AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BOTSWANA 2009 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Freedom of expression that is clearly guaranteed in the Constitution of Botswana is negated by the enactment of several other pieces of legislation that severely impact on public information rights. The clampdown on information has increased and Batswana are speaking out less while information is severely restricted in both practise and by policy. The Public Services Act, National Security Act and the Corruption and Economic Crime Act (CECA) contain provisions restricting access to public information. The legislative and political landscape has visibly altered in Botswana over the last two years and a culture of fear and intimidation has permeated the atmosphere. Stories abound of the military abducting youths and warning them against being “troublesome” resulting in curtailed freedom of movement. By nightfall there are very few people out and about on the streets while entertainment dies down by 11pm. This can be directly linked to the change in the country’s leadership. Since President Lieutenant General, Seretse Khama Ian Khama, as he insists on being called took over power, there has been a dramatic transformation in the style of governance. He is highly rigid and dictatorial and this stems from his strong military background. Those nearest and dearest to him have a military background too: his deputy is a retired army general, while his press liaison officer is a former soldier. Decisions are often taken solely by the Executive with no consultation and anyone in government, who opposes the President is sidelined. This abuse of power is perpetuated by the traditional belief amongst the Batswana that, once the chief has spoken everyone must fall in line. This tradition of according respect to elders extends to the media with journalists ignoring the transgression of senior officials while younger reporters will not ask the tough questions. The recent appointment of public relations officers to government ministries creates the impression they will facilitate the flow of information into the public domain but this is far removed from the reality. Under the Public Services Act which governs them, civil servants and the PROs working for the various ministries can be instantly dismissed for speaking to the media or providing information without permission from the Minister or the Permanent Secretary of a particular ministry. These restrictions are further impeded by the passing of the Media Practitioners Act (MPA) at the end of last year. The MPA was passed with only the semblance 6 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BOTSWANA 2009