The Min.for Defence,Justice and Security,Hon.Dikgakgamatso N.Seretse at the Corruption & Economic Crime,Work Ethics and Corporate Governance Conventio

source: Republic of Botswana (18/6/09): TAUTONA TIMES no 16 of 2009
The Weekly Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
"Democracy, Development, Dignity and Discipline"

B4) 11/6/09: ADDRESS BY THE MINISTER FOR DEFENCE, JUSTICE AND SECURITY, HON. DIKGAKGAMATSO N. SERETSE AT THE CORRUPTION & ECONOMIC CRIME, WORK ETHICS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CONVENTION

Director of Ceremonies
Director of the Directorate of Public Service Management Chief Executive Officer, the HR Group Distinguished delegates Ladies and Gentlemen, Ke a lo dumedisa,

1. I wish to express my sincere gratitude to have been invited to give a Keynote Address and officially open this important gathering today.

2. The theme of this Convention is "Positioning Botswana in the Competitive Global Community." This should be done through promoting performance excellence in both public and private organizations and sensitizing delegates and the nation at large on the dangers of engaging in corrupt dealings.

3. I must say that the topics that will be covered in this conference bring a lot of excitement and hope to me as an individual and as a Minister with portfolio responsibility on anti-corruption. If I had the time I would have added my word to more experienced and quality speakers that would be deliberating in the conference.

4. As you may be aware, the public service in partnership with the private sector is embarking on a variety of reforms with the aim of improving performance levels nationwide. We need to firmly establish public and private sector participation in this endeavour to facilitate the success of Vision 2016 particularly with regard to an educated and informed nation.

5. Botswana is ranked among the least corrupt countries in the world as indicated by Transparency International. It is therefore, critical that our nation puts in place measures that will lower this mark further and place Botswana in the best position to attract foreign investment.

6. Corruption however, continues to be a challenge and this calls for a variety of avenues with robust approaches to reduce it. It is therefore, imperative that the private sector and government join hands and deeply examine these avenues and strategies and the implementation thereof.

7. Undeniably, corruption has enormous economic, social and political consequences, amongst others. It is a major obstacle to economic development and a large contributor to increasing costs of doing business. It is important therefore, that government and the private sector take decisive actions in reacting to all traces of corruption.

8. My day is further made by the fact that Governance, Discipline and Work Ethics will be discussed in this conference. I foresee a convention that is interesting, engaging and informative.

9. Amongst the speakers to this conference will be a representative from the DCEC who I believe will shed more light on the issues of corruption and economic crime. The DCEC has and still is hosting seminars of this nature countrywide. It is such workshops that provide a platform to enlighten individuals to remain vigilant against dealings of corruption in all its forms.

10. True to the spirit, aim and modus operandi of this Convention, I shall proceed no further and therefore wish you a fruitful and inspiring conference which will lead to informed and practical conclusions.

15. Thank you Ladies and Gentlemen, I now declare this Convention officially open. PULA!