19/08/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BNF YOUTH LEAGUE COMMENDS CDE NOAH SALAKAE FOR STEPPING ASIDE
19th August 2026
1. The Botswana National Front Youth League has noted the resignation of Cde Noah Salakae from Cabinet as Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, following confirmation that he is due to appear before court in relation to corruption charges.
2. At the outset, the Youth League commends Cde Salakae for choosing to step aside. By so doing, he has elected to answer the charges and seek to clear his name without the authority and privileges of ministerial office casting a shadow over the proceedings.
3. Where the continued occupation of public office may undermine public confidence or cast doubt upon the integrity of legal proceedings, revolutionary discipline demands that individual interest yield to the collective interest of our nation. Cde Salakae’s decision recognises that the National Democratic Revolution transcends the interests of any individual cadre and that the movement itself exists to serve the people.
4. His resignation must not be construed as an admission of guilt. Cde Salakae remains entitled to the presumption of innocence, a fair hearing and the full protection of the law. This is the kind of integrity and accountability our people have always hoped would define a UDC Government. It should become an established standard that any Minister or similarly placed public office-holder who is formally charged with a serious offence involving corruption, dishonesty or abuse of office steps aside while the matter is determined.
5. The BNF Youth League therefore calls upon the Botswana National Front and the UDC Government to uphold and institutionalise this principle of political accountability by requiring, where necessary, office-bearers to step aside while due process takes its course. Political accountability cannot depend upon personal conscience alone; it must be enforced through collective discipline. This standard must be applied consistently, without fear or favour and without regard to rank, faction or political proximity.
6. We call upon all relevant institutions to allow the law to take its course. The investigation and prosecution must be conducted independently, expeditiously and fairly, without political interference, selective enforcement or underhanded conduct. Neither political loyalty nor political hostility should determine the outcome.
7. Where wrongdoing is established through due process, it must be punished in accordance with the law. Where the charges are not sustained, Cde Salakae must be afforded the opportunity to clear his name fully. Zero tolerance for corruption, together with unwavering respect for the rule of law, must forever form part of the DNA of the UDC Government.
¡PATRIA O MUERTE! ¡VENCEREMOS!
ISSUED BY THE BOTSWANA NATIONAL FRONT YOUTH LEAGUE
