In an unprecedented move reflecting public dissatisfaction, hundreds of Batswana took to the streets on a significant march to the Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship, demanding action against alleged corruption and maladministration within the Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA). The protest underscores growing concerns over transparency and accountability within key public institutions tasked with fostering economic empowerment and supporting small businesses.
The Rise of Public Discontent
For years, CEDA has been at the forefront of providing financial support and business development services to Batswana entrepreneurs. Its mandate is to facilitate citizen-owned businesses’ growth, contributing to economic diversification and job creation. However, recent allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement have sparked public outcry. Concerns have mounted over reports of favoritism, delayed processing of applications, and funds being misappropriated.
Organized by a coalition of civil society groups and supported by affected business owners, the protest aimed to bring these issues to the attention of government officials. Demonstrators carried banners with powerful messages calling for an investigation into CEDA’s operations, demanding transparency and justice for citizens whose businesses and livelihoods are impacted by the alleged mismanagement.
The March to the Ministry
The march began early in the morning at a central park in Gaborone, where protestors gathered with placards and chanted slogans denouncing corruption. Participants included entrepreneurs who have applied for funding and faced unexplained delays, activists advocating for good governance, and concerned citizens demanding better oversight of public institutions.
As the march proceeded to the Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship, the energy was palpable. Chants of “No to Corruption!” and “CEDA Must Be Accountable!” echoed through the city streets. The peaceful demonstration drew a diverse crowd, from small business owners worried about their future to youth activists pushing for systemic change in public administration.
Marchers Reach CEDA Offices
Upon reaching the CEDA headquarters, protestors delivered a formal petition to ministry officials, calling for a comprehensive audit of CEDA’s financial records and decision-making processes. They demanded that the Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship take immediate action to investigate the allegations and implement necessary reforms to restore public trust.
Representatives from the protest emphasized the need for increased transparency, highlighting that the public deserves to know how funds meant to uplift citizens are being managed. A spokesperson for one of the civil society groups stated, “CEDA was established to empower Batswana entrepreneurs, not to enrich a few at the expense of many. We will not stop until there is full accountability.”
Government Response and Next Steps
The Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship acknowledged receipt of the petition and assured the crowd that it takes the allegations seriously. A statement issued later that day affirmed the ministry’s commitment to investigating the claims and upholding good governance practices. While this acknowledgment was seen as a positive step, protest leaders stressed that they would continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure promises translate into tangible action.
Public scrutiny of CEDA’s operations has been heightened, with calls for a transparent, independent audit to address allegations and restore confidence. Analysts and public figures have joined the conversation, urging for broader reforms that go beyond CEDA and include improved oversight mechanisms across public funding agencies.
The march by Batswana to the Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship signals a pivotal moment in the country’s ongoing pursuit of accountability and transparency. It demonstrates the power of citizen-led initiatives in demanding fair governance and ensuring that public institutions fulfill their mandates without corruption. As the story unfolds, the public remains hopeful that this demonstration will spark meaningful change within CEDA and set a precedent for stronger oversight in Botswana’s public sector.
