12 Jul 2017

Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) director general, Ms Rose Seretse says media participation in fighting corruption and economic crime is important.

Speaking at the first ever media pitso with themed ‘collaborative efforts between the DCEC and media to effectively tackle corruption issues’ Ms Seretse said it was important to educate the public about the evils of corruption.

She noted that the 2016 Corruption Perception Index gave Botswana a rating of 60 per cent and a ranking of 35 out of 176 countries, which rendered the country the least corrupt country in Africa.

However, she indicated that despite such ratings, Botswana was still faced with challenges of corrupt activities in various sectors of the economy where issues of conflict of interest, influence peddling, nepotism and falsification of land certificates were continuously being reported.

Ms Seretse further said the aim of the pitso was to share with the media the newly enacted Whistle Blowing Legislation which came into effect on December 9, 2016.

She highlighted that Botswana continues to maintain zero tolerance to corruption and this is demonstrated by the positive governance indicators such as those of Moody’s ratings, Mo Ibrahim, World Bank and Transparency International.

She highlighted that the fight against corruption is a national issue that is to be addressed by each and every citizen.

“Today’s pitso is not only meant to sensitise you as members of the media on the mandate of the DCEC, it is also meant to explore your role in the fight against corruption in Botswana,” she said.

She  noted that the responsibility to fight corruption did not only lie with the DCEC but all members of society including the media should resolve to fight corruption.

 For her part, Ms Osesenaqa Lekgoko, a media relations officer from Botswana Government Communications Information System (BGCIS) said their organisation was a government information hub for government directives, enacted laws and messages that government sent to the public.

Ms Lekgoko also indicated that after the pitso, their expectation was to see the media sharing information with the public.

She emphasises that such information should be accurate, relevant and had meaning to the public.

Meanwhile, DCEC head of legal services, Mr Edwin Batsalelwang, said the media was the key whistleblower

He explained that the DCEC investigated complaints alleging corruption and also educated the public against evils of corruption. ENDs