The Ministry of Health has called on young public officers to take an active role in strengthening integrity and accountability across Botswana’s health sector. The call was made during the 6th Anti-Corruption Pitso, held yesterday in Gaborone under the theme “Igniting Integrity: Youth in Action Against Corruption.” The event brought together young public officers for discussions on ethical leadership, responsible conduct and the importance of protecting public resources. Speakers stressed that the fight against corruption cannot depend only on investigations and enforcement after wrongdoing has occurred. Instead, integrity must become part of everyday decision-making across the Public Service, particularly among young officers who are already contributing to the delivery of essential health services.
Director of Health Services Dr Oratile Mfokeng-Selei said the Anti-Corruption Pitso reflects a shared commitment to confronting corruption and strengthening ethical standards within the health sector. She emphasised that integrity begins with everyday choices, including refusing bribes, declaring conflicts of interest, protecting government resources and speaking out when wrongdoing occurs. Her message placed responsibility for fighting corruption not only on senior officials but also on employees at every level of the health system. Dr Mfokeng-Selei used the Setswana proverb “Lore lo ojwa lo sale metsi” to highlight the importance of developing strong values from an early stage. She explained that the principles people learn early in their careers can influence the professionals they become, while reminding young officers that they are already leaders who can shape workplace culture.
The emphasis on young public officers reflects the important role they play in determining the standards that will guide Botswana’s Public Service in the years ahead. Young employees enter workplaces with the opportunity to establish professional habits that prioritise transparency, accountability and responsible decision-making. Their choices can influence colleagues and contribute to the wider culture within government institutions. The message from the Ministry of Health was therefore that young officers should not wait until they reach senior positions before taking responsibility for ethical leadership. By acting with integrity in their current roles, they can contribute to stronger institutions and help build public confidence in government services.
Assistant Minister of Health Hon. Lawrence Ookeditse also urged public officers to place nation-building at the centre of their responsibilities. He called for strict compliance with procurement procedures, which are designed to ensure that government resources are acquired and used through transparent and accountable processes. He also stressed the importance of protecting patient information, an especially important responsibility in the health sector where officers handle sensitive personal information. Government resources must likewise be used responsibly and for their intended purposes, rather than for personal benefit. Hon. Ookeditse emphasised that integrity should become a daily habit and warned that remaining silent when wrongdoing occurs can contribute to the continuation of unethical conduct.
Procurement and resource management remain important areas for maintaining accountability within public institutions because government spending directly affects the services available to citizens. In the health sector, responsible use of resources can affect the ability of facilities to provide medicines, equipment, staffing and other essential services. Following established procurement processes helps create clear records and allows decisions involving public funds to be scrutinised. Protecting patient information is equally important because healthcare workers have responsibilities to maintain confidentiality while delivering services. The discussions at the Pitso therefore connected personal integrity with practical responsibilities that affect both government operations and the people who depend on public healthcare.
Ms Thembie Sally Dihela from the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime explained that corruption involves the abuse of entrusted power. Her contribution highlighted the different ways corruption can affect public institutions and the importance of ensuring that employees understand the risks associated with unethical conduct. She noted that young people can be targeted for financial crimes, making awareness and education important tools for prevention. At the same time, young officers possess digital skills that can help identify suspicious or unethical practices and support reporting mechanisms. She called for greater public education alongside stronger enforcement so that people understand both the consequences of corruption and the channels available for reporting suspected wrongdoing.
The focus on digital skills adds another dimension to the role young public officers can play in combating corruption. Modern workplaces generate significant amounts of digital information, creating opportunities to identify irregularities and strengthen transparency when technology is used responsibly. Young officers who understand digital systems can contribute to identifying unusual activities and raising concerns through appropriate channels. However, digital skills must be combined with knowledge of ethical standards and a clear understanding of reporting procedures. Education can help ensure that employees recognise warning signs and understand how to respond without compromising investigations or confidential information.
The closing message came from Ms Lesego Maedza, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Human Resource and Administration, who reminded participants that young public officers are not simply the future of the Public Service but are already part of its present. Her message challenged attendees to move beyond discussion and translate the lessons of the Anti-Corruption Pitso into daily action. This includes making ethical decisions, protecting public resources, following established procedures and speaking up through appropriate channels when concerns arise. The call also places responsibility on institutions to create environments where integrity is encouraged and employees understand their responsibilities. Keeping the “spark of integrity” burning therefore requires consistent action rather than attention only during awareness events.
The 6th Anti-Corruption Pitso provided a platform for Botswana’s health sector to reinforce the importance of integrity among young public officers. The discussions showed that fighting corruption involves more than responding to financial misconduct after it happens. It requires employees to make responsible choices, protect public resources, respect confidential information, follow procurement rules and report suspected wrongdoing. The event also highlighted the potential of young officers to use their skills and influence to strengthen ethical workplace cultures. By turning the lessons from the Pitso into everyday practices, public officers can contribute to a health sector built on accountability, professionalism and trust.
