The tussle between the trio is not new as it dates back to last year when the CEO was suspended just six months into her contract. Initially, she was to be placed under a three-month suspension, but the suspension was further extended indefinitely on full pay. She was later reinstated to her position before being fired through a letter dated October 28, 2024 signed by the former minister. “Pursuant to Section 20 (5) (g) of the National Arts Council of Botswana Act, I have made a decision to remove you from the office of chief executive officer of the National Arts Council of Botswana with immediate effect,” the letter read in part.
Ellis has since dragged the NACB and the minister to court. In an explosive affidavit, she details that her only crime was questioning and refusing to sign off on flawed procurement and refusing corruption. “I wish at this point to reiterate that my employment relationship has been tumultuous. I serve a very hostile board and oversee subordinates that continuously collude with the said board and minister to sabotage me in executing my duties as well as breach policies and procedures in place especially in respect to procurement,” the CEO tells the court. Giving such an example of corruption, she says she was made aware of a direct appointment of a company to coordinate side events at the UNESCO conference that amounted to a staggering P259,040.
