By Donald Molosi

October 2025

Botswana often stands out as a model of democratic stability in Africa. The constitution promises freedom of expression, and many citizens value the right to speak openly.

Yet, the national broadcaster, which should be the voice of the people, too often serves only to repeat the government’s narrative. It is time to change this institution so that it truly reflects the rich and varied stories of Botswana’s people.

What the Numbers Tell Us:

Recent surveys reveal some hopeful signs. Seventy-four percent of Batswana say they feel free to express their opinions, an increase from sixty-eight percent three years ago. But only about half believe the media operates independently, free from government interference. Forty-one percent believe the media faces restrictions. These numbers expose a gap between constitutional ideals and everyday reality.

The demand for media freedom is clear. Seventy-six percent believe the media should publish all views without censorship, and seventy-nine percent expect it to investigate government mistakes and corruption. Despite this, trust in the public broadcaster remains fragile.

One striking concern is the near invisibility of women’s voices. In the 2024 elections, women accounted for only 2.8 percent of quoted political news sources. Men dominated at 97.2 percent.

Women hold just 8.7 percent of parliamentary seats, down from about 11 percent in 2019. Their representation at the local government level is even lower.

Botswana’s ranking in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index slipped to seventy-nine out of 180 countries. This decline points to significant challenges in ensuring media independence.

These figures are not abstract. They reflect systemic imbalances that prevent the public broadcaster from fulfilling its role.

What Botswana’s Broadcaster Should Be:

The public broadcaster must be independent. Its leadership should be appointed through transparent and non-partisan processes involving civil society and media professionals. It should represent Botswana’s diverse regions, languages, and cultures.

Funding should be reliable and diverse. Public funding protected by law, combined with regulated advertising, will reduce political or commercial influence.

Editorial policies must guarantee fairness and inclusion. Women, youth, rural communities, and minority voices must be meaningfully represented.

Transparency should be a guiding principle. The broadcaster must publish regular reports on who is heard and how often. It must welcome public feedback and protect journalists from intimidation or harassment.

Beyond politics, the broadcaster should celebrate Botswana’s culture through music, storytelling, history, and local languages. Everyone should see themselves in its programming.

Why Now Matters:

The people of Botswana want openness. Eighty-eight percent support public access to government budgets. Half believe salaries of public officials should be disclosed. The public will demand a broadcaster that belongs to the people, not to political elites.

As broadcast scholar Corinna Arndt explains, “By definition, public broadcasters are accountable to the public rather than the government of the day. They are accessible to a universal audience, inclusive of a wide range of views, and fair, balanced, and independent in their journalism.”

Botswana’s broadcaster must live up to this definition. It must become a mirror that reflects the full complexity of the nation, not a screen showing just one side.

A Call to Action:

Botswana’s constitution promises freedom, but the people demand reform. The country needs a broadcaster with:

* Genuine independence in governance

* Stable, impartial funding

* Editorial fairness and inclusivity

* Transparent accountability

* Protection and celebration of cultural voices

This is not an idealistic dream. It is the foundation of democracy. Botswana stands at the crossroads, with a chance to lead not only in political stability but also in the richness of democratic expression. The time to act is now.

• About the Author

Donald Molosi is a Botswana-born actor and playwright known for *Blue, Black and White*, a global hit about Botswana’s first president. His upcoming film *Moitobo*, in which he stars as the lead will debut soon in the UK.