Botswana Government Communications comprising of Department of Broadcasting, Information Services, Government Printing Services have gathered to strategize on coverage strategy for the upcoming 2024 General Elections.
Addressing the audience yesterday, the Minister for State President Hon. Kabo Neale Sechele Morwaeng highlighted that the gathering is vital to craft a strategy that exceeds ordinary coverage and delivers quality reporting during the upcoming General Elections. He emphasized that the media should remain devoted in their commitment to the truth and impartiality, exercise caution, thoroughness and unwavering dedication to accuracy in their reporting.
Minister Morwaeng encouraged the media to educate themselves on the electoral process, the dynamics of each constituency, and uphold the highest standards of fact-checking and reporting. He stated that the mediaβs role as guardians of the truth, voices of reason, pillars of impartiality is crucial in maintaining Botswana’s status as a shining example of Democracy and good Governance.
Delivering the objectives of the workshop the Permanent Secretary-Botswana Government Communication & Information Systems Ms. Montlenyane Baaitse stated that the overarching objective of the gathering is to deliberate on the delivery of a well-executed 2024 General election coverage that promotes a peaceful environment, promotes informed citizenship, encourage dialogue and understanding, counters divisive narratives, and upholds democratic values.
Ms. Baaitse highlighted that the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) as a critical stakeholder shared vital information such as the number of constituencies in this yearβs election, the terrain and geographical sizes so that as at the end of the deliberations, the management is in a better position to deploy both human and capital resources for coverage during the elections. She also stated that the gathering will discuss and have input on the draft Government Communication Assurance Framework which will be rolled-out across all 18 Ministries and SOEβs once endorsed by all stakeholders.
