Africa-Press – Botswana. Local district authorities have urged government to act decisively on the plight of Basarwa communities.
The call for comprehensive solutions that respect the rights, culture, and dignity of the Basarwa came during a meeting convened by the inter-ministerial committee set up by President Advocate Duma Boko to look into the situation of Basarwa in Botswana to address long-standing and pressing issues they have.
Presenting a number of recommendations for government action on Basarwa issues, Letlhakeng District Council chairperson Mr Gordon Mokgwathi proposed demarcating a portion of land in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve specifically for Basarwa as well as drilling boreholes to provide water access, and implementing a special dispensation for Basarwa students in education and government programmes. Mr Mokgwathi also highlighted the negative stereotypes and prejudices faced by Basarwa, stressing the need for government action to restore their dignity.
“Basarwa have been unfairly labeled as lacking discipline and associated with vandalism. This negative image affects their educational performance and opportunities,” Mokgwathi remarked, advocating for special consideration in government programmes to address long-standing disparities.
He praised the current administration for its human rights-based governance and emphasised the responsibility of all Batswana, including the government, to support Basarwa in achieving their full potential and dignity as fellow citizens.
Letlhakeng District Commissioner Mr Ian Tema highlighted the need for a more consultative approach towards Basarwa issues, emphasising that past government decisions had often been made without engaging the Basarwa community.
“In the past, houses were built for the Basarwa without their input or consent, and when they were relocated from the game reserve, they were given cattle without access to boreholes for water,” Mr Tema stated.
He urged fellow government officials to listen to the Basarwa community before making decisions that impact their lives, saying, “We need to apply ourselves first and consult with the Basarwa people before taking action.”
Village Development Committee (VDC) Secretary for Letlhakeng North, Ms Kebafilwe Moselesele praised the government for consulting with communities living alongside Basarwa. She said some communities who live alongside Basarwa learned to coexist harmoniously with them because they took time to understand their culture and identity. She said it was important for all Batswana to embrace the Basarwa community and not discriminate against them.
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