Hon. Dithapelo L. Keorapetse. MP.
The Speaker of the National Assembly
MINISTRY OF FINANCE APPEARS BEFORE PAC
The Ministry of Finance appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to account for its 2022/2023 financial performance and respond to issues raised in the Auditor General's Report.
Briefing the Committee, Permanent Secretary Dr. Tshokologo Kganetsano said last year's PAC assessment found the economy characterised by sluggish growth, declining fiscal buffers and reduced government revenues which led to the accumulation of billions of pula in outstanding invoices.
Despite these challenges, he said the Ministry remained committed to prudent financial management and subsequently introduced corrective measures including cost containment initiatives from August 2025, which delivered significant savings and strengthened budgetary discipline. He added that centralising Government Purchase Orders (GPOs) reduced spending commitments including the declining of overtime and travel expenditure. Dr. Kganetsano reported that Ministry has since cleared arrears of P3.8 billion comprising of some invoices dating back to 2018/2019, leaving only those submitted on 29 July 2026 outstanding.
The Committee questioned the Ministry about the salary overpayments incurred across ministries, the seven-year backlog of qualified government accounts, the operational constraints arising from the centralisation of Government Purchase Orders and the effectiveness of the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP) in creating quality, decent jobs.
In his response, Dr. Kganetsano acknowledged that salary overpayments remain a persistent challenge adding that his Ministry is engaging all Ministries to close gaps and is set to introduce mid-term reviews to strengthen oversight. He further stated that the planned upgrading of the Government Accounting and Budgeting System (GABS) is expected to eliminate system-related weaknesses.
Members highlighted disparities in the administration of overtime payments across salary scales and called for a government-wide review. The Committee also called for stronger control measures to curb the wastage, mismanagement and looting of funds across ministries.
30 JULY 2026 - PAC EXAMINES THE BOOKS OF ACCOUNTS OF MINISTRY OF FINANCE - LIVE ON SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS AND BTV
MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INNOVATION APPEARS BEFORE PAC
The Ministry of Communications and Innovation appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to account for the 2022/2023 financial records under the then Ministry of Transport and Communications.
The Committee probed the Ministry over a number of abandoned and delayed projects, including the failed eGov project, which involved an expenditure of P423 million. Members sought an explanation for the project's collapse and the utilisation of funds. The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Communications and Innovation, Mr Cecil Masiga attributed the failure, among other factors to inadequate internal capacity to manage and deliver the programme.
The Committee also sought clarity on the direct appointment of a foreign company to supply customised vehicle number plates, the maintenance and construction of several roads, as well as malpractice and corruption involving the sale of driver's licences by some officers within the Department of Road Transport and Safety.
Regarding progress made, the Acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Mr Pius Keone reported on the modernisation of road transport services through the rollout of an intelligent driver testing system and a driver theory testing system aimed at enhancing customer access and reducing opportunities for corruption. In addition, amendments to the Road Traffic Act and the Road Transport Permits Act are being pursued to strengthen regulation and road safety.
The Permanent Secretaries further outlined a number of challenges including funding constraints, aged infrastructure, delayed litigation and project implementation setbacks, as well as the need to remodel the Department of Information Technology (DIT), a process constrained by limited financial resources.
DIRECTORATE ON INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY APPEARS BEFORE PAC
The Directorate on Intelligence and Security (DIS) led by Director General Peter Magosi, appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to account for its 2022/2023 financial performance.
Addressing the Committee, Mr Magosi highlighted key developments within the Directorate, including the successful completion of its restructuring programme, which is intended to strengthen the Directorate’s operational capacity through expanded national coverage and increased staffing. He also noted that the Directorate continues to face challenges relating to public confidence, citing the spread of misinformation and fake news as contributing factors.
The Committee scrutinised a number of operational and human resource matters, requesting updates on court cases involving former and current employees, staff progression and promotion, training opportunities and allegations of favouritism and unfair promotions within the Directorate. Additionally, the Committee requested a progress report on the transfer of Tautona Lodge's financial records to the Government.
Members also raised concern over allegations of misconduct by some DIS officers, reports of harassment to citizens, cyber bullying by pseudo accounts and the increasing prevalence of drug trafficking and abuse in the country.
In response, Mr. Magosi assured the Committee that the Directorate is collaborating with the Botswana Police Service to strengthen coordinated efforts to combat the prevalence of drugs and enhance the country's security response.
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