Setlhomo: Protest to test new government's commitment to transparency and fighting corruption
Social media has been abuzz this week with support for blogger Setlhomo Tshwanelang, who has sparked a public outcry against alleged corruption within the Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA).
Tshwanelang has specifically targeted the CEDA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Thabo Thamane and the Agency’s brand ambassador, Sonny Serite, accusing them of corruption and calling for structural reforms within CEDA and other government agencies in Botswana.
Through his Facebook posts, Tshwanelang accuses Thamane of favoritism, alleging that certain individuals were favored and agency funds mismanaged for personal and political gain. He also claims that Serite, appointed as a brand ambassador under suspicious circumstances, has used his position to benefit his businesses, many of which were reportedly funded by CEDA.
Additionally, Tshwanelang alleges that Serite received multiple business loans and contracts from CEDA, undermining the agency's mission to support deserving Batswana entrepreneurs. He further accuses Serite of betraying CEDA employees who exposed corruption, leading to their dismissals or suspensions.
In an interview with The Midweek Sun this week, Tshwanelang, who is organising a protest set to be held next week Monday, says the walk is set to begin at Gaborone Secondary School (GSS) grounds and end at Parliament premises, where a petition calling for accountability will be presented to the Speaker of the National Assembly.
Tshwanelang says motivation for organising a protest stems from the desire to restore the integrity of public institutions.
Tshwanelang revealed that he was driven to action after investigating reports detailing extensive corruption within CEDA.
'I came across various companies on Companies and Intellectual Property Authority (CIPA) and social media profiles painted negatively in the report,' he said, adamant in his belief that these issues are systemic, involving top management. He explained that the protest’s primary demand include a forensic audit of CEDA’s activities and the removal of its CEO Thamane along with the executive management, and the board. Tshwanelang also urges the government to initiate a commission of inquiry to address what he views as entrenched corruption within the agency.
When asked about his confidence in the government’s response, Tshwanelang said he remains optimistic, with the belief that the new government will respond appropriately. The protest has since garnered widespread support from various groups and citizens. However, Tshwanelang is quick to clarify that this movement is about the people, not himself. 'This is about Batswana. I may be the face, but it’s really about the people and their demand for accountability,' he stated.
Through this protest, Tshwanelang hopes to shift public opinion on government accountability and transparency, sending a clear message to CEDA and other public officials that Batswana demand action. “We are tired of corruption, and we want action now,” noted Tshwanelang.
He is prepared to continue his efforts if the government fails to respond as expected. He plans to report CEDA’s executive management to the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) and promises more protests until concrete action is taken.
Tshwanelang also called for unity, urging Batswana to join hands to 'eliminate the corruption that has consumed the country,' further explaining that silence makes them complicit.
Tshwanelang further assures that his stance and the upcoming protests, will test the new government’s commitment to transparency and its readiness to address allegations of corruption head-on.
In response, CEDA through their Acting Head of Marketing and Communications, Neo Tumelo reaffirmed their commitment to integrity and transparency in serving Batswana.
Through a press statement on Tuesday, Tumelo, said that CEDA operates under a rigorous governance framework, supported by strong internal controls to ensure accountability and integrity in all its processes.
'CEDA assures stakeholders that any matters affecting the Agency's integrity and mandate are handled with utmost seriousness.' The Agency explained its commitment to protecting clients' confidential information as per the Data Protection Act and urged reliance on verified information from official sources.
'CEDA remains focused on responsibly managing public funds to drive sustainable growth for Botswana’s economic development,' said Tumelo.