Suggestions that most of what the media in Botswana produces (90%) is fake news, sensational or propaganda is not a fair or accurate assessment of the industry.
While there are certainly challenges, such a sweeping generalisation overlooks the critical role that the country’s media continues to play in shaping national discourse, holding power to account and promoting social responsibility. From the onset, it is important to note the significant evolution of the media landscape in Botswana, which has since independence transitioned from a state-controlled environment to a more diversified mix of public and private outlets. Such transformation further precipitated a broader range of perspectives besides contributing to a richer public debate. Nonetheless, we must also acknowledge that the industry operates within a complex and at times restrictive legal and economic framework that affects its ability to function optimally. Notwithstanding these challenges, the media in Botswana continues to be an essential pillar of democracy. It has never been found wanting in exposing corruption, promoting social cohesion and making significant contributions to national development. Over the years, investigative journalism in Botswana has played a critical role in exposing corruption and holding public officials accountable. Botswana’s media has been at the forefront of exposing financial mismanagement, abuse of office and unethical conduct in government and the corporate sector. One would quickly remember the P35 million tender fraud within the Botswana Power Corporation (BPC). A forensic investigation thereafter revealed that members of the BPC's supply chain division had received kickbacks from bidders in exchange for critical tender information.
This led to the suspension and dismissal of several officials involved in the malpractice. One would also remember the recent Air Botswana saga in which revelations of corruption prompted public scrutiny and calls for accountability within the national airline. There have also been significant contributions of the media through reporting on high-profile cases involving the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC), revealing details about money laundering, procurement fraud and other forms of financial misconduct. The reports have led to public debates, policy discussions and in some cases, government interventions. Without such journalism, many cases of corruption would go unnoticed while the public would be denied crucial information necessary for informed civic engagement. Beyond corruption, the media has been instrumental in fostering social cohesion by amplifying the voices of marginalised communities and addressing critical societal issues. Coverage of the struggles faced by indigenous groups such as the San people has helped bring attention to their fight for land rights and access to services. Investigative reporting on gender-based violence and social injustices has raised awareness and contributed to efforts aimed at addressing such issues. Furthermore, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the media played a key role in ensuring that the public had accurate information, which helped to counter misinformation by keeping communities informed about health guidelines and government policies.
Therefore, the ability of the media to act as a bridge between government and the people has been particularly important in maintaining national unity during crises. In national development, the media’s role is also evident in its consistent engagement with public policy matters. Journalistic scrutiny of the National Development Plans (NDPs), budget allocations and legislative processes has allowed Batswana to better understand how public resources are managed. Through detailed reporting and analysis, media outlets have enabled Batswana to participate in governance processes and demand transparency from leaders. Educational campaigns on critical issues such as climate change, HIV/AIDS and economic policies have also demonstrated the media’s commitment to public service and national progress. However, one can argue that the ability of the media to effectively play its watchdog role is constrained by several factors.
The absence of Access to Information legislation remains a significant hurdle given that it prevents journalists from obtaining the necessary documents and data to conduct indepth investigations. Instead of facilitating transparency, there are legal restrictions and other regulations that limit press freedom and create an environment where journalists often work under the threat of legal repercussions. Compounding the situation are economic pressures in that many media houses rely on government advertising for survival. There is no doubt that such dependence raises concerns about editorial independence in that some outlets find themselves hesitant to publish content critical of the government for fear of financial repercussions. In addition, the decline in revenue from traditional print media due to the rise of digital platforms has also affected sustainability. Consequently, it is now difficult for most news organisations to invest in quality investigative journalism. While the digital age presents both opportunities and challenges for Botswana’s media, the internet and social media have, in addition to allowing for greater reach and accessibility, contributed to the spread of misinformation and sensationalism. Some online platforms prioritise clickbait content over factual reporting, which has, in some cases, undermined public trust in the media. Conversely, it is crucial to distinguish between responsible journalism and the rise of unverified online content. I believe that many traditional media houses always strive to maintain rigorous editorial standards, fact-checking protocols and ethical reporting practices.
Therefore, instead of dismissing the entire industry as unreliable, we need to strengthen professionalism and ethical standards across all platforms. To ensure that the media continues to serve the public effectively, several key reforms are necessary. Legal reforms, particularly the introduction of Access to Information laws, will enable journalists to perform their duties more effectively and promote transparency in governance. Economic diversification within the industry, including the development of alternative revenue models, can help reduce reliance on advertising and safeguard editorial independence. Furthermore, investing in media capacity building, including training in investigative journalism, digital skills and ethical reporting, will also enhance the quality of news coverage. Collaboration with international media organisations, universities and civil society can provide additional resources and expertise to further professionalise the industry. Public trust in the media can also be strengthened through greater engagement with communities and a renewed commitment to fact-checking and editorial integrity. Ensuring that journalism remains relevant and responsive to the needs of citizens is also key to maintaining credibility. Therefore, instead of viewing the media as an adversary, there should be recognition of its critical role in a democratic society. While Botswana’s media faces undeniable challenges, it is far from being a landscape dominated by fake news and propaganda. The industry has made and continues to make significant contributions to good governance, social justice and national development. With the right reforms and investments, the media in Botswana can continue to be a powerful force for accountability, transparency and public empowerment in the country’s evolving democracy.
*THOMAS NKHOMA is the chairpeson of MISA Botswana chapter
This led to the suspension and dismissal of several officials involved in the malpractice. One would also remember the recent Air Botswana saga in which revelations of corruption prompted public scrutiny and calls for accountability within the national airline. There have also been significant contributions of the media through reporting on high-profile cases involving the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC), revealing details about money laundering, procurement fraud and other forms of financial misconduct. The reports have led to public debates, policy discussions and in some cases, government interventions. Without such journalism, many cases of corruption would go unnoticed while the public would be denied crucial information necessary for informed civic engagement. Beyond corruption, the media has been instrumental in fostering social cohesion by amplifying the voices of marginalised communities and addressing critical societal issues. Coverage of the struggles faced by indigenous groups such as the San people has helped bring attention to their fight for land rights and access to services. Investigative reporting on gender-based violence and social injustices has raised awareness and contributed to efforts aimed at addressing such issues. Furthermore, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the media played a key role in ensuring that the public had accurate information, which helped to counter misinformation by keeping communities informed about health guidelines and government policies.
Therefore, the ability of the media to act as a bridge between government and the people has been particularly important in maintaining national unity during crises. In national development, the media’s role is also evident in its consistent engagement with public policy matters. Journalistic scrutiny of the National Development Plans (NDPs), budget allocations and legislative processes has allowed Batswana to better understand how public resources are managed. Through detailed reporting and analysis, media outlets have enabled Batswana to participate in governance processes and demand transparency from leaders. Educational campaigns on critical issues such as climate change, HIV/AIDS and economic policies have also demonstrated the media’s commitment to public service and national progress. However, one can argue that the ability of the media to effectively play its watchdog role is constrained by several factors.
The absence of Access to Information legislation remains a significant hurdle given that it prevents journalists from obtaining the necessary documents and data to conduct indepth investigations. Instead of facilitating transparency, there are legal restrictions and other regulations that limit press freedom and create an environment where journalists often work under the threat of legal repercussions. Compounding the situation are economic pressures in that many media houses rely on government advertising for survival. There is no doubt that such dependence raises concerns about editorial independence in that some outlets find themselves hesitant to publish content critical of the government for fear of financial repercussions. In addition, the decline in revenue from traditional print media due to the rise of digital platforms has also affected sustainability. Consequently, it is now difficult for most news organisations to invest in quality investigative journalism. While the digital age presents both opportunities and challenges for Botswana’s media, the internet and social media have, in addition to allowing for greater reach and accessibility, contributed to the spread of misinformation and sensationalism. Some online platforms prioritise clickbait content over factual reporting, which has, in some cases, undermined public trust in the media. Conversely, it is crucial to distinguish between responsible journalism and the rise of unverified online content. I believe that many traditional media houses always strive to maintain rigorous editorial standards, fact-checking protocols and ethical reporting practices.
Therefore, instead of dismissing the entire industry as unreliable, we need to strengthen professionalism and ethical standards across all platforms. To ensure that the media continues to serve the public effectively, several key reforms are necessary. Legal reforms, particularly the introduction of Access to Information laws, will enable journalists to perform their duties more effectively and promote transparency in governance. Economic diversification within the industry, including the development of alternative revenue models, can help reduce reliance on advertising and safeguard editorial independence. Furthermore, investing in media capacity building, including training in investigative journalism, digital skills and ethical reporting, will also enhance the quality of news coverage. Collaboration with international media organisations, universities and civil society can provide additional resources and expertise to further professionalise the industry. Public trust in the media can also be strengthened through greater engagement with communities and a renewed commitment to fact-checking and editorial integrity. Ensuring that journalism remains relevant and responsive to the needs of citizens is also key to maintaining credibility. Therefore, instead of viewing the media as an adversary, there should be recognition of its critical role in a democratic society. While Botswana’s media faces undeniable challenges, it is far from being a landscape dominated by fake news and propaganda. The industry has made and continues to make significant contributions to good governance, social justice and national development. With the right reforms and investments, the media in Botswana can continue to be a powerful force for accountability, transparency and public empowerment in the country’s evolving democracy.
*THOMAS NKHOMA is the chairpeson of MISA Botswana chapter
