life-saving guidelines. Their work, often under-resourced, has been important during crises. Yet, challenges persist. Botswana remains one of Africa’s few nations without Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation, forcing journalists to navigate bureaucratic stonewalling or legal threats. Meanwhile, reliance on government advertising revenue risks editorial independence, as outlets hesitate to criticise funders. The shift to digital platforms has further strained traditional media’s finances, threatening the survival of in-depth reporting.
To strengthen the sector, reforms are urgent. First, passing FOI {Freedom of Information} laws would empower journalists to scrutinise public institutions transparently. Second, diversifying revenue via reader subscriptions, grants, or partnerships could reduce over-reliance on state-linked advertising. Third, investing in training for investigative journalism and digital storytelling would raise standards and public trust. Newsrooms must also prioritise fact-checking and community engagement to counter perceptions of bias.
President Boko’s broadside against the media ignores these complexities. Rather than alienating the press, his government should collaborate with stakeholders to address systemic hurdles. A free, thriving media benefits everyone: it exposes graft, unites communities, and empowers citizens. Dismissing 90% of its work as “fake” without evidence undermines this partnership. Botswana’s media is not perfect, nor is it the villain here. It is a mirror reflecting the nation’s triumphs and faults. Silencing critics or peddling stereotypes helps no one. Instead, let us nurture a press that holds power to account while being accountable itself. The path forward lies in reform, respect, and dialogue, not unfounded accusations. Democracy demands nothing less, Mr President.
Public schools belong to the government as much as they belong to the people. This is a critical message, which school authorities should preach with no lack of effort. Parents and students always demonstrate enthusiasm and zeal to give their best love and energies to a school that loves them and has successfully created a true spirit of collective ownership.