Corruption and Mismanagement in Botswana: a Best-Case Example?

Abstract

Independent Botswana has developed on three main pillars: rapid and sustained economic growth (over the decade to 1992, for example, at 8.4 per cent a year, third-highest among all developing countries, and far in excess of any other in Africa); multi-party or liberal democracy; and an efficient central state, the main features of which have been identified and praised by observers. With growth, an accompanying build-up of a relatively strong governmental system took place, with activities especially focused on finance and planning. The civil service was maintained at a high level, according to Ravi Gulhati, by avoiding rapid localisation, by providing high compensation for officials, and by keeping well-defined lines of authority and accountability. Able people were placed in key positions and kept there for extended periods. The political elite fairly consistently sought expert advice from leading bureaucrats, and the two groups have displayed a closeness and mutuality of interest built upon their common involvement in cattle and commerce, and the not uncommon tendency for cabinet ministers to arise from the ranks of the senior bureaucracy.

Corruption perception and sustainable development: Sharing Botswana’s anti-graft agency experiences

“…The negatively and rapidly changing face of corruption, even in Botswana, should however be a cause for concern (Good, 1994;2005), albeit a lot more difficult to argue that Botswana is not an example of good practice in the African continent. The arguments going for Botswana include: the relative cultural homogeneity; commitment at the top and competent administration/ leadership over the years; relatively high literacy rate; and political stability, all of which have helped to reduce corruption.…”

“…This commitment comes even from the President, who has been as vocal and as articulate against corruption as he has been about HIV/Aids. Rather than denying allegations raised by the media, the government has generally carried out thorough investigations, but until recently penalties have been small, with key players merely moved around and later returning to their former positions after being re-elected by the majority of the ruling party members (Good, 1994 …”

Stagnation of a 'Miracle': Botswana’s Governance Record Revisited

“…These cases of corruption are well documented in Good (1994; and Theobald/Williams (1999). He also pilots these helicopters to BDP party events (Mmegi 18.03.2008 …”

Authoritarian liberalism: A defining characteristic of Botswana

“…'Softness' in the case of Botswana is represented chiefly by only a contained, formal liberal practice of electoral politics which itself is highly restrictive. 13 Its developmentalism in inter-related ways has been partly derivative of the ruling elite's perception that rapid economic growth was to be achieved and maintained through political control and stability (Good: 1993).…”

“…14. Details on these cases and the responses of the government are found in Good (1994). Mmegi contrasted the high military expenditures with the under-equipped and under-trained police in…”