16 Mar 2015

Air Botswana has been hailed for its commitment to upholding the principles of corporate governance by developing anti-corruption strategies. 

Officially launching the tip-off anonymous facility by Air Botswana in Gaborone recently, the director general of the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC), Ms Rose Seretse said institutions that developed such strategies were those that had a reputation to protect.

She said Air Botswana linked Botswana to the world and it was the first point of contact with people of all nationalities, hence they found it fit to set a zero tolerance to corruption.

Ms Seretse said companies that think coming up with anti-corruption strategies was expensive do not have a bigger picture because one successful tip off could save money equal to an entire years’ subscription of a tip-off facility. 

She said the tip-off facility was one of the most effective ways for both employees and members of the public to report activities of wrong doing including corruption, unethical conduct and fraud that might go unnoticed.

“This allows appropriate action to be taken early before extensive damage is done,” she added. Ms Seretse said it was important that when someone chooses to remain anonymous, the one receiving a report asks relevant questions to allow investigations to proceed.

She, however, said the challenge was that those reporting were not always willing to provide information, saying at times when questioned for clarity, they feel that they were being interrogated.

Ms Seretse also warned Air Botswana that when they get reports alleging corruption or unethical behaviour, they should not spend time trying to analyse who could have reported because that would be viewed as victimisation. 

She said the DCEC has successfully investigated and prosecuted 45 per cent of cases reported by anonymous sources. She also encouraged continuous vetting of employees who were manning the tip-off facility.

On other issues, Ms Seretse also advised Air Botswana to act on reports timeously, strengthen supervision, conduct lifestyle audits of employees, adding that one officer should not to be stationed in one division for too long. 

The director said research had shown that 40 per cent of fraud was detected through tip-offs. She also advised the company to have a robust ethical programme in place.

For his part, the deputy board chairperson for Air Botswana, Mr Cosmas Moapare said both employees and customers could report fraud and inappropriate activities in the organisation in a safe, confidential and secure way. Mr Moapare said the tip–off could be given through a cellular phone, Internet, land line, mail and otherwise. ENDS