In recent years, the media landscape in Botswana has undergone a profound shift. Social media platforms, podcasts, and instant messaging services have created unprecedented speed in the dissemination of news, but this rapidity often comes at the cost of accuracy. Misleading claims frequently circulate before verification. A striking example was when rumours falsely suggested a cholera outbreak in Botswana. Conversely, the government had declared a public health emergency to address the severe shortage of essential medicines due to supply chain and financial challenges. Most importantly, the incident illustrates how misinformation can spark unnecessary panic and undermine public trust. It is here that explanatory journalism emerges as a vital tool. Unlike conventional reporting that often focuses on “who, what, when and where,” explanatory journalism essentially addresses the “how” and “why.” It connects events, policies, and social phenomena to help the public understand the forces shaping their lives. For instance, during discussions around Botswana’s Economic Transformation Programme, headlines alone cannot capture the intricacies of fiscal reforms, public sector restructuring or diversification strategies. Explanatory journalism can translate technical policies into digestible narratives, allowing citizens to engage meaningfully instead of relying on conjecture. Globally, the value of explanatory journalism is well-documented.
The New York Times’ “The Upshot” and Vox’s explainer-driven stories demonstrate that audiences actively seek clarity in a world of information overload. In Kenya, explanatory reporting during the 2022 elections helped citizens understand electronic voting systems, reducing anxiety and countering the spread of misinformation. These examples underscore that explanatory journalism does more than inform. It restores trust, promotes civic understanding, and reduces polarisation. Incidentally, the rise of citizen journalism and social media content in Botswana has amplified the challenge. Platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook are now primary sources of news for many, yet they often lack contextual depth. Misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines, educational policy, or economic interventions has circulated widely, at times causing confusion and fear. While citizen contributions enrich the information ecosystem, the absence of context and expert insight can mislead the public.
