The Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) has vowed to strengthen its relationship with the press by providing credible, transparent, and timely information to aid the national fight against corruption.
Speaking during a media engagement session that was held in Maun this week, DCEC Director General, Botlhale Makgekgenene said that a trustworthy information sharing system is vital for public accountability. She stated that the DCEC relies on the media as a key stakeholder to disseminate critical updated and build public trust in local institutions. She emphasised that the media remains an important anti-corruption partner.
“The media is an important source of information. Corruption thrives where information is concealed, accountability is weak and citizens do not know enough to question what they see. Credible investigative reporting can expose patterns, vulnerabilities and matters of legitimate concern. Where such information points to possible corruption or economic crime, it can appropriately inform further assessment by competent authorities,” she said.
She implored members of the media to verify information, citing that where information has not been verified should not be presented as a fact as corruption allegations are serious. Makgekgenene added that unverified reporting can compromise on-going investigations and unfairly damage reputations. She indicated that responsible reporting also requires an appreciation of the wider impact of information placed in the public domain.
Makgekgenene highlighted that previous FATF mutual evaluation identified significant deficiencies in the country’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing framework. Botswana was subsequently placed under FATF increased monitoring, commonly referred to as grey-listing. Following sustained reforms to address the identified strategic deficiencies, Botswana was removed from increased monitoring in October 2021.
In this regard, Makgekgenene said that the previous experience demonstrated that the effectiveness and credibility of national systems have implications beyond borders, citing that it is important for institutions to work in practice and deliver the results.
“This does not mean that the media should avoid difficult stories or difficult questions on corruption. Independent scrutiny strengthens accountability. What is important is that reporting is evidence-based, properly contextualised and fair. DCEC will respond in reasonable timeframe,” she said.
Makgekgenene further announced that, in collaboration with the University of Botswana Faculty of Law, the DCEC will conduct specialised training for media practitioners on court reporting from 23rd –25th September 2026.
“The DCEC will continue to be accessible, responsive and transparent within the confines of the law, while protecting the integrity of investigations and pursuing corruption and economic crime without fear or favour,” she said.
Giving the closing remarks on behalf of members of the media, The Ngami Times Editor, Bright Kholi has highlighted the importance of strengthened relationship between the DCEC and media in the fight against corruption.
“We are both watchdogs. We both care deeply about the transparency, accountability, and economic health of Botswana. The data and updates you have shared with us today give our newsrooms the vital context we need. It helps us move away from mere speculation and move toward accurate, impactful storytelling that informs the nation,” he said.
However, Kholi firmly reminded authorities that the media remains an independent watchdog rather than a public relations arm of the state, emphasising that their primary loyalty belongs to the public interest and the citizens of Botswana in speaking truth to power. He raised a concern about the consequences that journalists and media houses face and continue to face like legal and financial consequences, including meritless lawsuits to bankrupt newsrooms and silence reporting.
“Economic sabotage where authorities cut off state advertising revenue or pressure private businesses to pull sponsorships. Media, especially private, needs revenue to support the crucial role we play,” he said. Kholi stated that these often lead to self-censorship, prompting media outlets to tone down critical investigation in fear of the consequences.
“We hear your call for journalists to exercise strategic patience and caution during live investigations. But in return, the media requires timely, proactive access to verified facts. When the DCEC retreats into a culture of blanket “no comments,” it leaves a vacuum. And as we all know, that vacuum is quickly filled with rumours and misinformation,” he said.
