A situation where people in positions of power are allowed to use information which they have access to by virtue of their position is undesirable. In developed countries, such laws were prompted by insider trading associated with corporate officers, directors and large stockholders who made huge profits out of such a practice. In casinos, the rules are set such that insiders and their relatives don't use their positions and connections to win jackpots. Surprisingly, such a simple and straight -forward consideration has not been extended to our public service and politicians who are entrusted with public assets. As a result, Botswana is awash with instances where people use their positions to prepare themselves and their relatives for opportunities while disadvantaging other citizens who are not privy to such information.
Batswana will recall that while the government was refusing a proposal from the opposition to establish a military in Botswana, Ian Khama was undergoing military training. By giving Ian Khama an unfair advantage over other Batswana is a vivid example of using inside information. He was therefore destined to lead the newly established Botswana Defence Force.
