Journalism in the disinformation age is Botswana’s test of democratic resilience

What once passed as harmless political banter on radio call-in shows has now morphed into a high-stakes contest of narratives on social media, where rumors, conspiracy theories, and personal attacks travel faster than the truth. Not only does this discourage robust investigative journalism, but it also erodes public trust. Citizens begin to ask, if both the media and counterclaims accuse each other of lying, who then can we believe?

Consider the case of a breaking story on corruption or maladministration. Within minutes of publication, it can be met with counter-narratives, viral memes, and WhatsApp voice notes that drown out factual reporting. Not long ago, when the government ordered a forensic audit, social media erupted with outlandish tales - millions of Pula in P200 notes allegedly found in Jojo tanks, claims of former ministers being arrested, and rumours of vast sums stashed in private homes. The stories spread with ease, while factual reports struggled to catch up. Those who attempted to inject sanity were shouted down by insults and digital heckling.