In a notable show of public concern, Minister of Trade, Tiroyaone Ntsima, has pledged rapid engagement and thorough examination of a petition highlighting serious allegations of corruption and maladministration within the Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA). This development follows a high-profile march led by civic activist Tshwanelang Setlhomo, whose online exposés have cast a spotlight on the alleged issues at the agency.
Minister Ntsima, addressing a crowd of demonstrators gathered outside the Ministry of Trade, emphasized that the government takes such allegations seriously and will ensure a swift response. “We are committed to transparency and accountability. The issues raised will be assessed promptly, and feedback from relevant regulators will be incorporated to ensure that the integrity of CEDA’s operations is upheld,” Ntsima affirmed.
The demonstrators, drawn from various civil society groups and concerned citizens, rallied under the leadership of Setlhomo, who has gained widespread attention for his dedication to rooting out corruption through a series of online investigative posts. “We cannot stand by while public institutions, meant to empower our entrepreneurs and grow our economy, become hotbeds of corruption,” Setlhomo stated passionately during the march.
The petition handed to the Minister outlined specific cases of alleged misconduct within CEDA, with calls for independent audits and reforms to ensure greater oversight and accountability. Participants in the march voiced their frustration over what they described as long-standing systemic issues that hinder genuine entrepreneurial growth and innovation in Botswana.
Minister Ntsima assured attendees that the government’s approach will include consultations with regulatory bodies to validate and address the allegations raised. He also mentioned that transparent updates on the progress of the investigation would be provided to the public. “We understand the importance of public trust in government agencies, and this situation will be handled with the urgency and seriousness it deserves,” he added.
The demonstration marks a significant moment in civic engagement in Botswana, showcasing the power of citizen action in demanding transparency from public institutions. As investigations proceed, eyes will be on both the government and CEDA to see how they respond to this crucial call for integrity and reform.
With a promise of swift feedback and regulatory collaboration, the ball is now in the government’s court to demonstrate that it is serious about addressing the concerns of its citizens. The outcome of this engagement could set a precedent for how issues of corruption and maladministration are handled in public agencies in the future.
