How Asset Declaration Works in Botswana

The Ethics and Integrity Directorate (EID)

Established under the Declaration of Assets and Liabilities Act No. 12 of 2019, the Ethics and Integrity Directorate (EID) is at the forefront of promoting accountability and transparency in public office. The Directorate has been operational since January 2020, receiving its first asset declarations on February 3 of the same year. But what exactly does this entail, and why is it important?

The primary mandate of the EID is to reinforce integrity in public service by maintaining an asset declaration system. This ensures that public officials disclose their financial interests, preventing corruption, illicit enrichment, and abuse of office.

Asset Declaration

Asset declaration requires public officials to submit detailed information about their income, assets, liabilities, and those of their spouses, dependents, and minor children. This mechanism serves as a safeguard against unjustified wealth accumulation and conflicts of interest.

Public officials must submit declarations within 60 days of their appointment, assumption of office, or oath-taking; every 24 months following the initial declaration; five years after leaving office, within 30 days of any significant change in assets, income, or liabilities exceeding P200,000.

 Asset Declaration System

The system comprises multiple elements, including: Periodic submission of declarations by public officials • Guidelines and ethical standards to uphold public integrity • Public awareness campaigns to educate officials on ethical conduct • Referral mechanisms to investigatory bodies for suspected corruption or financial misconduct • Verification and analysis of declarations to detect suspicious changes in wealth • A public register listing those who have submitted or failed to submit their declarations, along with penalties for non-compliance.

 Who has to Declare?

The Act specifies several categories of individuals required to disclose their financial details, including:

Political Leadership

• The President, Vice President, and former Presidents
• Ministers and Assistant Ministers
• Members of Parliament and Councillors

 Judiciary

• Chief Justice, President of the Court of Appeal
• Justices of Appeal, Judges of the High Court and Industrial Court
• Judicial officers appointed by the Judicial Service Commission

Public Service

• Permanent Secretaries, Attorney General, and District Commissioners
• Heads of security agencies, including the Botswana Defence Force and Police
• Senior officials in local authorities and government institutions

Other Declarants

• Board members of public bodies and parastatals
• CEOs and senior officials of public enterprises
• Heads of private entities receiving government grants
• Additional categories as determined by the Minister

 Submission and Compliance

Upon submitting declarations, officials receive an Acknowledgement Slip as proof of compliance. If errors or omissions are detected, the Directorate requires corrections before issuing final approval.

Non-compliance can lead to penalties, though the EID also facilitates education and awareness to ensure smooth adherence to regulations.