The Ministry of Environment and Tourism has objected to a request for the constitution of a Commission of Inquiry into alleged maladministration, financial embezzlement, insider trading, corruption, and abuse of power within Community-Based Trusts.
The motion, tabled by Chobe Member of Parliament Simasiku Mapulanga, requested parliament to recommend that the President establish a Commission of Inquiry into the alleged malpractices. However, the motion was rejected by Parliament.
In a statement released this week, the ministry argued that considering there are currently 173 registered Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) throughout the country, such an exercise would be a costly and lengthy process that would not bear any greater or significant impact.
“The ministry rather strongly supports and is considering undertaking an audit for the CBOs so as to unearth issues highlighted by the MP. Audit is a key tool in investigating allegations of abuse of office and ensuring compliance with financial regulations,” the statement reads.
The ministry highlighted that a Commission of Inquiry in Botswana is a special body appointed by the President under the Commission of Inquiry Act of 1962 to investigate matters of public importance, such as misconduct in public finance, management of public institutions, or issues affecting public welfare. It stated that although these bodies provide expert, independent, or public-driven recommendations, the government is not legally required to implement them, though they are often used to justify policy changes or act as a political tool to address public concern.
The ministry expressed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance in the management of CBOs. According to the statement, this commitment is reflected in the enactment of the Community-Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) Act of 2025, which is the first comprehensive legislation governing the administration, regulation, and oversight of CBOs participating in Botswana’s CBNRM Programme.
The ministry further noted that the enactment of this Act represents the most comprehensive governance reform introduced to the programme since its inception, establishing statutory accountability mechanisms that previously did not exist.
“Government therefore considers it appropriate to allow the implementation of the Act and its Regulations sufficient time to achieve the intended reforms before contemplating extraordinary measures such as commission of inquiry,” the statement reads.
Additionally, the ministry rejected allegations that it is protecting political allies and that District Technical Advisory Committees manipulate community revenues. It also denied allegations that it has mobilised relatives or any other individuals to destabilise CBOs or influence governance disputes within Community Trusts.
“The allegations that the Minister of Environment and Tourism has unilaterally renewed concession leases or extended lease periods from fifteen (15) years to twenty-five (25) years were also considered factually incorrect,” the ministry stated.
The ministry concluded by rejecting assertions that annual hunting quotas are allocated on the basis of political patronage and that the government has abandoned calls for a commission of inquiry.
