Thinking Aloud

Corruption in our country has reached unprecedented levels and has, unfortunately, penetrated every sector of society. Also of great concern is that it is the poor and the most vulnerable that are paying a heavy price.

We all are fully aware that drug shortages have become a norm, rather than an exception in this country.  It is now commonplace to go to hospital with a prescription and find that the medication is unavailable. This situation has also affected the patients admitted in health facilities.  A relative has shared how her family member, who has been in hospital for three months, has had to buy her medicines, bandages and other essentials. She also must take care of the relative that was taking care of the admitted relative. 

The family, she said, was so overstretched that they are struggling to support their hospitalised relative.  It is unfortunate that even with the appointment of a high-level team by the prime minister, no one has been prosecuted, save for those who are judged in the court of public opinion.

We are fully aware that it has also been alleged that paying a bribe for scholarship has become a norm. My granddaughter informed me that after her unsuccessful scholarship interview, someone approached her as she was leaving to inform her that if she could mobilise E50 000 she would get a scholarship.  If this is allowed to continue, children from poor backgrounds will certainly be left behind, undermining the sustainable development call, that states that: ‘No one should be left behind’.

The security sector has been accused of grand corruption during recruitment.  I would like to commend the army for laying down the rules on how the recruitment will unfold at inkhundla level.  If two will be selected per inkhundla, at least 118 young people will be hired though the publicised system.  The question on everyone’s lips: Will it be only the 118 young people or the majority who will be part of the list submitted by influential people in the country? 

If that is the case, what is the criterion for one’s child to get on that list? This will be interesting, indeed!

We are also aware of allegations of bribes for jobs and promotions at the Teaching Service Commission.  Unfortunately, these allegations seem to have been ignored, as there have been no open investigations and no one has been held accountable. 

What has Botswana done to successfully curb corruption?

Botswana is one of the best performers in Africa.  What has Botswana done differently? The country’s leadership, at independence, laid a solid foundation for the nation. According to the Anticorruption Resource Centre, Botswana is often presented as a classic anti-corruption success.  The country has had low levels of corruption, since its first assessment by the World Bank in 1996.  At independence, the leadership took a tough stance against corruption, rooted in a clear vision for Botswana as a nation.  The leadership was committed to setting a solid foundation in public services, focused on public interests and nation-building. 

Festus Mogae, Botswana’s President from 1998 to 2008, declared that, for anti-corruption campaigns to be successful, ‘the government of the day must be prepared to risk potential embarrassment to itself… and any anti-corruption campaign which seeks to provide immunity to any group of individuals is bound to fail because it will lack that element so essential to its success, namely public confidence and support’. (Mogae 1999). 

Like in other countries, Botswana’s political leaders were not totally exempt from corruption, but they have been praised for their rapid and decisive reaction to uncovered scandals and their credible commitment to a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption (Ittner 2009).

Eswatini Government efforts

The Eswatini Government has for several years, acknowledged that corruption is the vice that threatens emaSwati. The current minister for Finance once said at Sibaya: “lamagundvwane asadla nemabhokisi’. Corruption has eroded public confidence in government.  In fact, His Majesty the King has for several years, addressed the issue of corruption, calling upon government to act decisively. Government established the Anti-Corruption Commission, which has been criticised as a ‘toothless dog’. 

The prime minister, following a directive from His Majesty after emaSwati raised the issue at Sibaya, launched the Anti-Corruption Task Team to improve the fight against corruption.  In fact, His Majesty during the official opening of the 12^th Parliament, said: “corruption stands in the way of progress in the nations plans, programmes and projects.” 

Unfortunately, this effort has not borne tangible results, as ‘bobhabuli’ are still not held to account. The poor and vulnerable bear the brunt of the weak response to corruption.  Some, sadly, have even lost their lives due to the ongoing health crisis. 

We need action now, not empty promises!

Festus Mogae, Botswana’s President from 1998 to 2008, declared that, for anti-corruption campaigns to be successful, ‘the government of the day must be prepared to risk potential embarrassment to itself… and any anti-corruption campaign which seeks to provide immunity to any group of individuals is bound to fail because it will lack that element so essential to its success, namely public confidence and support’. (Pic: Mo Ibrahim Foundation)