February 2026 marked a defining moment for the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO) as the institution convened a pivotal staff meeting focused on reinforcing ethics, integrity, and renewed institutional commitment. Addressing officers with urgency and conviction, DCEO Director General, Advocate Brigadier Mant’so Sello, called on staff to boldly declare 2026 as “Selemo sa ho Teneha” the year of being upset. But this was no call for emotional reaction or impulsive conduct. The Director General was deliberate in clarifying that being “upset” does not mean abandoning objectivity, compromising fairness, or acting out of anger. Rather, it signals a firm and unwavering stance against corruption. “Ho teneha ho lokela ho bolela zero tolerance to corruption and refusal to allow corruption to thrive,” he emphasized. Advocate Sello underscored that the 2026 theme is not symbolic rhetoric. It is intentional and influenced by the findings of the 2025 Corruption Index Report, which has raised concern about corruption trends and public perception. The declaration of “Selemo sa ho Teneha” therefore serves as a call to conscience, a call to restore public trust, a call to safeguard and rebuild the institution’s reputation.
The Director General acknowledged with concern that segments of the public have expressed dissatisfaction with the DCEO’s handling of cases. He described this as deeply troubling and a reality that must galvanize collective action within the institution. In his address, Advocate Sello urged every officer across all departments to internalize the 2026 theme. Being “upset,” he said, should translate into relentless pursuit of excellence, strategic thinking to improve performance, increased productivity, stronger case management, and ethical conduct beyond reproach. “Everywhere you go, wherever you are,” he urged, officers should constantly think about strategies that can help the DCEO perform better.