24 Aug 2014

Batswana have been urged to shun corruption and embrace a culture of zero tolerance to corruption.

This was said during the launch of the Thamaga Anti-Corruption Club on Tuesday, August 19.

Officially launching the club, the Acting Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Mr Shaw Kgathi said their aim was to promote zero tolerance to corruption in local communities and make them reject corruption in society.

He said the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) needs partnerships such as anti-corruption clubs to keep corruption at bay. He added that  if left unchecked, it was capable of bringing undesirable consequences.

It has been shown that corruption compromises the stability of a country and the security of its citizenry while benefiting a few at the expense of the majority. 

Minister Kgathi affirmed the nation’s commitment to building a corruption free society through establishment of anti-corruption clubs across the country.

Although Botswana has been rated by Transparency International as one of the least corrupt countries in Africa, the minister said it does not mean that Botswana was immune to corruption.

Mr Kgathi noted that the Thamaga anti-corruption club was one of the pioneering groups. 

Other similar clubs have been launched in Mahalapye, Maun, Moshupa and Gweta.

The establishment of anti-corruption clubs aims to bridge the gap between the DCEC and the community in the fight against corruption.

However, Mr Kgathi urged CACC members not to shy away from reporting corrupt practices. 

He also asked the community to assist in reporting corruption and to be truthful at all times and report only facts as the DCEC alone cannot eliminate corruption.
He discouraged them from using the DCEC as a bait to fight their wars.

He, however, guaranteed the community that the government was working round the clock to put in place a policy on whistle blowing which seeks to protect whistle blowers.

 For his part, Mogoditshane-Thamaga Sub-council chairperson, Maj. Driver Motlokwa said the greatest weapon to fighting corruption was educating one another about the evils of corruption. He added that some people carry out corrupt practices because they lack knowledge.

 He, however, cautioned that there was no excuse to breaking the law. ENDS