Africa-Press – Botswana. In a season of celebrations, a significant segment of Botswana’s populace found their digital festivities marred by substandard data and internet services. The outcry was loud and clear on social media, yet according to Aaron Nyelesi, the director of the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority (BOCRA), the regulatory body’s formal complaint register remained untouched.
BOCRA’s Complaint Handling Process
Nyelesi went on to clarify BOCRA’s procedure for handling complaints, a process that necessitates consumers to first place their grievances with their respective service providers. Only if these service providers fail to address the issues adequately, do they escalate to BOCRA’s radar. The absence of formal complaints, therefore, does not necessarily equate to the absence of discontent among the consumers.
The Need for Stronger Whistle-blower Protections
Parallel to this, the festive season in Botswana was underscored by a different kind of outcry – a plea for stronger whistle-blower protections. This call was amplified by two separate cases that highlighted both the courage of whistle-blowers and the grave risks they undertake.
Cases Highlighting the Urgency
In one instance, a university lecturer found himself without a job after he dared to lift the veil on potential corruption within the institution. In another, a man was gripped by fear for his own life after he exposed alleged misconduct within the Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS).
These incidents serve as stark reminders of the essential role that whistle-blowers play in upholding ethical standards within society. They underscore the urgency to fortify the institutions that protect these individuals, who risk their livelihoods, and sometimes even their lives, to preserve the integrity of our social fabric. As Botswana steps into the new year, the need for robust whistle-blower protection mechanisms is more palpable than ever.
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