ANTI-CORRUPTION KEY TO GOOD GOVERNANCE Ngamiland acting district commissioner, Mr. Keabetswe Lesiela has urged public servants to renew their commitment to anti-corruption. Officiating at the corruption prevention committee training workshop organised by Directorate of Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC), he said anti-corruption was key tenet in the good governance agenda hence the need to take a step needed in the fight against corruption and economic crime. Mr. Lesiela emphasized the need to set the pace for collaboration and networking in the war against the ill that is corruption and economic crime. He said DCEC is anchored on three operational elements of investigation, public education and corruption prevention that are commonly used the world over. One of the DCEC’s primary mandates is to examine practices and procedures of public bodies and the private sector in order to identify opportunities conducive to corruption and in its capacity secure beneficial changes that would deter it. Mr. Lesiela revealed that the institution through its strategic vision seeks to rally the nation towards a corruption free society noting that the establishment of Corruption Prevention Committees (CPC’s) have managed to give considerable momentum to the fight against corruption and economic crime. “Corruption as one of the paramount national concerns cannot be won over by the DCEC alone, a resolute collaborative effort by the public sector at large would ensure that all our efforts bear fruits”, he said. The acting district commissioner observed that to fate all government ministries have at least established CPCs at ministerial level adding that the success of the committees has varied, some performing above average and others not so much due to diverse reasons. Mr. Lesiela appreciated that though CPC chairperson and members are familiar with operations within their establishments, there is still need to empower them with cutting edge skills and techniques. He said that would position them to develop sound corruption prevention plans, attract necessary financial backing, cultivate a culture of trust and reception such that activities of the committees are easily availed the necessary support by alls stakeholders. He said DCEC remains committed to assisting ministries to take the fight against corruption and economic crime to the next level and urged public servants who attended the workshop to seize the magnificent training opportunity and engage their intellect and passion for the fight against corruption. For her part an official from DCEC, Ms. Lesedi Serumola said they are moving towards vision 2016 as their mandate contributes to the realization of the vision. She said Botswana was ranked amongst the least corrupt countries hence the need to double “our efforts so that we are ranked position one if not two”. Ms. Serumola said it is very important for every Motswana to play a role to ensure a free corruption society. (BOPA)
Posted on: Thu, 30 Oct 2014 09:50:00 +0000