“CEDA CEO, Thabo Thamane Earns Around P450k/Month”: Setlhomo Raymond Tshwanelang
Outspoken social media activist Setlhomo Raymond Tshwanelang has once again turned the spotlight on the Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA), alleging rampant financial mismanagement and excessive benefits for its executives. According to a detailed Facebook post, Tshwanelang claims that CEDA’s CEO, Thabo Thamane, takes home an astonishing monthly package of around P450,000—far exceeding the earnings of top government officials and most private sector executives.
Tshwanelang alleges that in April 2024, CEDA executives—including Heads of Departments, Directors, and other senior managers—implemented substantial salary increases, nearly doubling their earnings. He claims that Thamane’s monthly package consists of a basic salary of around P200,000, supplemented by perks such as two credit cards with combined spending limits of P250,000. Tshwanelang further notes that Thamane recently purchased a luxury Toyota Land Cruiser valued at P1.8 million, well above the agency’s standard car allowance limit of P900,000.
In addition to the inflated salary and benefits, Thamane reportedly enjoys weekly fuel allowances, unlimited cellphone airtime, and internet connections, all funded by taxpayers. Tshwanelang argues that such privileges are unsustainable for a parastatal that relies on government subsidies for its operations.
“Thamane earns more than the President, Vice President, Speaker of the National Assembly, and Leader of the Opposition combined,” Tshwanelang stated. “Even CEOs of most listed commercial banks or asset management firms fall short of Thamane’s package. This is a clear abuse of public funds.”
Tshwanelang alleges that the financial excesses are a result of systemic corruption within CEDA, facilitated by a complicit Board of Directors. He accuses Thamane of creating a system designed to enrich himself and his associates while neglecting the agency’s core mandate of fostering entrepreneurial development in Botswana.
“A CEO who has facilitated endless corruption in our country should not remain in office,” Tshwanelang declared. “Thabo Thamane and his Board must go.”
These allegations are part of a broader campaign by Tshwanelang to expose what he describes as entrenched corruption within Botswana’s public institutions. The activist has reportedly submitted evidence of these financial irregularities to the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) for further investigation.
Tshwanelang’s revelations have fueled widespread public outrage, with thousands of Batswana rallying behind his call for accountability. His online petition demanding the resignation of Thamane and other senior CEDA officials has garnered over 8,000 signatures in less than 24 hours. The overwhelming support underscores growing dissatisfaction with what many perceive as unchecked corruption in government-affiliated institutions.
Protest Against Corruption
The activist’s allegations come ahead of a public protest that took place at the GSS grounds. Tshwanelang recently secured a permit for the protest after an initial denial by authorities, which he attributed to an interim court order barring him from engaging in activities that could harm CEDA’s reputation. Despite legal challenges, Tshwanelang remains resolute in his fight against corruption.
Speaking on the successful protest last week he said “Let’s meet at 2 pm GSS grounds,” Tshwanelang announced. “I want my skin to burn—that way, my anger against corruption can be inflamed.”
He assured his supporters that the protest would be peaceful, with marshals working alongside law enforcement to ensure order. The event drew large crowds, reflecting the growing momentum of Tshwanelang’s anti-corruption campaign.
Tshwanelang’s allegations raise pressing questions about the governance and financial practices of CEDA, a key institution tasked with driving entrepreneurial development in Botswana. As the activist prepares to challenge the court order against him on December 3, the nation will be watching closely to see whether his fight for transparency and justice will prevail.
In his own words, Tshwanelang declared, “Thamane may corrupt an organ I fund with my tax, corrupt the courts, but not the will of the people. Never.” His campaign is not just a call for reform at CEDA but a broader challenge to systemic corruption within Botswana’s public institutions.
