
A recent Auditor General鈥檚 report highlights significant issues within government financial systems, revealing that billions of Pula are sitting idle in government accounts while other public funds are being diverted or mismanaged. The report indicates a systemic breakdown in the governance of public funds, with money remaining untouched for years across several funds. For instance, the Debt Participation Capital Fund has shown no activity since 2015, despite holding P9,153,713 as of March 31, 2023. This dormancy raises concerns about the fund's relevance, operational effectiveness, and the efficient use of public resources, suggesting a lack of active program implementation or periodic review of fund objectives.
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Botswana's Draft Media Bill of 2025 proposes the establishment of a Media Ombudsman to enhance journalistic accountability and safeguard public trust. This initiative aims to restore media credibility and improve relations between the media and the public, especially as nations confront issues like disinformation and misinformation. The proposed independent Office of the Media Ombudsman, operating under the Media Council, would receive complaints, mediate disputes between the public and the media, recommend remedies, and promote ethical journalism. Unlike the often expensive and slow court system, the Ombudsman is designed as an accessible, non-judicial mechanism for resolving media disputes. Historically, Botswana's media environment has relied on statutory regulation, self-regulation, and legal remedies like defamation litigation. However, individuals wronged by inaccurate reporting or ethical breaches often faced limited options: either complain directly to the media house without guaranteed satisfaction or pursue costly legal action. The proposed Ombudsman seeks to bridge this gap by providing an independent, impartial, and non-judicial body to resolve complaints regarding journalistic conduct and media content. The legislation specifies that the Ombudsman will operate free from external direction or control, which is crucial for maintaining public trust in the fairness of the process. The Ombudsman's primary responsibilities will include investigating complaints and medi
Must ReadFormer Minister of Minerals and Energy, Lefoko Moagi, is on trial for corruption and money laundering, accused of accepting P4.7 million from New Energy Company Pty Ltd as a reward for issuing prospecting licenses. Matlhogonolo Samuel, the deputy director for prospecting and licensing in the Department of Mines and Moagi's former subordinate, testified as a State witness. Samuel detailed the process for approving eight prospecting licenses in Gantsi, Tsabong, and Tutume, which were granted to New Energy. He confirmed that six licenses were approved on August 5, 2024, and two more on September 11, 2024. Samuel stated he was involved in the process and made recommendations to the director of the Department of Mines, explaining that applications undergo multiple levels of scrutiny before reaching the minister for final approval. He became involved in the matter after being approached by investigators from the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime in October 2025.

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