The Botswana Police Service (BPS) Senior Management Team has commenced a five-day intensive capacity-building workshop on public procurement, organized by the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA). The workshop, held in Gaborone, aims to strengthen the officers’ knowledge of procurement regulations and enhance compliance with the Public Procurement Act of 2021.
The training follows the recent establishment of an Oversight Unit/Buyer and an Ad Hoc Evaluation Committee within the BPS, aligning with Sections 45 and 49 of the Public Procurement Act. This initiative is expected to improve procurement efficiency and accountability within the police service.
Speaking at the opening of the workshop on February 17, 2025, Commissioner of Police Dinah Marathe underscored the importance of effective resource management in the operations of BPS. She stressed that adherence to procurement principles such as transparency, fairness, and accountability is vital in maintaining public trust and ensuring responsible government spending.
Commissioner Marathe warned that non-compliance with procurement procedures could lead to corruption, legal disputes, financial mismanagement, and delays in service delivery. She highlighted that such inefficiencies could negatively impact the country’s National Development Plans.
She urged participants to actively engage with facilitators, identify challenges in procurement processes, and propose solutions to enhance efficiency. She also encouraged officers to gain a thorough understanding of procurement laws and confidently apply them in their respective roles.
Expressing her appreciation to PPRA for facilitating the training despite their demanding schedule, Commissioner Marathe commended the participants for their dedication to professional growth. She emphasized that their commitment to mastering procurement procedures would lead to better governance and improved service delivery within the police force.
The training is expected to equip senior officers with the skills necessary to manage procurement processes efficiently, mitigate risks, and improve overall operations within the Botswana Police Service. As the workshop progresses, stakeholders anticipate that the knowledge gained will lead to significant improvements in police procurement practices and resource management.
