14 Jul 2016

The Assistant Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration Mr Dikgang Makgalemele says the proposed Whistleblowing Bill instructs the whistleblower to provide their full name, address and occupation so that one can be traced if there is need for one to be  turned into state witness.

Giving clarification to MP’s in Parliament during a debate on the Whistleblowing Bill Mr Makgalemele stated that it was important for the whistleblowers to state their identity for purposes of investigations.

MP for Francistown South Mr Wynter Mmolotsi had questioned clause 9 of the Bill which request the whistleblowers to disclose their identity saying it does not protect the informer.

He said due to this clause Batswana would not be forthcoming with information because there is no confidentiality and in that case they would fear to report perpetrators. Mr Mmolotsi  emphasised that whistleblowers should remain anonymous because being an informant in itself is not an easy thing to do.

However the MP stated that the Bill was very important especially in Botswana where some cases of corruption have remained unreported because some people  feared  being victimised. 

“We are happy the Bill is being discussed in parliament because we are a nation that doesn’t condone corruption.”

He expressed concern over  the list of authorised officers to receive disclosures in clause 8 because there were bound to be subjective when handling matters in case where they know the perpetrators.

According to Clause 8, the following have been appointed authorized persons to receive disclosures, Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime, the Auditor General, Directorate of Intelligence and Security, Botswana Police Service, Ombudsman, Botswana Unified Revenue Service and Financial Intelligence Agency.

Mr Mmolotsi further expressed his appreciation over the Namibian President visit and address to National Assembly whom he said shared good lessons with the MP’s.

In his contribution MP for Boteti East Mr Sethomo Lelatisitswe noted that the Bill was a good law that protected Botswana.

He said with the introduction of the Bill people would be able to ring an alarm when they suspect any illegal dealings anywhere.

He warned that  those who are given authority to investigate cases should not abuse those powers but act accordingly towards a prosperous Botswana.

Mr Lelatisitswe opined that the Competition Authority should also be listed as an authority for investigation because they can assess whether people don’t duplicate or steal other people’s businesses.

MP for Ghanzi North Mr Noah Salakae concurred that the Bill was the answer to corruption and transparency outcry.

He also stated that the list of investigating authorities should be expanded disagreeing with the fact that all the listed authorities were government departments.

Therefore he said the Bill should give some parastatals responsibilities so that they can also be listed as authorities for disclosure.

Mr Salakae further stated that a penalty should be inserted in the Bill to reprimand authorities in a case where they violate the powers vested in them and discloses their sources or any other misconduct. ENDS