REBUTTAL TO MISLEADING ALLEGATIONS ON THE STATUS AND MANAGEMENT OF IDM BOTSWANA

PRESS RELEASE: 
ALL MEDIA HOUSES
 
REBUTTAL TO MISLEADING ALLEGATIONS ON THE STATUS AND MANAGEMENT  OF IDM BOTSWANA
 
We note with deep concern the recent article in Mmegi dated 2nd May 2025, in which there are serious allegations levelled against the leadership of the Institute of Development Management (IDM), the Directorate of Public Service Management (DPSM), and the Minister for State President, Honourable Moeti C. Mohwasa. The article presents a misleading narrative suggesting a deliberate effort to collapse IDM Botswana through financial mismanagement, operational sabotage, and political collusion. These claims are not only inaccurate but sensational, misleading, and deeply irresponsible. 
 
What is especially troubling is that Mmegi newspaper has published these allegations and did not afford IDM and other implicated parties the opportunity to state their side of the story-a clear breach of  ethics of journalism.  
 
IDM thus wish to set the record straight, by providing the following background and clarification:
 
·The Botswana Government instituted a rationalisation exercise of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) through the Presidential Directive of 2022, guided by the Constitution of Botswana, Section 50(4).
 
·The primary goal of this rationalisation is to eliminate duplication of SOE mandates and create greater efficiency. Following extensive high-level consultations, the governments of Botswana, Lesotho, and Eswatini jointly agreed to dissolve IDM Regional Body (the tripartite) in January 2025.
 
·Most importantly, despite the dissolution of the tripartite, the Heads of State of Botswana, Lesotho, and Eswatini have reaffirmed their commitment to continue harnessing strategic areas of collaboration to advance the well-being of their people.
 
·This dissolution process allows Botswana to implement an institutional rationalisation strategy aimed at building efficiencies and driving much-needed socio-economic transformation.
 
·Specifically, the planned merger of IDM, Botswana Public Service College, and Botswana National Productivity Centre is designed to sharpen focus on public service retooling, continuous education, and transformative skills development.
 
·This rationalisation aligns fully with the pledges the current government has made to Batswana — including the promotion of decent work, continuous professional development, reskilling, and redeployment of misplaced skills. 
 
It is, therefore, inaccurate to suggest that the dissolution stems from IDM’s current financial performance or that it is being driven by the Country Director or the DPSM, as implied by the article. All financial decisions undertaken by IDM have followed responsible fiscal management strategies designed to ensure the institution’s long-term stability.  
 
Furthermore, any investments made by IDM have adhered to institutional protocols, received oversight from the Board, and have been subjected to rigorous annual financial audits. 
 
The allegations that President Duma Boko is being deliberately misled are reckless and appear to be a politically motivated attempt to divert attention from the substantive institutional issues. The President is well-informed about all major strategic decisions affecting parastatals and the education sector and remains firmly committed to transparency, accountability, and national development. Attempts to emotionally sway the public by invoking the President’s human rights background are both inappropriate and misleading. 
 
We acknowledge that change can create anxiety. That is why, since the finalisation of the dissolution decision in January 2025, IDM has engaged in ongoing consultations with staff and students. Preliminary consultations with the three recognised staff unions have already been held, with more scheduled to ensure continued dialogue.
 
IDM remains in a teach-out phase, with teaching and learning continuing uninterrupted until the last enrolled student completes their studies in 2028. Additionally, admissions remain open for reinstatements and for applicants seeking to top up their qualifications for prescribed durations. The Centre for Continued Professional Development (CCPD) also remains fully operational, offering both credit bearing and non-credit bearing short courses. 
 
The Botswana Government and IDM Botswana Management call for calm, constructive dialogue, and adherence to due process as we navigate this critical transition and work towards a sustainable future. We urge all stakeholders to refrain from spreading misinformation or engaging in anonymous smear campaigns, which only serve to erode public trust and discredit the hard work of the students and professionals who rely on IDM’s legacy. 
 
We remain committed to openness, accountability, and responsible communication with all stakeholders.  For more information please contact the following: 
 
Ms.Chandapiwa Maele
Acting Chief Public Relations Officer
Directorate of Public Service Management
Email: chthebe@gov.bw
Tel: 3622844 
 
Mr.Chris Moiketsi
Marketing and Communications Manager 
Institute of Development Management- Botswana 
Email: chris@idmbls.ac.bw
Tel: 3612100 
 
 //Ends