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.
