02 Mar 2015

Kgosi Prince Shashe says fighting corruption remains a national concern, which requires concerted efforts by all stakeholders.

Speaking at a five-day workshop organised by the Ministry of Lands and Housing, he said all citizens must fight against corruption and never leave it to the Directorate of Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) and other enforcement agencies. 

The workshop aimed to capacitate corruption prevention committees members at various ministry departments and land boards. Kgosi Shashe said the fight against corruption and fraud could only be realised in a transparent environment where everyone should play their part. 

He indicated that it was common knowledge that Botswana required foreign direct investment for further growth and development, but if high levels of corruption were left unattended, that would scare away prospective and responsible investors.

He said corruption eroded economic and social growth, including investor confidence. Nevertheless, he applauded the ministry for organising the workshop designed to enable committee members to conduct corruption risk assessment.

“As officials of the Ministry of Lands and Housing, you are tasked with managing a sensitive resource; that of land, therefore I encourage you to act diligently and carefully when serving the public and nation at large,” he said.

Thus, he urged them to fight corruption by all means because if left unattended it would rob the nation all of its hard earned resources. Kgosi also observed that individuals also had an obligatory role of whistle blowing, which involved anonymously reporting suspected acts of corrupt practices irrespective of the positions of suspects. 

He further reminded participants of their national obligation to inform enforcement officers and allow them to play their part. Kgosi Shashe said government had responded to the challenges through establishment of DCEC and other initiatives such as corruption prevention committees and thus encouraged participants to demonstrate their commitment in the fight against corruption.

Senior manager in the lands and housing ministry, Ms Tlhabologo Ndzinge said the workshop was pertinent because the public had negative perceptions that the ministry was the most corrupt.

Ms Ndzinge also indicated that the workshop would enhance the capacity of the entire ministry in combating fraud and corruption that would ultimately translate to its integrity, teamwork, transparency, accountability, creating ethical work culture and enhanced service delivery. She said participants would have sufficient knowledge concerning the anti-corruption drive and be able to identify corruption risks. ENDS