Botswana – long revered for its prudent management of resources – currently stands at a crossroads in its battle against corruption and will require an ironclad resolve to tackle it. GAZETTE REPORTERS look at how the new government of President Duma Boko proposes to combat and reverse the scourge
The recent election of the Umbrella for Democratic Change of President Duma Boko has renewed hopes for a transformative era of transparency and accountability. However, as the euphoria of his victory subsides, the daunting reality of dismantling systemic graft looms large – a test of leadership that could define both his presidency and the nation’s democratic legacy.
In his 2018 opposition response to the State of the Nation Address, Boko left no room for doubt about his stance on corruption. “Corruption is pervasive in this country,” he stated. “It is institutionalised. It is a prominent feature of the state of our nation.”
Fast-forward to 2024 under his presidency, and the situation may have worsened and, according to observers, is now threatening the country’s social and economic fabric.
Deeply-rooted
Experience has consistently shown that new leaders, upon ascending to power, often fall prey to the very systems of corruption they once vehemently criticised. The allure of entrenched networks and the complexities of dismantling deeply-rooted practices have proven too great a challenge for many. All eyes are now on President Boko to see if he can defy this trend and translate his rhetoric into tangible action.
Can he walk the talk and deliver the accountability and reform that he has promised or will he also become ensnared in the web of the status quo?
In his first State of the Nation Address delivered yesterday, Boko pledged to rebuild trust and improve governance by launching a “Financial and Forensic Audit.” This commitment comes in response to ongoing concerns about corruption in Botswana and is a sentiment echoed in a 2022 Afrobarometer survey.
The survey suggested that corruption perceptions have risen locally, which contrasts with other reports that still position Botswana as one of the least corrupt nations globally.
A Systemic Rot
Botswana’s corruption challenges are deeply entrenched. Forms of corruption range from the misuse of public funds to insider trading and tender manipulation. Nepotism and patronage networks dominate, ensuring that power and wealth remain concentrated in the hands of a few. Observers and think tanks have warned that these practices have blurred the line between public service and private gain, undermining public trust in state institutions.
On the other hand, there are pervasive concerns about state capture, a shadowy force that threatens to undermine governance and entrench corruption even further. From powerful political elites to influential business interests, the grip of these forces on state institutions has sparked widespread alarm. The list of alleged incidents and complicit individuals keeps growing, painting a grim picture of the challenges that lie ahead
The rise of “tenderpreneurship” exemplifies this. Dependence on government tenders has not only stifled private enterprise but has also turned tender allocation into a breeding ground for nepotism and conflict of interest. The perception that these practices are limited to elites has done little to mask the existence of petty corruption, which remains prevalent in some sectors, including education.
In the higher education system, allegations of fraudulent student loans, bribery, and nepotistic hiring practices further highlight the systemic nature of the problem. The list is endless.
Legal and Institutional Gaps
Despite Botswana’s robust legal framework that is anchored by the Corruption and Economic Crimes Act (1994), gaps persist. The lack of transparency laws and asset declaration requirements for public officials fuels accusations of weak political will. The reluctance of successive governments of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) to legislate for disclosure of political party funding added another layer of opacity, leaving voters in the dark about potential conflicts of interest.
Moreover, while institutions like the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crimes (DCEC) and the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) exist, their effectiveness is hampered by limited mandates and allegations of political interference. These shortcomings have led to skepticism about the country’s ability to combat high-level corruption.
Boko’s Pre-Election Concerns and Promises of Reform
President Boko’s opposition rhetoric was unequivocal in its demands as extracted from his 2018 response to the State of the Nation Address: Investigate politically-connected individuals and those serving on state enterprise boards; enact strict ethical codes for government officials and their families; and reverse policies allowing civil servants to engage in private business.
In his party’s 2024 campaign manifesto, Boko presented an ambitious blueprint for tackling corruption, focusing on the systemic failures of the ruling BDP. It described corruption as deeply entrenched, with measures to address it often superficial and controlled by those who benefitted from the system.
The manifesto states: “Under the current BDP government, corruption has become entrenched. Consequently, under the BDP government corruption has reached intolerable levels and successfully diverted scarce national resources from addressing the challenges of poverty and inequality to the pockets of the filthy rich national and foreign BDP sponsors.”
Boko’s UDC manifesto outlined four key strategies for combating corruption: declaring corruption a high-level crime, ensuring genuine and fair trials for individuals implicated in corrupt activities, making the anti-corruption body, DCEC, directly accountable to Parliament and embedding an anti-corruption ethos in public education and workplace culture in both the public and private sectors.
As President now, Boko faces the dual challenge of delivering on these promises while navigating the entrenched networks of patronage that have long characteriesd Botswana’s political landscape.
SONA: Boko Promises Transparency and Accountability
In his maiden State of the Nation Addresses yesterday (Tuesday), Boko promised to restore trust and good governance by the following: “Undertaking a Financial and Forensic Audit: I have heard your voices. I have seen your messages. You want to know where your tax money has been spent. We will find that out and report back to you. We do so not to subject anyone to targeted demonisation. We do so to probe and examine the functional efficacy of our existing systems and institutions.
“Because these institutions are human artifacts, we can remake and improve them. We must design and roll out a robust institutional repertory properly suited to the demands and challenges of the unfolding future.
“Strengthening Anti-Corruption Institutions: You want to know that your tax money is safe with us and that we will protect your money. We will fashion a robust, independent anti-corruption agency with the authority to investigate, prosecute, and eliminate corruption at all levels.”
Additionally, he said, his government will create digital transparency mechanisms to enable citizens to track public spending. “Increasing Transparency in Government Expenditure: You want to know that your money is being used to better the lives of all Batswana, not just a few. We will publish a comprehensive review of public finances to identify waste, corruption, and inefficiencies, followed by a plan for corrective actions.”
Public Expectation and Political Reality
The new administration is under intense scrutiny. Citizens expect decisive action against corruption, including high-profile investigations and convictions. However, President Boko must tread carefully to avoid alienating powerful factions within his party and government.
The broader implications of his actions – or inaction – cannot be overstated. Failure to address corruption will deepen public disillusionment and could leave a serious dent on his legacy and that of his political party. On the other hand, a bold anti-corruption agenda could restore faith in the government and lay the groundwork for sustainable development.
Whether he will walk the talk remains to be seen. His success or failure will not only define his presidency but will also determine whether Botswana can reclaim its reputation as a corruption-free oasis in a region plagued by governance challenges.
For a leader who once called corruption “institutionalised,” dismantling it will require more than rhetoric – it will demand systemic reform, unwavering political will, and an ironclad commitment to justice.