"This article argues that for all the plaudits that it has received Botswana is not a true example of democracy. It only continues to shine because of its historical context and the elaborate machinations of the ruling party. It supports Good's (1996) thesis of Authoritarian Liberalism as an apt description of this style of leadership. The article articulates this by examining Botswana's media policy against the leadership of its first leader, Sir Seretse Khama (1965-1980), famous across the globe for his democratic credentials. Reference will also be made to the Masire (1980-1998) and Mogae (1998-2008) eras. It argues that the current climate of media tyranny and democratic erosion is a legacy of Khama's foundation." (Abstract)