http://knowledge.bidpa.bw:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2 The quality of governance has played an important role in Botswana’s development to date, but as the economy grows and changes, new challenges are becoming apparent and governance has to adapt successfully, hence the importance of public sector reforms, and ensuring that public sector projects are efficiently managed. Public administration has to adapt to new methods of interacting with the public, hence the successful adoption of e-Governance is crucial. Public policy will also evolve, and this will require analysis of the potential impact of policies before they are introduced and evidence-based evaluation of their actual impact. Finally, although corruption remains low, it is nevertheless of increasing concern. There are two research themes in this area, namely: Public Sector Service Delivery; and Political Economy of Development. Wed, 11 Nov 2026 19:05:08 GMT 2026-11-11T19:05:08Z http://knowledge.bidpa.bw:8080/xmlui/bitstream/id/5ba33a83-1d77-45cd-9885-1d1e3ac6efb3/Governance.jpg http://knowledge.bidpa.bw:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/2 http://knowledge.bidpa.bw:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/185 Beyond The Budget Speech Marata, Keneilwe Pearl Taking over the reigns from the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) in the historic general elections of October 2024, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) lamented inheriting a government facing severe fiscal constraints and cashflow problems amongst other challenges (Boko, 2024 State of the Nation Address). The country's challenging financial status was reiterated by the Vice President and Minister of Finance, Ndaba Gaolathe who in his opening remarks of the 2025/2026 Budget Speech alluded to the deterioration of public financial management systems, practices and processes over the years. The state of the country's financial resources points to a struggling Public Financial Management (PFM) system underpinned by weak budgetary oversight. Therefore, key corrective measures must include ensuring the implementation of prudent reforms in the country's financial management system. The budget scrutiny role of parliament is thus necessary to ensure efficient resource allocation and alignment of public spending... Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://knowledge.bidpa.bw:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/185 2026-10-01T00:00:00Z http://knowledge.bidpa.bw:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/176 Mitigating Performance Limitations Faced by Parliament's Budgetary Oversight Committees in Botswana Marata, Pearl Keneilwe Parliaments are an integral part of democracy, enhancing the quality of governance through the various functions bestowed upon them such as legislation, oversight, representation, and constituency service. Parliaments make use of committees to deliver on some of these functions. The parliament of Botswana, as other parliaments elsewhere, has at its disposal committees that help it to effectively perform its budgetary oversight functions. While this paper acknowledges the various functions of parliament, it, however, limits itself to parliament’s oversight function, especially, as it pertains to the budget. The Parliament of Botswana is empowered to undertake approval and audit functions in the budget cycle. Parliament performs these functions through two committees; namely: 1, the Finance and Estimates Committee (FEC); and 2, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). Parliament is, however, often criticised for unsatisfactory performance of its budgetary oversight function. While various explanations have been advanced for the perceived ineffective performance of Parliament, this paper posits that Parliament’s perceived ineffective performance of budgetary oversight is inherent within some of the provisions and powers given to the budgetary oversight committees. Using qualitative data collected through key informant interviews and desk research, this paper highlights some of the inherent challenges and limitations leading to unsatisfactory performance. The paper further presents some recommendations for averting the identified limitations and challenges to enable parliamentary committees to ably execute their roles and responsibilities to eventuate better and improved budgetary oversight. The series comprises of papers which reflect work in progress or limited research efforts, which may be of interest to researchers and policy makers, or of a public education character. Working papers may already have been published elsewhere or may appear in other publications. Sat, 01 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://knowledge.bidpa.bw:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/176 2025-11-01T00:00:00Z http://knowledge.bidpa.bw:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/173 Child Sexual Abuse in Botswana Samboma, Thabile A. ABSTRACT Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) in Botswana, is a big social problem with proven lifelong effects on the victims. Botswana has established various child protection institutions (CPI) and amended children’s protection laws in order to ensure that, children are safe from all harm. However, despite this development, CSA cases in Botswana are still on the rise. This study is the first to evaluate the effectiveness of child protection institutions in Botswana. A case study method was used in Old Naledi, and Letlhakeng where interview with 21 participants were conducted. Findings of the study revealed that there is;(i) the absence of a national child strategy; (ii) poor coordination of child protection institutions (iii) weak child legislation framework (iv) lack of capacity (v) inadequately financed child protection (vi) lack of systematic data collection (vii) lack of evidence base research; (viii) decline of family structure and (iv) lack of public awareness. All these combined, have been found to be a hindrance to the effectiveness of child protection institutions in Botswana. The study recommends as follows; there is need to review Children’s Act of 2009, there is need to develop national child protection strategy, strengthen coordination of CPI, increase allocation of resources, create a centralised database on CSA and strengthen evidence base research on CSA in Botswana. The series comprises of papers which reflect work in progress or limited research efforts, which may be of interest to researchers and policy makers, or of a public education character. Working papers may already have been published elsewhere or may appear in other publications. Tue, 01 Nov 2022 00:00:00 GMT http://knowledge.bidpa.bw:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/173 2022-11-01T00:00:00Z http://knowledge.bidpa.bw:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/171 Barriers to Effective Whistleblowing in Botswana Omotoye, Marumo dopting Botswana’s construction industry as a case study, this Policy Brief examines key barriers to effective whistleblowing in Botswana. Data were drawn from 117 construction firms and interviews with regulators of this sector. Despite the enactment of the Whistleblowing Act 2016, the study finds the following key barriers to effective whistleblowing: (i) fear of retaliation or punishment, (ii) fear of job loss, (iii) absence of organisational whistleblowing policies, (iv) lack of incentive to report, (v) lack of education on whistleblowing, and (vi) insufficient action and follow-up on disclosures by authorities. From a policy perspective, there is a need to strengthen the existing legal protection offered to whistleblowers, their families and associates to ensure they are not subject to harm, retaliation or victimisation. There is also a need to increase levels of education and awareness on whistleblowing in general, and the Whistleblowing Act 2016 in particular. Policy brief Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT http://knowledge.bidpa.bw:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/171 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z