Whistleblowers need to be protected

The concerning tale of a university lecturer dismissed for raising alarm about possible corruption and another of a man fearing for his life after he blew the whistle on alleged misconduct within the Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) underline the urgent need to address and strengthen the institution of whistle-blowing in Botswana.

Whistle-blowers play an indispensable role in safeguarding the ethical fabric of our society. Their willingness to step forward and shine a light on malpractices is not just an act of courage but a civic duty. It is an act that echoes the core values upon which our democratic society stands. As Batswana, we must recognise the pivotal role whistle-blowers play in fostering transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. However, the recent incidents point to a disturbing trend where those who dare to speak truth to power find themselves facing persecution rather than protection.