Whither Botswana

What constitute conflict of interest
Like Michael Dingake (Mmegi, 12 January 2010) I couldn't believe my eyes when I read the story in the Christmas Week 2009 edition of The Voice about the alleged interest of our minister responsible for Defence, justice and security, Ramadeluka Seretse, in a business said to have supplied security equipment (among other things) to the Botswana Police Service.

I couldn't believe my eyes because I found it impossible to imagine a worse example of a conflict-of-interest situation.

Here was the political head of the government ministry responsible for the police service, who was alleged to have a direct interest in a company reported to have at least once won a tender to supply the department with security equipment! 

Editor's Comment
Consult, get buy-ins first for 6 to 6 policy, Hon Minister

While the minister is of the view that the proposal would have significant positive economic impact, the entertainment industry players believe otherwise. The issue has over the weeks become a hot potato. But what is of essence right now is that the country needs liberal ideas to move in the right direction While opening up the economy may sound quite interesting to the ear, rolling out extended trading hours through pilot programmes without...

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