In a consultative meeting held today with senior management from the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC), the Minister for State President, Honourable Moeti Mohwasa, emphasized the critical need to reduce corruption levels in Botswana. The meeting, which focused on fostering transparency and good governance, addressed the persistent issue of corruption and its impact on the country’s progress.
Restoring Trust and Transparency
Minister Mohwasa reaffirmed the importance of restoring trust, transparency, and good governance as foundational pillars for promoting accountability in the public sector. He stressed that eradicating corruption is not only about tackling individual cases but creating a systemic shift where good practices and ethical behavior are the norm.
Minister Mohwasa’s speech underscored the significance of unity and deliberate action from all stakeholders in combating corruption. He remarked, “We must work together, with a unified approach, to rid Botswana of corruption and poor service delivery which often provides fertile ground for unethical practices.”
A Call to Uphold Integrity
The Minister called on all employees within public institutions, including those within the DCEC, to commit to upholding discipline and institutional integrity. He urged them to strive for improved service delivery and strengthen Botswana’s anti-corruption efforts. Minister Mohwasa highlighted that building a strong, efficient anti-corruption unit would be key to ensuring Botswana remains a corruption-free nation.
The call for greater vigilance was echoed by the DCEC, which is tasked with investigating and prosecuting corruption and economic crime. Minister Mohwasa noted that it was essential to build a culture of accountability where public trust is paramount. This, he believes, will help foster a more transparent and effective government that serves the best interests of the people.
Rise in Corruption Reports
The DCEC shared a notable update during the meeting. It was revealed that corruption-related reports have increased since November 2024, with some reports dating as far back as 2018. This surge is seen as an encouraging sign, showing a decrease in fear among the public about reporting corruption. The Ministry of State President and the DCEC interpret this development as a positive indicator that citizens are becoming more confident in the process of reporting corrupt practices, and the whistleblower protection mechanisms are working effectively.
The fact that many reports have surfaced from previous years is also seen as an important shift in the collective mentality regarding corruption. The decrease in the fear of retaliation by complainants demonstrates a growing trust in the authorities and the DCEC’s ability to investigate and act on these cases.
Moving Towards a Corruption-Free Botswana
Minister Mohwasa concluded his address by emphasizing that the fight against corruption is a collective responsibility for all. He encouraged every individual, from public servants to private citizens, to play their part in ensuring Botswana remains a land where transparency, integrity, and accountability are paramount. The fight against corruption is central to achieving Botswana’s vision of a fairer, more prosperous society.
With increased reports of corruption, a growing public commitment to tackling these issues, and the Ministry’s strategic focus on strengthening institutional integrity, the government is hopeful that Botswana is on the right path toward reducing corruption and improving service delivery across all sectors.
The DCEC’s role remains critical as it continues to work closely with stakeholders and the general public to identify, address, and prosecute corruption-related cases. The government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its anti-corruption frameworks and support whistleblowers will be key in building a future where corruption is no longer a barrier to the nation’s growth and development.
