28 Jul 2022

UN International Anti-Corruption Day commemoration is scheduled for Maun on December 9.

The event will seek to encourage stakeholders to join forces to tackle corruption.

Speaking during a recent preparatory meeting, Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) senior assistant director in Maun, Mr Oteng Seemule, said preparations for the event were at an advanced stage.

He said Botswana was among countries that ratified the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) in 2011, adding that  December 9 was designated for the annual commemoration to raise awareness on corruption and the role of the convention in combating and preventing it.

The UNCAC is a global anti-corruption instrument that contributes to the achievements of the 2030 Agenda by fostering accountability, integrity and transparency. The UN convention emphasised the responsibility of governments to put in place effective whistle-blower protection measures.

“This is the second time we host the event in Maun,” he added.

For his part, DCEC senior assistant director for public education, Mr Dominic Khame, said since ratifying UNCAC, Botswana had shown commitment in commemorating the day.

He said they had been rotating venues to intensify ownership and awareness on corruption- related issues, adding that the first commemoration was in Gaborone in 2012 followed by Maun in 2013 while the recent one was in Tlokweng last year.

Mr Khame urged government departments and other organisations to resuscitate corruption prevention committees (CPCs) in the workplace and embrace corruption strategy in support of DCEC’s efforts to combat corruption.

Maun Administrative Authority assistant district commissioner, Mr Ramogaupi Gaborekwe appreciated that the event would highlight everyone’s responsibilities in fighting corruption. ENDS