The petition, dated February 3, 2025, addressed to the Minister for State President, Moeti Mohwasa, the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) and the Secretary to the President. It outlines a series of serious allegations, including embezzlement of project funds, nepotism and mismanagement of donations by the senior officials. The petitioners have demanded the immediate suspension of Mukokomani, alongside programmes manager, Tshepo Dixon, and head of Health Neo Mogowa, pending a full investigation into their conduct. The petition also calls for a comprehensive audit of the Botswana Red Cross projects and finances, citing multiple instances of suspected corruption and mismanagement. One of the key allegations from the petition relates to the misuse of funds from the Ministry of Health polio campaign awareness and prevention project, which was implemented in February and April 2023. The project, led by Mogowa, is alleged to have been marred by financial embezzlement. According to the petition, “certain officers were given money for mobilisation of communities and we suspect they did not retire the balances.” The petitioners allege that some officers were dismissed immediately after the campaign ended, raising suspicions that funds were misappropriated without proper accountability.
The petition further alleges that similar mismanagement occurred with donations from Standard Chartered Bank of Botswana (P3.6 million) and Coca-Cola (P600, 000) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these substantial donations, volunteers reportedly suffered from a lack of resources while working on the ground. “Volunteers suffered exploitation due to lack of resources availed to them,” the petition alleges, calling for an audit of these funds. Other projects under scrutiny include the MasterCard and Africa CDC Save Lives and Livelihood initiative, UNICEF projects and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)-funded elections support project. The petition alleges that the senior management created fake invoices for vehicle hires, which were never used as part of a money-making scheme. The Botswana Red Cross First Aid programme, which generates significant revenue for the organisation, is also at the centre of corruption allegations.
The petition claims that funds were embezzled through ghost Orange Money accounts allegedly created by the finance manager, with the knowledge of Mukokomani. “Huge amounts of money have been looted through the use of ghost Orange Money accounts,” the petition alleges, adding that Mukokomani’s silence on the matter demonstrates a lack of integrity. The petition also alleges the mismanagement of both cash and in-kind donations. For example, the Mabule Red Cross branch was reportedly offered 52, 000 bricks and P75, 000 for the construction of a pre-school. However, the funds and materials were never used for their intended purpose. “To this day, Mabule Red Cross members and tribal leadership remain aggrieved because Mukokomani did not allow the dream of a pre-school to come to light,” the petition states. The petitioners have accused Mukokomani of nepotism and favouritism in hiring and contract renewals. They claim that preferred employees are given longer contracts, while others are offered short-term contracts that are repeatedly renewed. The petition also alleges that former finance manager, Beauty Kuta, was given multiple acting roles, including First Aid Coordinator and Human Resource Manager, allowing her to draw salaries for these positions in addition to her senior portfolio package. The petition accuses Mukokomani of abusing his power by bypassing procurement procedures. For instance, he allegedly instructed the installation of CCTV cameras at his private residence and Red Cross offices using his preferred supplier, contravening established procurement processes. The petition also claims that he directed the repair of Red Cross vehicles at his choice of garage, bypassing insurance procedures and causing financial losses to the organisation. Volunteers have reportedly suffered under the leadership of Mogowa, who is accused of mismanaging COVID-19 funds meant for procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE).
The petition alleges that PPE was purchased from a company owned by Mogowa’s then boyfriend at inflated prices, while volunteers went without adequate protection. “Volunteers were not given lunch for a whole week, and there was a shortage of masks and no transport provision,” the petition states. Disparities in volunteer incentives have also been highlighted, with the Maun branch volunteers reportedly receiving P1, 000, while the Kanye branch volunteers received only P500, despite starting work earlier. The petition describes Mogowa as “harsh and belittling” towards volunteers, undermining the spirit of volunteerism. The petitioners have called for a commission of inquiry to investigate the Botswana Red Cross board, past and present members, and the terms of Mukokomani’s employment. They allege that he has manipulated the board’s composition to serve his interests, including the fraudulent issuance of membership cards to preferred individuals.
The petition also raises concerns about the high turnover of staff, which it attributes to Mukokomani’s leadership style. “Staff members are fearful of the secretary-general,” the petition states, adding that volunteers and employees are encouraged to spy on one another through bribery. The petitioners have urged the government to take immediate action to address the alleged corruption and maladministration within the society. “Our society is in the hands of looters who make money for themselves in the name of humanitarianism,” the petition alleges. They have called for a rigorous audit of the organisation’s accounts and projects, as well as the suspension of Mukokomani, Mogowa, and Dixon pending investigation. Contacted for a comment, Mukokomani said: “I am not aware of any petition against the Red Cross. The Board has also confirmed that they don’t know of any petition nor complaint levelled against the Red Cross. And as per the document you just shared, I am only seeing it now and there is absolutely no truth in its contents.”
