�Chewed but not swallowed�
Friday, December 12, 2014

As told traditionally, a forgetful pastor tells his congregation that Jonah swallowed a whale, to which a watchful congregant points out that, actually, the whale swallowed Jonah. The pastor, in turn, mumbles that all he remembers is that ‘something swallowed something else’.
In 2009, the corporation began an ambitious Water Sector Reforms Programme (WSRP) under which it would take over the supply of water to all urban centres and villages. The programme was informed by a study suggesting that Botswana needed to rationalise its water sector and ensure uniform service levels for all.
While every citizen, including the Head of State, has the right to voice opinions, the tone and context of the President’s comments were regrettably dismissive and risk chilling free expression in our country. The remarks are not isolated. They form part of a disturbing pattern of public attacks on independent institutions pillars essential to the healthy functioning of our democracy. The Judiciary, the Legislature, and now the media have all...