Setlhomo Raymond Tshwanelang Responds to CEDA Court Order: “Thamane May Corrupt the Courts but Not the Will of the People”

The High Court has issued a temporary interdict against social media activist Setlhomo Raymond Tshwanelang, prohibiting him from posting any negative or potentially harmful content about the Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) on social media, including WhatsApp. This court order requires Tshwanelang to refrain from sharing any comments or information that could damage CEDA’s reputation pending legal and criminal actions CEDA plans to bring against him.

Additionally, Tshwanelang must delete all previous posts concerning CEDA from his platforms, issue a written retraction, and publish an apology. He has also been ordered to cover the legal costs associated with this application.

However, in a powerful response to the court order, Tshwanelang firmly expressed his resolve to fight the ruling and to continue his advocacy against what he views as entrenched corruption within the agency. In a public statement, he emphasized his determination to seek justice and called the interdict a violation of his rights. He stated, “I’ve since engaged Dinokopila Mmipi Attorneys to have that court order set aside. I’m confident Judge Leburu will exercise impartiality and set it aside. It lacks legal basis and infringes upon my rights.”

Tshwanelang also accused Mbewe Attorneys, representing CEDA, of unethical behavior in securing the interdict, claiming he was denied the opportunity to defend himself properly. “If they could deliberately deny me my right to defend by not serving me, how many more have they or what worse could they do?” he questioned, while calling for accountability and integrity within the legal profession. He plans to report Mbewe Attorneys to the law society.

Tshwanelang’s response has garnered widespread public support, evidenced by over 8,000 signatures calling for the resignation of CEDA’s Chief Executive Officer, Thabo Thamane, and other senior officials. According to Tshwanelang, his supporters raised over BWP 21,000 for the petition within hours, though he clarified the funds were directed to the petition hosting site, not to him personally.

Encouraging his supporters to join a protest march to Parliament on Monday, he noted, “Thamane may corrupt an organ I fund with my tax, corrupt the courts but not the will of the people. Never.” Tshwanelang anticipates a strong turnout and has called on marshals to ensure a peaceful demonstration in cooperation with law enforcement. His message resounds with his willingness to face legal consequences, declaring, “I do not mind going to jail for standing up against his corruption.”