The Botswana Housing Corporation’s (BHC) Acting General Manager, Dr Selinah Busang, is at the centre of fresh allegations of workplace harassment and procurement misconduct.
The allegations are contained in court annexures filed in an ongoing High Court battle in which three former senior executives are challenging their dismissals.
The three executives, Pogiso Thapelo, Richard Chilisa and Samantha Chabata, have since obtained an interdict preventing Busang from dismissing them from their employment.
The documents, which form part of the court record, reveal deepening turmoil within the state-owned housing corporation, with allegations ranging from workplace bullying and intimidation to suspected breaches of Botswana’s public procurement laws.
The latest revelations emerge as the dismissed executives continue to argue that their terminations were unlawful and symptomatic of governance failures within the corporation.
Among the annexures is a formal grievance addressed to then Acting Chief Executive Officer Sekgele Ramahobo under the subject line, “Formal Grievance – Request for Intervention Re: Workplace Harassment.”
In the complaint, a senior manager accuses Busang of sustained harassment, bullying and intimidation, saying the conduct had created a hostile working environment.
The complainant states that attempts to raise concerns directly with Busang were impossible because of what was described as poor treatment.
According to the grievance, Busang allegedly sent a WhatsApp message on 20 May 2026 at 19:18, stating:
According to the notice, preliminary information suggested that Busang may have independently identified, appointed and commissioned contractors without following the corporation’s procurement processes or obtaining the necessary delegated authority.
“You have called Nkgate and told him to cancel Francistown BDF project.”
The complaint further alleges that another WhatsApp message followed on 29 May 2026 at 22:36, reading:
“Wow someone told me that wa re the directors are leaving and you too want to leave but o batla go ntshinyetsa tiro.”
The complainant says copies of the WhatsApp messages were retained and could be produced as evidence.
The complainant requested an urgent investigation under BHC’s harassment policy and the Employment Act, interim protective measures to prevent further confrontations, and a defined investigation process with clear timelines.
The court papers also include a show-cause notice issued to Busang on 6 March 2026 by then Acting Chief Executive Officer Sekgele Ramahobo, requiring her to explain allegations relating to procurement activities at the controversial Kgale housing project.
According to the notice, management had begun investigating the engagement of contractors responsible for site-clearing works and geotechnical surveys at the project.
Ramahobo alleged that Busang authorised expenditure and engaged contractors without following prescribed procurement procedures.
The notice specifically cites alleged violations of Sections 2, 3, 4 and 7 of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) Public Procurement Operations Manual, the Public Procurement Regulations, 2023, the Public Procurement Act, 2021, and Clause 13.4.9 of the BHC Industrial Relations Procedures Manual.
According to the notice, preliminary information suggested that Busang may have independently identified, appointed and commissioned contractors without following the corporation’s procurement processes or obtaining the necessary delegated authority.
The letter warns that, if established, such conduct could constitute a serious breach of both BHC’s internal governance framework and Botswana’s public procurement laws.
Ramahobo cautioned that unauthorised procurement had the potential to expose the corporation to significant legal, financial and reputational risks.
The notice further states that procurement procedures are designed to ensure transparency, accountability, fairness and value for money in the expenditure of public resources, warning that departures from these requirements by senior executives undermine internal controls and corporate governance.
Busang was instructed to submit a written explanation within five working days explaining why disciplinary proceedings should not be instituted against her.
The documents are now before the High Court as annexures in proceedings brought by the three former executives, who are seeking to overturn their dismissals.
