the monitor

Use social media to build, not destro

The story of Boniface Mabeo, the Member of Parliament who is now pursuing legal action over a Facebook comment, is not merely a tale of one politician’s bruised reputation.

It is a warning flare to every Motswana who logs onto social media. As a country, we have reached a point where the line between robust debate and outright destruction has become dangerously blurred. At face value, Mabeo’s response, which seeks an apology and threat of a defamation suit, might seem severe to some. But we cannot ignore the context. The comment in question did not offer a policy critique or question a political decision.

It accused a public figure of being a drug user based on nothing but reckless speculation. Such words have weight. In Botswana, the courts are increasingly clear that defamation is not just a civil wrong; it can land an offender in prison for up to two years.

Editor's Comment
Don't let FMD outbreak drag on

Acting Agriculture Minister, Edwin Dikoloti, is right in saying opening an export-ready facility whilst Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is still spreading would risk getting the whole country blacklisted before a single carcass leaves the door.A ban like that would break the already stressed nation. So, the postponement, painful as it is, is the right thing to do. The local economy is being squeezed from both ends. FMD has already slammed the door...

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