CEDA mum on corruption allegations
The Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) is under scrutiny following allegations of corruption involving its top leadership and brand ambassador.
The allegations have sparked public outrage, culminating in a protest march initiated and led by Setlhomo Tshwanelang this past Monday
Acting Head of Marketing and Communications at CEDA, Neo Tumelo, stated that the Agency is “not in a position to engage on any matters in relation to the current social media activity surrounding the Agency.”
Tumelo promised to provide an official response once internal matters are finalised.
The protest, which started at GSS Grounds, proceeded past the CEDA headquarters before ending at the Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship. Protestors chanted slogans and demanded accountability from the agency.
Addressing the crowd, Tshwanelang called for the removal of CEDA CEO Thabo Thamane, who has held the position for over a decade. He argued that the agency, which is meant to benefit all Batswana, has instead become a tool for personal enrichment by a select few.
At the Ministry, the protestors submitted a petition to Minister Tiroeaone Ntsima, urging immediate action against Thamane, the CEDA Board, and brand ambassador Sonny Serite.
Tshwanelang warned that if no action is taken within seven days, citizens would conduct a 'citizens’ arrest' of Thamane and Serite.
Speaking after the march, Tshwanelang expressed frustration over widespread corruption in Botswana, saying it deprives citizens of comfortable livelihoods and leaves many in dire situations. He emphasised that integrity should be the foundation of CEDA’s operations.
This Wednesday morning, Tshwanelang will appear in court after CEDA obtained an interim interdict against him. The interdict aims to prevent him from posting what CEDA claims are “false, malicious, and unfounded remarks” about the organisation.
Tshwanelang is confident that the order will be overturned, describing it as unjust. Tshwanelang disclosed that he plans to submit evidence to the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) after the court session.
He explained that he delayed this submission due to the State of the Nation Address (SONA), which had many government offices seized with parliamentary activities.