Records management as a means to fight corruption and enhancing accountability in Botswana

Abstract

Botswana is the only country in sub-Saharan Africa to have sustained uninterrupted record of liberal democracy and political stability as well as good governance since independence. However, as observed by Transparency International, there is evidence to suggest that even the most democratic countries are prone to corruption. This article, therefore, contends that corruption of various kinds does exist in Botswana and that efforts should be made to fight it if the country is to uphold its democratic stability and good governance and retain its accolades as an “African success story” and “An African Miracle”. The article discusses fundamental flaws in Botswana’s anti-corruption strategy and argues particularly that proper recordkeeping, albeit important, is not recognized as essential to the country’s anti-corruption strategy. Further, the article argues that inappropriate records management aid corruption and non accountability and that proper records management is imperative in corruption prevention and accountability. It is recommended that Botswana’s anti-graft strategy should be revamped to inter alia include proper recordkeeping and new legislation. The article particularly proposes stringent measures to modernize record keeping in the public sector as this would aid accountability and prevention of corruption.