BOTSWANA n = 20 Yes No Partial Additional information X 5. Did the organisation provide all of the requested information? 6. Did the organisation provide written reasons for the refusal of information? 7. Did the organisation disclose information about its operations, budgets, structure, etc. X 8. Did the authority provide information without questioning the aims and motivations of the applicant? X 9. Did the organisation acknowledge the request for information within 7 days? X X 10. Was the information received clear and understandable? X Total score: 8/20 SUMMARY Organisation Website Request for information Total score 1. Botswana Examination Council 11 5 16 2. Botswana Housing Corporation 11 4 15 3. Botswana International University of Science and Technology 12 6 18 4. Botswana National Productivity Centre 4 4 8 5. Botswana Parliament 10 6 16 6. Botswana Police 4 2 6 7. Botswana Tourism Organisation 8 4 12 8. Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism 7 2 9 9. Ministry of Trade and Industry 9 5 14 12 8 20 10. Special Economic Zone Authority RESEARCH CONCLUSION Generally, all the institutions fared poorly, including those that scored the highest marks. No institution responded positively to the requests for information. Some institutions showed courtesy by engaging in conversations over the questions. Out of the 10 targeted, only the top three acknowledged receipt, while the rest did not respond. The strengthening of Government Communications has not resulted in openness but has worsened the situation, as the communication system has now become a gatekeeper by blocking ATI. The officials employ delay tactics when information is requested, which could be a way of frustrating those requesting information. The absence of ATI legislation continues to be the biggest hurdle towards transparency in government departments and agencies. The websites for government departments and parastatals are mainly used as platforms to announce events and share press statements. They do not proactively share other helpful information, such as financial reports. 20