Ethics, whistleblowing and the fight against corruption in Botswana: A journalist�s perspective

DCEC headquarters
DCEC headquarters

Last Thursday, the University of Botswana in conjunction with the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime, held a symposium under the theme, ‘United against corruption, peace and security’ ahead of the International Anti Corruption Day, which was observed on December 9 world-wide. In this abridged version of his presentation, TITUS MBUYA*, gives his perspective on the country’s performance in its fight against the scourge of corruption

Needless to say, the last 10 years have been very difficult and trying for Botswana. On the economic front there was the global economic meltdown, the effects of which we are still reeling from, as it is evident from the slowed rate of economic growth. We continued to grapple with the triple challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality. And just over 12 months ago we saw the closure of BCL Mine in Selebi-Phikwe which sent shock waves through the nation as 5,000 of our compatriots lost their jobs.

Most importantly, over the last 10 years, we saw a systematic hollowing out of state oversight institutions. Parliament became a rubber stamp of the Executive. The DCEC lost its mojo as a robust corruption busting body that it was promising to be at its inception. The office of the Ombudsman became a laughing stock as its rulings are persistently ignored. And the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) was emasculated as a result of being captured by the Executive.

Editor's Comment
Bravo police for prompt action

It is also hurting that whilst we all know that the Botswana Police Service (BPS) is charged functionally with the duties to investigate all forms of crime, some locals have resorted to taking the law into their own hands. It is very wrong to do that. There is also a possibility that one may wrongfully take the life of a person in the process, unless it is a justifiable case of self-defence. Recently, in the city of Francistown, some locals found...

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