In an interview with Mmegi yesterday, chairman of MISA-Botswana chapter, Laona Segaetsho said because of funding problems they might be forced to scale down their staff complement, which now stands at four people.
He said after most major donors left the country - when Botswana was declared a middle-income country - the media organisation has been having a torrid time, trying to deliver on its advocacy mandate. ISA Botswana is one of the most active media organisations that advocates for the freedom of the press and free flow of information. The organisation continues to play a crucial role in advocating for the repeal of the draconian Media Practitioners Act. "Donors focus on funding areas that are hot spots, for example Zimbabwe and economies that are struggling. They say here government and local businesses can support us. So we find ourselves trapped, trying to play the watchdog role and promoting democracy through our checks and balances in a country that is seen as a growing economy and a great democracy," said Segaetsho. He called on institutions and businesses to support NGOs, which are indispensable to a viable democracy. He warned that, "we may reach a situation where the NGOs will go under.."
