BY Mrs Rose Nunu Seretse Director- Directorate On Corruption and Economic Crime - Botswana
The following are corruption prone areas in Botswana: Procurement/Purchasing/award of tenders Land allocation Driving licences, Road permits Student sponsorship Residence and Work Permits Recruitment Conflict of Interest Fraud Culture of giving gifts
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The assessment centre receives allegations of corruption and economic crime. After receiving allegations, the unit conducts preliminary inquiries on reported matters.
Being cognisant of the adage; “ prevention is better than cure”, the DCEC established CPCs in government ministries and departments.
Some of the studies conducted so far include:
Department Of Road Transport and SafetyIssuance of drivers licences
Department of Immigration and Citizenshipissuance of passport
University of Botswana- Procurement
Botswana Power Corporation - Recruitment
Anti Corruption Units have been formed in Ministries that were found to be problematic on issues of corruption. These include:
Ministry of Infrastructure, Science and Technology
Ministry of Finance and Development Planning
Ministry of Education and Skills Development
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The DCEC in collaboration with the private sector has developed a Code of Conduct for the Private Sector.
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A new association is been formed called Business Action Against Corruption which will be private sector driven and one of its mandate will to be spearhead the implementation of the Code of Conduct.
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The Public Education division infused anticorruption concepts into the formal school curriculum in 2010.
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Consultations are ongoing to do the same with training institutions such as the Botswana Police Service, Prisons Department and the Public Service College.
Low implementation of recommendations coming out of corruption prevention assignment studies Low response to matters referred to other institutions by the DCEC
Lack of skills in some investigators
High Public Perception of corruption
Slow disposal of cases in the criminal justice system
Failure to take responsibility and accountability by some Heads of Organizations Members of CPCs and ACUs are regarded as spies of the DCEC.
Political Will – the fight against corruption in Botswana is not the responsibility of the DCEC alone. His
Excellency the President of Botswana requires that all
the Permanent Secretaries in their quarterly reports to
him should state what their doing to curb corruption in their ministries.
Monitoring template – the DCEC has developed a
monitoring template that ministries have to complete to state the level of implementation of
recommendations emanating from the studies.
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The Criminal Justice Forum chaired by the Minister of Defence, Justice and Security brings together key players on a quarterly basis to discuss issues of disposal of cases.
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A service level agreement has been signed between the
Director of Public Prosecutions and the Director of DCEC to improve turn around time of cases at DPP. Monthly meetings are held between DPP and DCEC.
Formation of Multiple Companies
Opening Several Bank Accounts
Extended friendship with clients
Working excessively long hours
Refusal to go on transfer
Change in lifestyle