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FOREIGN POLICY AND GOVERNMENT GUIDE
International Business Publications, USA Washington DC, USA- Botswana
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COUNTRY STUDY GUIDE
UPDATED ANNUALLY
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COUNTRY STUDY GUIDE

TABLE OF CONTENTS
BOTSWANA STRATEGIC & DEVELOPMENT PROFILES ............................................................. 10 STRATEGIC PROFILE........................................................................................................................... 10 Geography ........................................................................................................................................... 11 People .................................................................................................................................................. 13 Government ......................................................................................................................................... 14 Economy .............................................................................................................................................. 15 Communications .................................................................................................................................. 18 Transportation ..................................................................................................................................... 18 Military ................................................................................................................................................ 18 Transnational Issues............................................................................................................................ 19 NARCOTICS ........................................................................................................................................... 19 Status of Country. ................................................................................................................................ 19 Country Actions Against Drugs ........................................................................................................... 20 U.S. Policy Initiatives and Programs .................................................................................................. 20 IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BOTSWANA ............................................................................... 20 PROFILE ............................................................................................................................................. 20 PEOPLE AND HISTORY..................................................................................................................... 21 GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS ............................................................................. 22 ECONOMY .......................................................................................................................................... 23 Mining.................................................................................................................................................. 23 Private Sector Development and Foreign Investment ......................................................................... 24 DEFENSE............................................................................................................................................ 26 U.S.-BOTSWANA RELATIONS ........................................................................................................... 26 TRAVEL AND BUSINESS INFORMATION ........................................................................................ 27 GEOGRAPHY AND NATURE ................................................................................................................ 30 CLIMATE AND NATURE ........................................................................................................................ 30 Seasons ................................................................................................................................................ 31 Hardveld, Sandveld, and Ancient Lakes .............................................................................................. 31 Soils ..................................................................................................................................................... 32 Animal Life .......................................................................................................................................... 32 Plant Life ............................................................................................................................................. 33 HISTORY AND POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS ................................................................................ 34 EARLY HUNTING, PASTORAL, AND FARMING PEOPLE .............................................................................. 34 BANTU-SPEAKING FARMERS ..................................................................................................................... 34 IRON AGE CHIEFDOMS AND STATES ......................................................................................................... 35 NORTH-WESTERN BOTSWANA CHIEFDOMS ............................................................................................... 36 Rise of Tswana domination.................................................................................................................. 36 GROWTH OF TSWANA STATES .................................................................................................................. 36 TIMES OF WAR .......................................................................................................................................... 37 POST-WAR TSWANA COMMERCIAL PROSPERITY........................................................................................ 37
-4A BRITISH PROTECTORATE ....................................................................................................................... 37 Threats of incorporation...................................................................................................................... 38 ADVANCE TO INDEPENDENCE ................................................................................................................... 38 BOTSWANA GAINS INTERNATIONAL STATURE.......................................................................................... 39 ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL GROWTH ........................................................................................................ 39 POLITICAL FIGURES AND RULERS.................................................................................................. 39 Masire Succeeds Seretse Khama ......................................................................................................... 39 Mogae Succeeds Masire ...................................................................................................................... 40 POPULATION ........................................................................................................................................... 41 RURAL SETTLEMENT ................................................................................................................................ 41 LARGE VILLAGES & "TRADITIONAL" TOWNS ........................................................................................... 41 "MODERN" TOWNS & CITIES .................................................................................................................... 41 DEMOGRAPHY .......................................................................................................................................... 42 GENDER RELATIONS ................................................................................................................................. 42 WOMEN IN THE SOCIETY ........................................................................................................................... 43 Selected International Conventions Affecting the Rights of Women.................................................... 43 Legal and Regulatory Context ............................................................................................................. 44 Constitution ......................................................................................................................................... 44 Family Relations.................................................................................................................................. 44 Economics and Commerce................................................................................................................... 45 Strategic Sectors .................................................................................................................................. 46 Population/Health/Nutrition................................................................................................................ 46 Agriculture........................................................................................................................................... 47 Infrastructure....................................................................................................................................... 47 Employment ......................................................................................................................................... 47 Credit................................................................................................................................................... 48 Ethnicity............................................................................................................................................... 48 Daily Life in Villages ........................................................................................................................... 50 LANGUAGE, CULTURE, TRADITIONS .............................................................................................. 51 LANGUAGES.............................................................................................................................................. 51 RELIGION .................................................................................................................................................. 54 CULTURE .................................................................................................................................................. 55 Music & Drama ................................................................................................................................... 56 Fine Arts and Crafts ............................................................................................................................ 56 LITERATURE ............................................................................................................................................. 58 FILMS AND TELEVISION ............................................................................................................................ 59 CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS ......................................................................................................................... 60 SPORTS, RECREATION, HEALTH ............................................................................................................... 60 EDUCATION .............................................................................................................................................. 60 Literacy................................................................................................................................................ 60 Primary & Secondary Education......................................................................................................... 61 Professional Education- ...................................................................................................................... 61 Higher Education................................................................................................................................. 61 US ASSIANTANCE IN EDUCATION REFORM ................................................................................. 62 Botswana: USAID's Assistance............................................................................................................ 63 Basic Education Consolidation Project (BEC) - 633-0254 ................................................................. 63 Indicators of Progress in Botswana..................................................................................................... 64 Other Donors with Programs in the Education Sector........................................................................ 65 POLITICAL SYSTEM & GOVERNMENT............................................................................................ 66 PRESIDENT ................................................................................................................................................ 67
-5Political Parties ................................................................................................................................... 68 OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT .......................................................................................................... 69 Cabinet ................................................................................................................................................ 70 POLICE ............................................................................................................................................... 71 DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION .................................................................................................. 72 PRINTING DEPARTMENT................................................................................................................. 72 DEPARTMENT OF STATE HOUSE ................................................................................................... 72 Parliament ........................................................................................................................................... 73 PARLIAMENT ..................................................................................................................................... 74 The House of Chiefs............................................................................................................................. 75 Electoral System .................................................................................................................................. 75 The House of Chiefs............................................................................................................................. 76 MINISTRY OF COMMERCE .............................................................................................................. 76 MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE.......................................................................................................... 79 Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water ............................................................................................. 82 STUDYING COUNTRY THROUGH THE CONSTITUTION............................................................. 84 CHAPTER I The Republic ................................................................................................................... 84 CHAPTER IIProtection of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms of the Individual............................... 84 CHAPTER III Citizenship.................................................................................................................... 94 CHAPTER IV The Executive................................................................................................................ 94 CHAPTER V Parliament ................................................................................................................... 104 CHAPTER VI The Judicature ............................................................................................................ 117 CHAPTER VII The Public Service..................................................................................................... 123 CHAPTER VIII Finance .................................................................................................................... 127 CHAPTER IX Miscellaneous ............................................................................................................. 129 SCHEDULE TO THE CONSTITUTION ........................................................................................... 132 DEMOCRACY & NUMAN RIGHTS IN BOTSWANA....................................................................... 134 RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS ...................................................................................................... 135 Respect for the Integrity of the Person .............................................................................................. 135 RESPECT FOR CIVIL LIBERTIES ............................................................................................................... 136 a. Freedom of Speech and the Press.................................................................................................. 136 b. Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association ........................................................................... 137 c. Freedom of Religion ...................................................................................................................... 137 d. Freedom of Movement Within the Country, Foreign Travel, Emigration, and Repatriation......... 137 RESPECT FOR POLITICAL RIGHTS: THE RIGHT OF CITIZENS TO CHANGE THEIR GOVERNMENT .............. 138 Governmental Attitude Regarding International and Nongovernmental Investigation of Alleged Violations of Human Rights............................................................................................................... 138 DISCRIMINATION BASED ON RACE, SEX, RELIGION, DISABILITY, LANGUAGE, OR SOCIAL STATUS ....... 138 Women ............................................................................................................................................... 139 Children ............................................................................................................................................. 140 People with Disabilities ..................................................................................................................... 141 National/Racial/Ethnic Minorities..................................................................................................... 141 WORKER RIGHTS .................................................................................................................................... 141 a. The Right of Association ................................................................................................................ 141 b. The Right to Organize and Bargain Collectively........................................................................... 141 c. Prohibition of Forced or Compulsory Labor................................................................................. 142 d. Status of Child Labor Practices and Minimum Age for Employment of Children......................... 142 e. Acceptable Conditions of Work...................................................................................................... 142 STATUS OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM ............................................................................................................ 143 Legal/Policy Framework ................................................................................................................... 143 Restrictions on Religious Freedom.................................................................................................... 143
-6Forced Religious Conversion ............................................................................................................ 143 Societal Attitudes ............................................................................................................................... 143 STRATEGIC ECONOMIC AND BUSINESS INFORMATION ........................................................ 144 ECONOMY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT....................................................................................... 144 PRIVATIZATION ....................................................................................................................................... 145 INFRASTRUCTURE ................................................................................................................................... 145 AVAILABILITY OF FINANCE AND FUNDING SOURCES ............................................................................... 145 INTERNATIONAL TRADE AGREEMENTS .................................................................................................... 146 MANUFACTURING ................................................................................................................................... 146 MINING ................................................................................................................................................... 147 Other Metals and Minerals................................................................................................................ 147 Governance........................................................................................................................................ 148 Diamond Mining................................................................................................................................ 148 Coal Mining....................................................................................................................................... 150 Oil Industry........................................................................................................................................ 150 CHEMICAL INDUSTRY ............................................................................................................................. 150 ENERGY & POWER GENERATION ............................................................................................................. 151 AGRICULTURE ........................................................................................................................................ 151 POLITICAL, INVESTMENT AND LEGAL CLIMATE ..................................................................... 153 A. Political System ............................................................................................................................. 153 B. Legal System.................................................................................................................................. 153 C. Economic System........................................................................................................................... 153 D. Financial System........................................................................................................................... 154 LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR INVESTMENT AND BUSINESS ACTIVITY.................................... 154 A. Sector Exceptions .......................................................................................................................... 154 B. Sector Incentives and Restrictions on Foreign Investment............................................................ 154 C. Costs.............................................................................................................................................. 155 D. De Facto Restrictions ................................................................................................................... 156 STRATEGIC LEGAL & BUSINESS INFORMATION ...................................................................... 156 A. Taxation......................................................................................................................................... 156 B. Company Registration................................................................................................................... 156 C. Labor............................................................................................................................................. 156 D. Export and Import Permits ........................................................................................................... 157 E. Price Controls ............................................................................................................................... 157 F. Consumer Protection..................................................................................................................... 157 G. Environmental Laws ..................................................................................................................... 157 EXPORT-IMPORT AND TRADE REGULATIONS ........................................................................... 157 A. General Import Policies ................................................................................................................ 157 B. Particular Import Regulations ...................................................................................................... 158 EXPORTS FROM BOTSWANA ......................................................................................................... 158 AGENTS & REPRESENTATIVES ..................................................................................................... 159 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND LICENSING REGULATIONS ................................................ 159 DIRECT INVESTMENT....................................................................................................................... 160 FOREIGN CORPORATION ACQUISITIONS .................................................................................... 161 BRANCHES ....................................................................................................................................... 161 INCORPORATION A BUSINESS ....................................................................................................... 161 CURRENCY EXCHANGE REGULATIONS ...................................................................................... 162 TAXATION IN BOTSWANA .............................................................................................................. 164 A. Company Income Tax.................................................................................................................... 164 LABOR REGULATIONS ..................................................................................................................... 167 A. Minimum Wages............................................................................................................................ 167 B. Working Hours .............................................................................................................................. 167
-7C. Rest Period.................................................................................................................................... 167 D. Overtime ....................................................................................................................................... 167 E. Paid Public Holidays .................................................................................................................... 167 F. Annual Leave................................................................................................................................. 168 G. Sick Leave ..................................................................................................................................... 168 H. Employee Record .......................................................................................................................... 168 I. Maternity Leave.............................................................................................................................. 168 J. Termination of Employment........................................................................................................... 168 K. Severance Benefits ........................................................................................................................ 168 L. Workmen's Compensation ............................................................................................................. 168 M. Labor Relations ............................................................................................................................ 169 N. Employment of Non-Citizens......................................................................................................... 169 COMPANY DISSOLUTION ................................................................................................................ 169 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS ........................................................................................................ 170 PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR CONDUCTING BUSINESS.................................................... 172 LEADING SECTORS FOR U.S. EXPORTS AND INVESTMENT .................................................... 172 1 Trade Opportunity: Mining Equipment ....................................................................................... 172 2 - Trade and Investment Opportunity: Hospital Equipment/ Pharmaceuticals................................ 173 3 - Trade Opportunity: Telecommunications Equipment and Supplies ............................................. 174 4 - Trade Opportunity: Computers (Hardware and Software) .......................................................... 175 5 - Trade and Investment Opportunity: Solar Energy Equipment ..................................................... 175 6 - Trade Opportunity: Consulting, Resource Management and Design Engineering Services........ 176 INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES..................................................................................................... 176 AGRICULTURAL TRADE................................................................................................................. 178 MARKETING PRODUCTS AND SERVICES..................................................................................... 178 Major newspapers ............................................................................................................................. 179 TRADE REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS ................................................................................... 181 Southern African Development Community (SADC) ......................................................................... 181 Southern African Customs Union (SACU)......................................................................................... 181 Value Added Tax (VAT) ..................................................................................................................... 182 World Trade Organization ................................................................................................................ 182 Lome Convention ............................................................................................................................... 183 Sales Tax............................................................................................................................................ 183 VAT by 2003 ...................................................................................................................................... 183 Trade Regulations: - Import Licenses, Exchange Controls, and Documentation.............................. 183 TRADE AND PROJECT FINANCING ................................................................................................ 184 COUNTRY COMMERCIAL AND INVESTMENT BANKS ................................................................ 185 INVESTMENT CLIMATE AND OPPORTUNITIES .......................................................................... 185 Advantages of investing in Botswana ................................................................................................ 188 Challenges to investing in Botswana ................................................................................................. 188 Desertification and Drought.............................................................................................................. 190 TRAVELING TO BOTSWANA............................................................................................................. 194 US STATE DEPARTMENT SUGGESTIONS ..................................................................................... 194 PUBLIC HOLIDAYS .................................................................................................................................. 196 PLACES TO SEE IN BOTSWANA...................................................................................................... 197 Tourism in Northern/ Western Botswana .......................................................................................... 198 Tourism in Eastern/ Southern Botswana ........................................................................................... 198 Gaborone: The Capital of Botswana ................................................................................................. 199 Game Parks and Nature Reserves ..................................................................................................... 201 Chobe facilities at a glance: .............................................................................................................. 203 Okavango Delta ................................................................................................................................. 204
-8Makgadikgadi and Nxai Nans............................................................................................................ 204 Moremi Wildlife Reserve ................................................................................................................... 205 Kutse and Central Kalahari Game Reserve....................................................................................... 205 Trans-Kalahari Travel: ..................................................................................................................... 205 Tsodilo Hills ...................................................................................................................................... 207 Gemsbok National Park..................................................................................................................... 208 Lake Ngami........................................................................................................................................ 208 Mashatu Game Reserve ..................................................................................................................... 208 SUPPLEMENTS ...................................................................................................................................... 210 LARGEST LAW FIRMS....................................................................................................................... 210 LIST OF ATTORNEYS IN THE CONSULAR DISTRICT OF BOTSWANA.................................... 210 LIST OF DOCTORS AND HOSPITALS.............................................................................................. 212 PRIVATE MEDICALPRACTITIONERS GABORONE ...................................................................... 212 FRANCISTOWN ................................................................................................................................ 214 LOBATSE........................................................................................................................................... 214 MAUN................................................................................................................................................ 214 PRIVATE DENTAL PRACTITIONERS ............................................................................................. 214 PRIVATE PHYSIOTHERAPY SERVICES ......................................................................................... 215 PRIVATE MEDICAL CLINICS ......................................................................................................... 215 HOSPITALS....................................................................................................................................... 215 U.S. AND COUNTRY CONTACTS..................................................................................................... 215 COUNTRY GOVERNMENT AGENCIES .......................................................................................... 215 COUNTRY TRADE ASSOCIATION/CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE ............................................... 216 COUNTRY COMMERCIAL BANKS.................................................................................................. 216 U.S. EMBASSY TRADE PERSONNEL .............................................................................................. 217 WASHINGTON-BASED USG COUNTRY CONTACTS .................................................................... 217 BOTSWANA'S DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS ..................................................................................................... 217 Gemsbok National Park..................................................................................................................... 218 Lake Ngami........................................................................................................................................ 219 Mashatu Game Reserve ..................................................................................................................... 219 SPECIAL REPORTS AND MATERIALS ON MINERAL RESOURCES. ......................................... 219 MMINISTRY OF MINES ANNUAL REPORTS ................................................................................. 220 RECORDS OF THE GEOLOGICAL SURVEY.................................................................................. 220 MINERAL RESOURCES REPORTS.................................................................................................. 220 ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY AND INDEX OF THE GEOLOGY OF BOTSWANA ................. 221 BULLETINS....................................................................................................................................... 221 DISTRICT MEMOIRS ....................................................................................................................... 224 OTHER REPORTS............................................................................................................................. 224 HYDROLOGICAL REPORTS............................................................................................................ 225 SMALL SCALE MAPS ....................................................................................................................... 226 GEOLOGICAL MAPS 1:125 000 ...................................................................................................... 226 GEOLOGICAL MAPS AT OTHER SCALES ..................................................................................... 228 HYDROGEOLOGICAL RECONNAISSANCE MAPS........................................................................ 228 GEOPHYSICAL MAPS AND REPORTS ........................................................................................... 228 REGIONAL GEOPHYSICAL MAPS.................................................................................................. 230 MOLOPO FARMS PROJECT ........................................................................................................... 230 GRAVITY ........................................................................................................................................... 230 BOTSWANA GEOSCIENTISTS ASSOCIATION PUBLICATIONS................................................... 230 PETROLEUM EXPLORATION PACKAGE...................................................................................... 230 SELECTED NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS ................................................................................... 231 YOUTH .............................................................................................................................................. 231 AGRICULTURE, ENVIRONMENT, AND NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ...................... 232
-9DISABLED......................................................................................................................................... 233 DEVELOPMENT ARM OF THE CHURCH...................................................................................... 233 MEDIA............................................................................................................................................... 233 SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT ................................................................ 234 WOWEN IN DEVELOPMENT .......................................................................................................... 234 HEALTH, POPULATION AND HIV/AIDS........................................................................................ 234 CULTURE AND ARTS ...................................................................................................................... 235 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND TRAINING ................................................................................... 235 HUMAN RIGHTS .............................................................................................................................. 236 OTHER .............................................................................................................................................. 236 SELECTED NGO ORGANIZATIONS................................................................................................. 237 BATSWANA AGAINST POVERTY ASSOCIATION (BAPA) ............................................................. 237 BOBONONG BRIGADES DEVELOPMENT TRUST........................................................................ 237 BOTSWANA FAMILY WELFARE ASSOCIATION............................................................................ 238 BOTSWANA GIRL GUIDES ASSOCIATION .................................................................................... 239 BOTSWANA INSTITUTE FOR DEVELOPMENT POLICY ANALYSIS............................................ 239 BOTSWANA NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL................................................................................... 241 BOTSWANA NETWORK OF AIDS SERVICE ORGANISATIONS (BONASO)................................. 242 BOTSWANA ORIENTATION CENTRE............................................................................................. 243 THE BOTSWANA SOCIETY.............................................................................................................. 244 BOTSWANA WORKCAMPS ASSOCIATION .................................................................................... 244 CHILDLINE BOTSWANA ................................................................................................................. 245 COOPERATION FOR RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION (CORDE) .................... 245 DITSHWANELO THE BOTSWANA CENTRE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS ......................................... 245 EMANG BASADI ............................................................................................................................... 246 ENVIRONMENTAL HERITAGE FOUNDATION (EHF).................................................................. 247 EXPORTERS ASSOCIATION OF BOTSWANA ................................................................................ 248 FORESTRY ASSOCIATION OF BOTSWANA................................................................................... 248 FORUM ON SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE ................................................................................. 249 GHETTO ARTISTS PRODUCTIONS ................................................................................................ 250 HABITAT FOR HUMANITY.............................................................................................................. 251 JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT BOTSWANA............................................................................................ 251 KAGISANO SOCIETY WOMENS SHELTER PROJECT .............................................................. 252 KALAHARI CONSERVATION SOCIETY (KCS)............................................................................... 252 KAMANAKAO ASSOCIATION.......................................................................................................... 253 KHAMA RHINO SANCTUARY TRUST............................................................................................. 253 KURU DEVELOPMENT TRUST ...................................................................................................... 254 LIFELINE BOTSWANA..................................................................................................................... 254 MEDIA INSTITUTE OF SOUTHERN AFRICA ................................................................................ 255 MENNONITE MINISTRIES............................................................................................................... 256 METLHAETSILE WOMEN'S INFORMATION CENTRE ................................................................. 256 MMEGI PUBLISHING TRUST ......................................................................................................... 257 NATIONAL YOUTH CENTRE........................................................................................................... 258 PERMACULTURE TRUST OF BOTSWANA .................................................................................... 258 POPULATION SERVICES INTERNATIONAL ................................................................................. 260 RURAL INDUSTRIES PROMOTIONS COMPANY .......................................................................... 260 SEROWE BRIGADES DEVELOPMENT TRUST .............................................................................. 261
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BOTSWANA STRATEGIC & DEVELOPMENT PROFILES

STRATEGIC PROFILE
Capital Largest city Official language(s) Government - President Independence - Date Area - Total - Water (%) Population - 2005 est. - Density GDP (PPP) - Total - Per capita HDI Currency Time zone Internet TLD Calling code Type of Government: Currency: Major peoples: Religion: Climate: Literacy: Official Language: Principal Languages: Major Exports: Background: Gaborone 2440S 2555E Gaborone English (Official), Setswana (National) Parliamentary Republic Ian Khama From UK September 30, 1966 600,370 km (46th) 231,804 sq mi 2.5% 1,765,000 (147th) 2.7/km (223rd) 7.0/sq mi 2005 estimate $16.64 billion (114th) $11,410 (60th) 0.565 (131st) medium Pula (BWP) (UTC+2) .bw +267 Parliamentary Republic 4.6168 pulas=1 USD Batswana,San,Kalanga,Herero,Khoe African religion 50%, Christian 50% Arid to semiarid 69.8% English and (Se)Tswana Khoesan, Kalanga, Herero, English Diamonds, Copper, Nickel, Livestock
Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland Botswana adopted its
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new name upon independence in 1966. Four decades of uninterrupted civilian leadership, progressive social policies, and significant capital investment have created one of the most dynamic economies in Africa. Mineral extraction, principally diamond mining, dominates economic activity, though tourism is a growing sector due to the country's conservation practices and extensive nature preserves. Botswana has one of the world's highest known rates of HIV/AIDS infection, but also one of Africa's most progressive and comprehensive programs for dealing with the disease.
GEOGRAPHY Location: Geographic coordinates: Map references: Area: Southern Africa, north of South Africa 22 00 S, 24 00 E Africa total: 600,370 sq km land: 585,370 sq km water: 15,000 sq km slightly smaller than Texas total: 4,013 km border countries: Namibia 1,360 km, South Africa 1,840 km, Zimbabwe 813 km 0 km (landlocked) none (landlocked) semiarid; warm winters and hot summers predominantly flat to gently rolling tableland; Kalahari Desert in southwest lowest point: junction of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers 513 m highest point: Tsodilo Hills 1,489 m diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash, coal, iron ore, silver arable land: 0.65% permanent crops: 0.01% other: 99.34% 10 sq km periodic droughts; seasonal August winds blow from the west, carrying sand and dust across the country, which can obscure visibility overgrazing; desertification; limited fresh water resources party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Area comparative: Land boundaries: Coastline: Maritime claims: Climate: Terrain: Elevation extremes: Natural resources: Land use:
Irrigated land: Natural hazards: Environment current issues: Environment international agreements:
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Geography note:
landlocked; population concentrated in eastern part of the country
PEOPLE Population: 1,815,508 note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2007 est.) 0-14 years: 35.8% (male 330,377/female 319,376) 15-64 years: 60.3% (male 549,879/female 545,148) 65 years and over: 3.9% (male 28,725/female 42,003) total: 20.9 years male: 20.7 years female: 21.1 years 1.503% 23.17 births/1,000 population 13.63 deaths/1,000 population 5.49 migrant(s)/1,000 population note: there is an increasing flow of Zimbabweans into South Africa and Botswana in search of better economic opportunities at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.034 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.009 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.684 male(s)/female total population: 1.003 male(s)/female total: 43.97 deaths/1,000 live births male: 45.02 deaths/1,000 live births female: 42.9 deaths/1,000 live births total population: 50.58 years male: 51.55 years female: 49.58 years 2.73 children born/woman 37.3% 350,000
Age structure:
Median age:
Population growth rate: Birth rate: Death rate: Net migration rate: Sex ratio:
Infant mortality rate: Life expectancy at birth: Total fertility rate: HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate: HIV/AIDS people living with HIV/AIDS: HIV/AIDS deaths: Major infectious
33,000 degree of risk: high
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diseases:
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne disease: malaria (2007) noun: Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural) adjective: Motswana (singular), Batswana (plural) Tswana (or Setswana) 79%, Kalanga 11%, Basarwa 3%, other, including Kgalagadi and white 7% Christian 71.6%, Badimo 6%, other 1.4%, unspecified 0.4%, none 20.6% (2001 census) Setswana 78.2%, Kalanga 7.9%, Sekgalagadi 2.8%, English 2.1% (official), other 8.6%, unspecified 0.4% (2001 census) definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 79.8% male: 76.9% female: 82.4% GOVERNMENT
Nationality: Ethnic groups: Religions: Languages: Literacy:
Country name:
conventional long form: Republic of Botswana conventional short form: Botswana local long form: Republic of Botswana local short form: Botswana former: Bechuanaland parliamentary republic name: Gaborone geographic coordinates: 24 45 S, 25 55 E time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time) 9 districts and 5 town councils*; Central, Francistown*, Gaborone*, Ghanzi, Jwaneng*, Kgalagadi, Kgatleng, Kweneng, Lobatse*, Northeast, Northwest, Selebi-Pikwe*, Southeast, Southern 30 September 1966 (from UK) March 1965, effective 30 September 1966 based on Roman-Dutch law and local customary law; judicial review limited to matters of interpretation; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations 18 years of age; universal chief of state: President Festus G. MOGAE (since 1 April 1998); Vice President Seretse Ian KHAMA (since 13 July 1998); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government head of government: President Festus G. MOGAE (since 1 April 1998); Vice President Seretse Ian KHAMA (since 13 July 1998) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president elections: president indirectly elected for a five-year term (eligible for a
Government type: Capital:
Administrative divisions: Independence: Constitution: Legal system:
National holiday: Independence Day (Botswana Day), 30 September (1966)
Suffrage: Executive branch:
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second term); election last held 20 October 2004 (next to be held in 2009); vice president appointed by the president election results: Festus G. MOGAE elected president; percent of National Assembly vote - 52% Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of the House of Chiefs (a largely advisory 15member body with 8 permanent members consisting of the chiefs of the principal tribes, and 7 non-permanent members serving 5-year terms, consisting of 4 elected subchiefs and 3 members selected by the other 12 members) and the National Assembly (63 seats, 57 members are directly elected by popular vote, 4 are appointed by the majority party, and 2, the President and Attorney-General, serve as ex-officio members; members serve five-year terms) elections: National Assembly elections last held 30 October 2004 (next to be held in October 2009) election results: percent of vote by party - BDP 51.7%, BNF 26.1%, BCP 16.6%, other 5%; seats by party - BDP 44, BNF 12, BCP 1 High Court; Court of Appeal; Magistrates' Courts (one in each district) Botswana Alliance Movement or BAM [Ephraim Lepetu SETSHWAELO]; Botswana Congress Party or BCP [Otlaadisa KOOSALETSE]; Botswana Democratic Party or BDP [Festus G. MOGAE]; Botswana National Front or BNF [Otswoletse MOUPO]; Botswana Peoples Party or BPP; MELS Movement of Botswana or MELS; New Democratic Front or NDF note: a number of minor parties joined forces in 1999 to form the BAM but did not capture any parliamentary seats - includes the United Action Party [Ephraim Lepetu SETSHWAELO]; the Independence Freedom Party or IFP [Motsamai MPHO]; the Botswana Progressive Union [D. K. KWELE]
Judicial branch: Political parties and leaders:
Political pressure NA groups and leaders: International organization participation: ACP, AfDB, AU, C, FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, SACU, SADC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIS, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
chief of mission: Ambassador Lapologang Caesar LEKOA Diplomatic representation in chancery: 1531-1533 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036 telephone: [1] (202) 244-4990 the US: FAX: [1] (202) 244-4164 Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Katherine H. CANAVAN embassy: address NA, Gaborone mailing address: Embassy Enclave, P. O. Box 90, Gaborone telephone: [267] 353982 FAX: [267] 312782
Flag description: light blue with a horizontal white-edged black stripe in the center ECONOMY Economy overview: Botswana has maintained one of the world's highest economic growth rates since independence in 1966, though growth slowed to 4.7% in 2006. Through fiscal discipline and sound management Botswana has transformed itself
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from one of the poorest countries in the world to a middle-income country with a per capita GDP of more than $11,000 in 2006. Two major investment services rank Botswana as the best credit risk in Africa. Diamond mining has fueled much of the expansion and currently accounts for more than one-third of GDP and for 70-80% of export earnings. Tourism, financial services, subsistence farming, and cattle raising are other key sectors. On the downside, the government must deal with high rates of unemployment and poverty. Unemployment officially was 23.8% in 2004, but unofficial estimates place it closer to 40%. HIV/AIDS infection rates are the second highest in the world and threaten Botswana's impressive economic gains. An expected leveling off in diamond mining production overshadows long-term prospects. GDP (purchasing $18.72 billion power parity): GDP (official exchange rate): GDP - real growth rate: GDP - per capita (PPP): GDP composition by sector: Labor force: Unemployment rate: $9.697 billion 4.7% $11,400 agriculture: 2.4% industry: 46.9% (including 36% mining) services: 50.7% 288,400 formal sector employees 23.8%
Population below 30.3% poverty line: Distribution of family income Gini index: Inflation rate (consumer prices): Investment (gross fixed): Budget: Public debt: Agriculture products: Industries: Industrial production 63
1.4%
21.8% of GDP revenues: $4.256 billion expenditures: $3.968 billion; including capital expenditures of $NA 7.1% of GDP livestock, sorghum, maize, millet, beans, sunflowers, groundnuts diamonds, copper, nickel, salt, soda ash, potash; livestock processing; textiles 6.3%
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growth rate: Electricity production: Electricity consumption: Electricity exports: Electricity imports: Oil - production: Oil consumption: Oil - exports: Oil - imports: Natural gas production: Natural gas consumption: Current account balance: Exports: Exports commodities: Exports partners: Imports: Imports commodities: Imports partners: 823 million kWh 2.464 billion kWh 0 kWh 1.699 billion kWh 0 bbl/day 11,500 bbl/day NA bbl/day 16,000 bbl/day 0 cu m 0 cu m $1.698 billion $4.836 billion f.o.b. diamonds, copper, nickel, soda ash, meat, textiles European Free Trade Association (EFTA) 87%, Southern African Customs Union (SACU) 7%, Zimbabwe 4% $3.034 billion f.o.b. foodstuffs, machinery, electrical goods, transport equipment, textiles, fuel and petroleum products, wood and paper products, metal and metal products Southern African Customs Union (SACU) 74%, EFTA 17%, Zimbabwe 4%
$7.445 billion Reserves of foreign exchange and gold: Debt - external: Economic aid recipient: Exchange rates: Fiscal year: $520 million $73 million
Currency (code): pula (BWP) pulas per US dollar - 5.8447 (2006), 5.1104 (2005), 4.6929 (2004), 4.9499 , 6.3278 (2002) 1 April - 31 March
- 18 COMMUNICATIONS Telephones main lines in use: Telephones mobile cellular: Telephone system: 132,000
823,100 general assessment: the system is expanding with the growth of mobile cellular service and participation in regional development domestic: small system of open-wire lines, microwave radio relay links, and a few radiotelephone communication stations; mobile cellular service is growing fast international: country code - 267; 2 international exchanges; digital microwave radio relay links to Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean) AM 8, FM 13, shortwave 4 1
Radio broadcast stations: Television broadcast stations: Internet country code: Internet hosts: Internet users:
.bw 5,499 60,000 TRANSPORTATION
Airports: Airports - with paved runways:
85 total: 10 2,438 to 3,047 m: 2 1,524 to 2,437 m: 7 914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2006) total: 75 1,524 to 2,437 m: 3 914 to 1,523 m: 55 under 914 m: 17 total: 888 km narrow gauge: 888 km 1.067-m gauge total: 24,355 km paved: 8,914 km unpaved: 15,441 km MILITARY
Airports - with unpaved runways: Railways: Roadways:
Military branches: Military service
Botswana Defense Force (includes an air wing) (2006) 18 is the apparent age of voluntary military service; the official qualifications
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age and obligation: Manpower available for military service: Manpower fit for military service:
for determining minimum age are unknown males age 18-49: 350,649 females age 18-49: 361,642 males age 18-49: 136,322 females age 18-49: 136,315
males age 18-49: 21,103 Manpower reaching military females age 18-49: 21,379 service age annually: Military expenditures percent of GDP: 3.5%
TRANSNATIONAL ISSUES Disputes international: the alignment of the boundary with Namibia in the Kwando/Linyanti/Chobe River, including the Situngu marshlands, was resolved amicably in 2003; concerns from international experts and local populations over the ecology of the Okavango Delta in Botswana and human displacement scuttled Namibian plans to construct a hydroelectric dam at Popavalle (Popa Falls) along the Angola-Namibia border; Botswana has built electric fences to stem the thousands of Zimbabweans who flee to find work and escape political persecution; Namibia has long supported, and in 2004 Zimbabwe dropped objections to, plans between Botswana and Zambia to build a bridge over the Zambezi River, thereby de facto recognizing the short, but not clearly delimited, Botswana-Zambia boundary
NARCOTICS
Botswana does not produce any of the harder drugs such as heroin, methamphetamine or precursor chemicals, and it is not a significant drug transit country. Botswana does cultivate marijuana but a vigorous eradication campaign keeps realized production down. In 1999 drug control officials seized cannabis transiting from South Africa, as well as small amounts of cocaine and heroin. Due to an increase in the number of drug-related arrests, drug control officials fear an increase of drug abuse in Botswana, especially with respect to cannabis because of its cheap street price. Those caught with drugs in Botswana can expect to face punishment including prison sentences. STATUS OF COUNTRY. Botswana is a party to the 1988 UN Drug Convention, the 1961 UN Single Convention and its 1972 Protocol, and the 1971 UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances. In 2003, the government established a national drug control coordination council, chaired by a senior official in the Office of the President. The Government of Botswana has tough legislation against drug production, trafficking, and money-laundering associated with the drug trade. Botswana's courts hand down stiff sentences for drug-related offences, such as mandatory sentences of 1-5 years for possession of under 60 grams of cannabis, and 5-10 years for more than 60 grams. The
- 20 Botswana national police force participates enthusiastically in training opportunities provided by the U.S. and other donors. In 1999, two narcotics squad officers participated in a regional drug enforcement seminar in South Africa sponsored by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency. COUNTRY ACTIONS AGAINST DRUGS There has been a slight reduction in drug seizures transiting and entering the country. Police seized 1200 kilograms of cannabis during 1999, mostly produced in neighboring Zambia and Zimbabwe. In 1999, police seized four shipments of cocaine sent by mail from Peru and Brazil, which police presume were meant for transit to South Africa. The police also made their first-ever interception of heroin, seizing a one-kilogram shipment from Pakistan sent by mail. The Botswana Police report generally good cooperation on drug control with their regional partners, with the exception of Zambian officials. Other countries, such as South Africa, Swaziland, and Namibia, have cooperated with and invited Botswana drug control officials to participate in destroying seized drugs. The United Nations Drug Control Program (UNDCP) has provided drug detection dogs to Botswana for use in drug searches. There are no indications of senior government officials being involved in drug-related offences. U.S. POLICY INITIATIVES AND PROGRAMS A U.S. Inter-Agency Survey team has recommended Botswana as the site for a planned African International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA). Discussions with the Government of Botswana on arrangements to establish an African ILEA in Botswana should begin shortly.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BOTSWANA

PROFILE OFFICIAL NAME: Republic of Botswana Geography Area: 582,000 sq. km. (224,710 sq. mi.), about the size of Texas. Cities (2001 census): Capital--Gaborone (pronounced ha-bo-ro-neh), pop. 186,007. Other towns-Francistown (83,023), Selebi-Phikwe (49,849), Molepolole (54,561), Kanye (40,628), Serowe (42,444), Mahalapye (39,719), Lobatse (29,689), Maun (43,776), Mochudi (36,962). Terrain: Desert and savanna. Climate: Mostly subtropical. People Nationality: Noun and adjective--Motswana (sing.), Batswana (pl.). Population : 1.76 million. Annual population growth rate (2002): 0.6%. Ethnic groups: Tswana 79%; Kalanga 11%; Kgalagadi, Herero, Bayeyi, Hambukush, Basarwa ("San"), Khoi, whites 10%. Religions: Christianity 70%, none 20%, indigenous beliefs 6%, other 4%. Languages: English (official), Setswana, Ikalanga. Education: Adult literacy--81%. Health (2004): Life expectancy--33.9 years. Infant mortality rate--56/1,000. Work force : 274,000. Government Type: Republic, parliamentary democracy. Independence: September 30, 1966.
- 21 Constitution: March 1965. Branches: Executive--president (chief of state and head of government), cabinet. Legislative-popularly elected National Assembly; advisory House of Chiefs. Judicial--High Court, Court of Appeal, local and customary courts, industrial labor court. Administrative subdivisions: Five town councils and nine district councils. Major political parties: Botswana Democratic Party (BDP)--48 seats, Botswana National Front (BNF)--12 seats, Botswana Congress Party (BCP)--1 seat, Botswana Alliance Movement (BAM), Botswana Peoples Party (BPP)--0 seats. Suffrage: Universal at 18. Economy Nominal GDP: $9.2 billion. Real GDP growth rate : 5.1% Per capita nominal GDP : $5,336. Natural resources: Diamonds, copper, nickel, coal, soda ash, salt, gold, potash. Agriculture (2.1% of GDP, 2004/5): Products--livestock, sorghum, white maize, millet, cowpeas, beans. Industry: Types--mining (38% of GDP): diamonds, copper, nickel, coal; tourism, textiles, construction, tourism, beef processing, chemical products production, food and beverage production. Trade (2003/4): Exports--$2.9 billion: diamonds, nickel, copper, meat products, textiles, hides, skins, and soda ash. Partners--EU, South Africa, Zimbabwe. Imports--$2.9 billion: machinery, transport equipment, manufactured goods, food, chemicals, fuels. Major suppliers--South Africa, EU, and U.S. PEOPLE AND HISTORY The Batswana, a term also used to denote all citizens of Botswana, refers to the country's major ethnic group (the "Tswana" in South Africa), which came into the area from South Africa during the Zulu wars of the early 1800s. Prior to European contact, the Batswana lived as herders and farmers under tribal rule. In the 19th century, hostilities broke out between the Batswana and Boer settlers from the Transvaal. After appeals by the Batswana for assistance, the British Government in 1885 put "Bechuanaland" under its protection. The northern territory remained under direct administration and is today's Botswana, while the southern territory became part of the Cape Colony and is now part of the northwest province of South Africa; the majority of Setswana-speaking people today live in South Africa. Despite South African pressure, inhabitants of the Bechuanaland Protectorate, Basuotoland (now Lesotho), and Swaziland in 1909 asked for and received British assurances that they would not be included in the proposed Union of South Africa. An expansion of British central authority and the evolution of tribal government resulted in the 1920 establishment of two advisory councils representing Africans and Europeans. Proclamations in 1934 regularized tribal rule and powers. A European-African advisory council was formed in 1951, and the 1961 constitution established a consultative legislative council. In June 1964, Britain accepted proposals for democratic self-government in Botswana. The seat of government was moved from Mafikeng, in South Africa, to newly established Gaborone in 1965. The 1965 constitution led to the first general elections and to independence in September 1966. Seretse Khama, a leader in the independence movement and the legitimate claimant to traditional rule of the Bamangwato, was elected as the first president, re-elected twice, and died in office in 1980. The presidency passed to the sitting vice president, Ketumile Masire, who was elected in his own right in 1984 and re-elected in 1989 and 1994. Masire retired from office in
- 22 1998. The presidency passed to the sitting vice president, Festus Mogae, who was elected in his own right in 1999. Mogae won a second term in elections held October 30, 2004. GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS Botswana has a flourishing multiparty constitutional democracy. Each of the elections since independence has been freely and fairly contested and has been held on schedule. The country's minority groups participate freely in the political process. There are three main parties and a number of smaller parties. In national elections in 2004, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) won 44 of 57 contested National Assembly seats, the Botswana National Front (BNF) won 12, and the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) won 1 seat. Individuals elected by the National Assembly hold an additional 4 seats; the ruling BDP currently holds all 4. The opposition outpolled the ruling BDP in most urban areas. The openness of the country's political system has been a significant factor in Botswana's stability and economic growth. General elections are held every 5 years. The next general election will be held in October 2009. The president has executive power and is chosen by the National Assembly following countrywide legislative elections. The cabinet is selected by the president from the National Assembly; it consists of a vice president and a flexible number of ministers and assistant ministers, currently 14 and 6, respectively. The National Assembly has 57 elected and 4 specially elected members; it is expanded following each census (every 10 years; the most recent was conducted in 2001). The advisory House of Chiefs represents the eight principal subgroups of the Batswana tribe, and four other members are elected by the sub chiefs of four of the districts. A draft of any National Assembly bill of tribal concern must be referred to the House of Chiefs for advisory opinion. Chiefs and other leaders preside over customary traditional courts, though all persons have the right to request that their case be considered under the formal British-based legal system. The roots of Botswana's democracy lie in Setswana traditions, exemplified by the Kgotla, or village council, in which the powers of traditional leaders are limited by custom and law. Botswana's High Court has general civil and criminal jurisdiction. Judges are appointed by the president and may be removed only for cause and after a hearing. The constitution has a code of fundamental human rights enforced by the courts, and Botswana has a good human rights record. Local government is administered by nine district councils and five town councils. District commissioners have executive authority and are appointed by the central government and assisted by elected and nominated district councilors and district development committees. There has been ongoing debate about the political, social, and economic marginalization of the San (indigenous tribal population). The government's policies for the Basarwa (San) and other remote area dwellers continue to spark controversy. Principal Government Officials President--Festus G. Mogae Vice President--Lt. Gen. (ret) Seretse Khama Ian Khama Cabinet Ministers Finance and Development Planning--Baledzi Gaolathe Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation--Mompati S. Merafhe Environment, Wildlife and Tourism--Onkokame Kitso Mokaila Communications, Science and Technology--Pelonomi Venson Presidential Affairs and Public Administration--Phandu T.C. Skelemani Trade and Industry--Daniel Neo Moroka
- 23 Minerals Resources and Water Affairs--Mbiganyi Charles Tibone Lands and Housing--Dikgakgamatso Seretse Local Government--Margaret Nasha Education--Jacob Nkate Health--Sheila Tlou Works and Transport--Lesego Motsumi Labour and Home Affairs--Moeng Pheto Agriculture--Johnnie Keemenao Swartz Ambassador to the United States--L. Caesar Lekoa Ambassador to the United Nations--Samuel Otsile Outlule Botswana maintains an embassy at 1531-1533 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington DC 20036 (tel. 202-244-4990; fax 202-244-4164). Its mission to the United Nations is at 103 E. 37th Street, New York NY 10017 (tel. 212-889-2277; fax 212-725-5061). ECONOMY Since independence, Botswana has had the fastest growth in per capita income in the world. Economic growth averaged over 9% per year from 1967-97. The government has maintained a sound fiscal policy, despite three consecutive budget deficits in 2002-2004, and a negligible level of foreign debt. Foreign exchange reserves were $5 billion at the end of December 2005, equivalent to 22 months of imports of goods and services. Botswana's impressive economic record has been built on the foundation of wisely using revenue generated from diamond mining to fuel economic development through prudent fiscal policies and a cautious foreign policy. However, economic development spending was cut by 10% in 2002/3 as a result of recurring budget deficits and rising expenditure on healthcare services. While development spending was budgeted to increase by 12.3% in the 2005/6 fiscal year, the bulk of the money was to be spent on ongoing projects and maintenance rather than new infrastructure. Real GDP growth was expected to slow in 2005 to between 3% and 4% from its 5.7% growth rate in 2004. The government recognizes that HIV/AIDS will continue to affect the economy and is providing leadership and programs to combat the epidemic, including free anti-retroviral treatment and a nationwide Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission program. MINING Two large mining companies, Debswana (formed by the government and South Africa's DeBeers in equal partnership) and Bamangwato Concessions, Ltd. (BCL, also with substantial government equity participation) operate in the country. Since the early 1980s, the country has been the world's largest producer of gem quality diamonds. Four large diamond mines have opened since independence. DeBeers prospectors discovered diamonds in northern Botswana in the late 1960s. The first mine began production at Orapa in 1972, followed by the smaller mines of Lethlakane and Damtshaa. What has become the single-richest diamond mine in the world opened in Jwaneng in 1982. The Orapa 2000 Expansion of the existing Orapa mine was opened in 2000. In December 2004, Debswana negotiated 25-year lease renewals for all four of its mines with the Government of Botswana. The Debswana carat output for 2004 was a record 31 million carats, making Debswana the world's leading diamond producer by value and volume. Exploration for other kimberlite pipes continues. In addition, as part of its drive to diversify and increase local value added within the mining sector, Botswana has announced plans to establish a joint venture company with De Beers, which will be Debswana's sorting and marketing arm.
- 24 BCL, which operates a copper-nickel mine at Selebi-Phikwe, has had a troubled financial history but remains an important employer. The soda ash operation at Sua Pan, opened in 1991 and supported by substantial government investment, has begun making a profit following significant restructuring. It produced 283,000 tons of soda ash in 2002. BCL is expected to significantly reduce operations within the next ten years. Coal bed methane gas has been discovered in the northeastern part of the country, estimated by the developers at a commercially viable quantity of 12 trillion cubic feet. Development of the gas field, financed by the U.S. Overseas Private Investment Corporation, began in mid-2004. Tourism Tourism is an increasingly important industry in Botswana, accounting for almost 12% of GDP, despite only modest growth of 2.9% in 2003/4. One of the world's unique ecosystems, the Okavango Delta, is located in Botswana. The country offers excellent game viewing and birding both in the Delta and in the Chobe Game Reserve--home to one of the largest herds of freeranging elephants in the world. Botswana's Central Kalahari Game Reserve also offers good game viewing and some of the most remote and unspoiled wilderness in southern Africa. Agriculture More than one-half of the population lives in rural areas and is largely dependent on subsistence crop and livestock farming. Agriculture meets only a small portion of food needs and contributes a very small amount to GDP--primarily through beef exports--but it remains a social and cultural touchstone. Cattle raising in particular dominated Botswana's social and economic life before independence. The national herd is estimated between 2 and 3 million head, but the cattle industry is experiencing a protracted decline. PRIVATE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT AND FOREIGN INVESTMENT Botswana seeks to further diversify its economy away from minerals, which account for a third of GDP (down from nearly half of GDP in the early 1990s). Foreign investment and management are welcomed in Botswana. Botswana abolished foreign exchange controls in 1999, has a low corporate tax rate (15%), and no prohibitions on foreign ownership of companies. The country's inflation rate had remained stable and comparatively low over the 10 years preceding 2005. However, rising fuel and utility prices along with the government's 12.5% devaluation of the Pula in May 2005 resulted in a spike in inflation to an average annual rate of 11.4% as of December 2005, which fell well outside the Bank of Botswana's target rate of between 4-7%. The Government of Botswana was considering additional policies to enhance competitiveness, including a new Foreign Direct Investment Strategy and National Export Development Strategy. Botswana's parliament adopted both a Privatization Master Plan and a new Competition Policy that were aimed at fostering economic diversification. With its proven record of good economic governance, Botswana was ranked as Africa's least corrupt country by Transparency International in 2005, ahead of many European and Asian countries. The World Economic Forum rates Botswana as one of the two most economically competitive nations in Africa. In November 2005, Standard & Poor's once again assigned Botswana an "A" grade credit rating. This ranks Botswana as by far the best credit risk in Africa and puts it on par or above many countries in central Europe, East Asia, and Latin America. U.S. investment in Botswana remains at relatively low levels. Major U.S. corporations, such as H.J. Heinz and AON Corporation, are present through direct investments, while others, such as Kentucky Fried Chicken and Remax, are present via franchise. The sovereign credit ratings by Moody's and Standard & Poor's clearly indicate that, despite continued challenges such as small market size, landlocked location, and cumbersome bureaucratic processes, Botswana remains
- 25 one of the best investment opportunities in the developing world. Botswana has a 90-member American Business Council that accepts membership from American-affiliated companies. Because of history and geography, Botswana has long had deep ties to the economy of South Africa. The Southern Africa Customs Union (SACU), comprised of Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland, and South Africa, dates from 1910, and is the world's oldest customs union. Under this arrangement, South Africa has collected levies from customs, sales, and excise duties for all five members, sharing out proceeds based on each country's portion of imports. The exact formula for sharing revenues and the decision-making authority over duties--held exclusively by the Government of South Africa--became increasingly controversial, and the members renegotiated the arrangement in 2001. A new structure has now been formally ratified and a SACU Secretariat has been established in Windhoek, Namibia. Following South Africa's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO, of which Botswana also is a member), many of the SACU duties are declining, making American products more competitive in Botswana. Currently the SACU countries and the U.S. are negotiating a free trade agreement. Botswana is currently also negotiating a free trade agreement with Mercosur and an Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union as part of SADC, and opened negotiations with China and India in 2005. Botswana's currency--the Pula--is fully convertible and is valued against a basket of currencies heavily weighted toward the South African Rand. Profits and direct investment can be repatriated without restriction from Botswana. The Botswana Government eliminated all exchange controls in 1999. The Central Bank devalued the Pula by 12.5% in May 2005 in a bid to maintain export competitiveness against the real appreciation of the Pula and restructured the exchange rate mechanism to a crawling peg system to ensure against future large-scale devaluations. Botswana is the immediate past chair of the 14-nation Southern African Development Community (SADC), and Gaborone hosts the SADC Secretariat's headquarters. SADC replaced the Southern Africa Development Coordination Conference (SADCC--launched in 1980, which focused its efforts on freeing regional economic development from dependence on apartheid South Africa. SADC embraced the newly democratic South Africa as a member in 1994. It has a broad mandate to encourage growth, development, and economic integration in Southern Africa. SADC's Trade Protocol, which was launched on September 1, 2000, calls for the elimination of all tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade by 2008 among the 11 signatory countries. Zimbabwe's membership has limited SADC's opportunities for cooperation with the United States. Transportation and Communications A sparsely populated, semi-arid country about the size of Texas, Botswana has nonetheless managed to incorporate much of its interior into the national economy. An "inner circle" highway connecting all major towns and district capitals is completely paved, and the all-weather TransKalahari Highway connects the country (and, through it, South Africa's commercially dominant Gauteng Province) to Walvis Bay in Namibia. A fiber-optic telecommunications network has been completed in Botswana connecting all major population centers. In November 2003, representatives of Botswana, Namibia and South Africa signed an MOU to simplify documentation to move cargoes to and from the Port of Walvis Bay in Namibia. In addition to the government-owned newspaper and national radio network, there is an active, independent press (one daily and seven weekly newspapers). Two privately owned radio stations began operations in 1999. In 2000, the government-owned Botswana Television (BTV) was launched, which is Botswana's first national television station. GBC is a commercially owned television station that broadcast programs to the Gaborone area only. Foreign publications are sold without restriction in Botswana, and there are 22 commercial Internet service providers. Two cellular phone providers cover most of the country.
- 26 DEFENSE The president is commander in chief of the Botswana Defense Force (BDF). A defense council is appointed by the president. The BDF was formed in 1977 and has approximately 13,000 members. The BDF is a capable and well-disciplined military force. Following positive political changes in South Africa and the region, the BDF's missions have increasingly focused on border control and anti-poaching activities. The United States has been the largest single contributor to the development of the BDF, and a large segment of its officer corps has received U.S. training. It is considered an apolitical and professional institution. FOREIGN RELATIONS Botswana puts a premium on economic and political integration in Southern Africa. It seeks to make SADC a working vehicle for economic development, and promotes efforts to make the region self-policing in terms of preventative diplomacy, conflict resolution, and good governance. Botswana joins the African consensus on most major international matters and is a member of international organizations such as the United Nations and the African Union (AU). U.S.-BOTSWANA RELATIONS The United States considers Botswana an advocate of and a model for stability in Africa and has been a major partner in Botswana's development since its independence. The U.S. Peace Corps returned to Botswana in August 2002 with a focus on HIV/AIDS-related programs after concluding 30 years of more broadly targeted assistance in 1997. Similarly, the USAID phased out a longstanding partnership with Botswana in 1996, after successful programs emphasizing education, training, entrepreneurship, environmental management, and reproductive health. Botswana, however, continues to benefit along with its neighbors in the region from USAID's Initiative for Southern Africa. The Regional Center for Southern Africa (RCSA), which implements the U.S. Agency for International Development's (USAID) Initiative for Southern Africa (ISA), is headquartered in Gaborone as well. The United States International Board of Broadcasters (IBB) operates a major Voice of America (VOA) relay station in Botswana serving most of the African Continent. In 1995, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) started the BOTUSA Project in collaboration with the Botswana Ministry of Health in order to generate information to improve TB control efforts in Botswana and elsewhere in the face of the TB and HIV/AIDS co-epidemics. Under the 1999 U.S. Government's Leadership and Investment in Fighting an Epidemic (LIFE) Initiative, CDC through the BOTUSA Project has undertaken many projects and has assisted many organizations in the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Botswana. Botswana is one of the 15 focus countries for PEPFAR, the President's Emergency Plan for Aids Relief and began receiving funding and assistance under this program in January 2004. PEPFAR assistance to Botswana, which totaled $20 million in FY 2004 and doubled to $40 million in FY 2005, is contributing to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and care interventions. The Governments of Botswana and the United States entered into an agreement in July 2000 to establish an International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) in Gaborone. The academy, jointly financed, managed and staffed by the two nations, provides training to police and government officials from Southern Africa and eventually from across the continent. The academy's permanent campus, in Otse outside of Gaborone, opened March 2003. Over 1,500 law enforcement professionals from Sub-Saharan Africa have received training from ILEA since it began offering classes in 2001.
- 27 Principal U.S. Officials Ambassador--Katherine H. Canavan Deputy Chief of Mission--Philip R. Drouin USAID Regional Center for Southern Africa Director--Erna Kerst Defense Attache--LTC Davis (Lee) Butler Office of Defense Cooperation--LTC Daniel M. Jones Centers for Disease Control--Dr. Margarett Davis International Board of Broadcasters--William Martin International Law Enforcement Agency--Stan Moran Peace Corps--Ken Puvak The U.S. Embassy is on Embassy Drive off Khama Crescent--P.O. Box 90, Gaborone (tel. 267353-982; fax 267-356-947). USAID is located on Lebatlane Road. DAO and ODC are located at the embassy. CDC is located on Ditlhakore Way in Gaborone. ILEA is located in Otse, about 30 minutes outside of Gaborone. The IBB station is located in Selebi-Phikwe, about 400 kilometers northeast of Gaborone. TRAVEL AND BUSINESS INFORMATION COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Botswana is a country in southern Africa with a stable democratic government and a growing economy. Facilities for tourism are widely available. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport with at least six months of validity remaining is required. U.S. citizens are permitted stays up to 90 days without a visa. For additional information on entry requirements, travelers may contact the Embassy of the Republic of Botswana, 1531-1533 New Hampshire Ave, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036, telephone (202) 2444990/1, fax (202) 244-4164 or the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Botswana to the United Nations, 103 E. 37th St., New York, NY, 10016, telephone (212) 889-2277, fax (212) 725-5061. There are also honorary consuls in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Houston. See our Foreign Entry Requirements brochure for more information on Botswana and other countries. Visit the Embassy of Botswanas web site at http://www.botswanaembassy.org/ for the most current visa information. SAFETY AND SECURITY: Civil unrest and disorder are rare. U.S. citizens should avoid crowds, political rallies, and street demonstrations and maintain security awareness at all times. For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Departments Internet web site, where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, can be found. Information can also be obtained from the American Citizen Services section of the U.S. Embassys website at http://usembassy.state.gov/botswana/. Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada, or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment CRIME: Violent crime is relatively infrequent in Botswana, but appears to be on the rise in urban centers. Prudent security measures such as house and car alarms and immobilizers should be used to deter residential burglaries and car theft. In addition, the increased instance of armed
- 28 robbery and mugging in Botswana over the past two years warrants increased vigilance while walking in urban areas, particularly after dark and when traveling alone. Petty street crime and crimes of opportunity, primarily the theft of money and personal property, remain the most common forms of crime in Botswana. Visitors to Gaborone, as to any major city, should avoid walking at night in unfamiliar areas. U.S. Embassy personnel are advised against travel to the Kgale Hill area, a popular Gaborone hiking venue, and the area surrounding the Gaborone Dam because of multiple incidents of violent crime. American citizens are strongly urged to avoid these areas. INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed. MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical facilities in Gaborone are adequate, but available facilities in other areas are limited. Well-equipped emergency rooms and trained physicians are available in the capital but services are rudimentary elsewhere. Professional private emergency rescue services operate air and ground ambulances throughout the country, but care is rendered only after a patients ability to pay is established. Response times are often slow in less populated areas. Malaria is prevalent only in the north of the country, particularly around the Chobe and Okavango National Parks. Malaria prophylaxis is not required in Gaborone but is suggested for travel to the north. For advanced care Americans often choose to travel to South Africa. Most prescription drugs are available in Gaborone. Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDCs internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organizations (WHO) website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith. MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Botswana is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance. Traffic circulates on the left in Botswana, as elsewhere in the region. While the roads in major population centers in Botswana are generally good, travel by automobile outside of large towns may be dangerous. The combination of long, tedious stretches of two-lane highways, high speed limits, and poor lighting make driving at night on rural highways particularly hazardous. Freerange domestic animals and large numbers of pedestrians and hitchhikers in the roadways make fatal accidents a frequent occurrence. Traumatic injury is the second major cause of death in Botswana; motor vehicle accidents take the lead. Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the website of the countrys
- 29 national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety at http://www.botswanatourism.gov.bw. AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT:As there is no direct commercial air service between the United States and Botswana, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed BotswanasCivil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. For more information, travelers may visit the FAAs Internet website at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Botswana strictly enforces its laws controlling the trade in animal products. The hunting of lions is explicitly prohibited and leopards and elephants are covered under a strict quota regime. Botswana's Wildlife Conservation and National Parks Act makes illegal the possession or removal from Botswana, without a government permit of any living or dead animal or trophy from an animal. A trophy is any horn, ivory, tooth, tusk, bone, claw, hoof, hide, skin, hair, feather, egg, or other durable portion of an animal, whether the item has been processed or not. Curio shops and vendors throughout the country sell items such as animal skins, plain and decorated ostrich eggs and eggshells, and carved bones or teeth of animals protected by this law. All of the souvenirs, although widely sold, are subject to this Act. Travelers departing the country with a trophy must have a receipt from a store licensed to sell such items. Ivory and endangered rhinoceros horn products obtained in Botswana may not be removed from the country under any circumstances; elephant hair jewelry may be removed only with the appropriate license from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks. Trophies may not be taken from the wild without a permit. Violators are subject to arrest and may face a penalty of up to five years imprisonment and a substantial fine. Wild animals pose may pose a danger to tourists. Tourists should bear in mind that, even in the most serene settings, the animals are wild and can pose a threat to life and safety. Tourists should use common sense when approaching wildlife, observe all local or park regulations, and heed all instructions given by tour guides. In addition, tourists are advised that potentially dangerous areas sometimes lack fences and warning signs. Exercise appropriate caution in all unfamiliar surroundings. CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offences. Persons violating Botswana laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Botswana are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Homosexual activity is illegal in Botswana. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States. REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in Botswana are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Departments travel registration website so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Botswana. The U.S. Embassy is located in Gaborone on Embassy Drive in the Government Enclave. The mailing address is P.O. Box 90, Gaborone, telephone +267 395-3982; fax +267 318-0232; email consulargaboro@state.gov, and the after-hours emergency telephone is +267 395-7111.
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GEOGRAPHY AND NATURE

With an area of 582,000 square km, landlocked Botswana extends over 1100 km from the north to south and 960 km from east to west. It's about the same size as Kenya or France and somewhat smaller than Texas. It's bounded on the south and south-east by South Africa, across the Limpopo and Molopo Rivers. In the north-east is Zimbabwe while Namibia wraps around the western and northern frontiers. At Kazungula, four countries - Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia - meet at a single point at midstream in the Zambezi River. Therefore, Botswana has a border crossing with Zambia, although the two countries don't actually share a common border. Most of Botswana lies at an average elevation of 1000 metres. Much of the country consists of a vast and nearly level sand-filled basin characterised by shrub-covered savanna. In the northwest, the Okavango River flows in from Namibia and soaks into the sands, forming the 15,000 square km of convoluted channels and islands that comprise the Okavango Delta. In the lower elevations of the north-east are the great salty clay deserts of the Makgadikgadi Pans. Covering nearly 85% of Botswana, including the entire central and south-westernregions, is the Kalahari (Kgalagadi), a semi-arid expanse of wind-blown sand deposits and long sandy valleys (which sporadically serve as steam channels) and ridges stabilized by shrubby trees and bushes. The shifting dunes that comprise a traditional "desert' are only found in the area of the Bokspits in the far south-west. Although Botswana has no mountain ranges to speak of, the almost uniform flat landscape is punctuated occasionally by low desert hills, especially along the south-eastern boundary and in the far north-west. Botswana's highest point is the 1491 meters Otse Mountain near Lobatse, but the three major peaks of the Tsodilo Hills, in the country's north-western corner, are the most dramatic.
CLIMATE AND NATURE

Botswana has a dry, semi-arid climate. The northern two-thirds of the country lie within the tropics, but due to the lands altitude and its distance from the oceans, the climate is more temperate than tropical. The weather is influenced by prevailing high and low pressure cells that dominate the sub-continent and exert a major influence on the rain-bringing winds. The winter months, from May to August, are dry and cloudless, with the days generally warm and the nights cold. Day and night temperatures vary considerably, particularly in the less vegetated desert regions. Day-time temperatures of 27C can drop down to below freezing at night. With the arrival of a cold front, temperatures may plummet suddenly. These, cold snaps, caused by Atlantic lows, usually last for a few days. Early summer is usually hot with little relief from rain. Temperatures in September to November can soar to 40C during the day and cool off to 17C at night. In the southern Kalahari, temperatures may soar to above 40C during the day and at night drop down to -5C. The waters of the Okavango and Kasane areas act as moderators and eliminate such extreme temperatures. The rainy season is normally between December and April, although early rains, from September onwards, are not unusual. Rain arrives suddenly in the form of short and intense thunder storms that may be very localized. Torrential rain may fall in one place, while another, only a few kilometers away, will remain bone dry. Zebra and wildebeest herds, in particular, follow the thunder showers to take advantage of the water and fresh growth. The average rainfall is 450 millimeters per annum, with the highest figures recorded in the north-east of the country and a gradual decrease to below 300 millimeters in the south-west. Similarly, humidity decreases from
- 31 north to south and from east to west. During the dry winter months, when humidity is at its lowest, it often drops to below 30 percent. Through out the country, potential evapotranspiration (loss of moisture through evaporation and transpiration by plants) far exceeds the rainfall. This means that agriculture without irrigation is only viable in some years (about six seasons out of ten), even during the wet months. Droughts occur on an almost regular cyclical basis, with the southern part of the country being most susceptible to drought. The authorities have initiated a `drought watch` program. Rainfall is carefully monitored and drought relief system initiated well in advance, in order to avoid the alltoo-common scenes of starvation witnessed in other parts of the Africa. SEASONS Summer (November - March) Frequent rain and thunderstorms; days and nights very hot, but cooling off after rain spells. Autumn (April - June) Days hot and nights are cooler. This is perhaps the best time to travel in Botswana.Winter (July - August) Dry, sunny and hot days, but very cold at night, on early morning game drives and on boating excursions. Spring (September November) The hottest time of the year, with very dry hot days and hot nights. HARDVELD, SANDVELD, AND ANCIENT LAKES The country is divided into three main environmental regions. The HARDVELD region, where most population and economic activity of concentrated, consists of rocky hill ranges and areas of shallow sand cover in south-eastern and east-central Botswana. (There is also a small area of hardveld in the extreme west, the Ghanzi ridge extending from the Namibia highlands.) The SANDVELD region is the area of deep Kalahari sand covering the rest of the country. A small number of out-cropping rocky hills extrude from the sandveld in the north and west. The third region of the country, consisting of ANCIENT LAKE BEDS in the base of the Kalahari basin, is superimposed on the sandveld in north-western Botswana. The ancient lake beds of Botswana date from wet climatic periods when the Makgadikgadi Pans and Okavango Delta were lakes covering up to three times their present areas. Lake levels are known to have been high 40,000-35,000 years ago, and as recently as 15,000-10,000 years ago. Even 2,000 years ago there were considerable areas of wetlands around Lake Makgadikgadi. The ancient lakes of Okavango and Makgadikgadi are evidence of ancient tectonic movements in northern Botswana. Geologists believe that at an earlier date the Okavango and Chobe-Zambezi rivers flowed through the area of the Makgadikgadi to the middle Limpopo valley and thence to the sea. (See Page 12: Science (Geology)). But warping of the earth's crust, associated with the extension of the Great African Rift south-westwards to beneath the sandveld of the Okavango Delta area, opened up a new passage for the Zambezi to the sea over the Victoria Falls. It also blocked off the old Zambezi-Limpopo course by a new ridge south-east of the Makgadikgadi. The water which was backed up behind this ridge formed Lakes Makgadikgadi and Okavango. Support for this theory was given in 1967 by discovery that diamonds washed down the Motloutse valley, the present tributary of the Limpopo thought to have been the course of the old ZambeziLimpopo, had come from diamond pipes now on the other side of the Motloutse- Makgadikgadi ridge. Present day drainage through the marshes of the Okavango Delta is complex and imperfectly understood. The perennial Okavango river runs southwards into its delta across the Caprivi Strip from the highlands of Angola. Most of its water evaporates from the 1400 sq km (4000 sq miles) of the delta wetlands. Flood water reaches down through the eastern side of the marshes to the
- 32 Boteti River, which flowed sporadically to Lakes Xau (Dow) and Mopipi and the Makgadikgadi Pans (also roughly 4000 sq km in area) till the 1980s - since when it has stopped. Less and less water has been flowing through the western side of the Okavango marshes during the 20th century, so that 180 sq km (70 sq mile) Lake Ngami - famous a century ago - is today dry and almost unrecognizable as a lake. Meanwhile the eastern Makgadikgadi Pans are annually flooded by the otherwise ephemeral Nata River from the Zimbabwe highlands, while the southern tributaries of the pans are now dry fossil valleys. The Molopo River (with its Ramatlhabama tributary) on the southern border of Botswana, with a course flowing into the Orange River, today rarely floods more than 80 km from their source. Most Botswana rivers are ephemeral channels rarely flowing above ground except in the summer rainy season. The two great exceptions to this rule are vigorous channels fed by the rains of central Africa - the Okavango River above its delta, and the Chobe (Kwando, Mashi or Linyanti) River flowing through its marshes along the northern border to join the Zambezi above the Victoria Falls. Back to contents SOILS The soils of the eastern hardveld consist of moderately dry red loamy mokata soils on the plains, or mixed chalky and sandy chawana soils, with brownish rocky seloko soils on and around hills. Seloko soils are considered best for grain crops. The fertility of all soils being limited by rainfall, which is sometimes inadequate on the hardveld and regularly unable to support any cultivation on the sandveld. The Kalahari sandveld shows evidence of having been a barren sand desert in periods of the geological past. Dune patterns are still visible from the air, but not from the ground as the dunes have been covered by grass and tree or bush vegetation. The sandveld consists of very dry light red to yellowish sands. The sands are redder in the south- western corner of the country - where some dunes have been exposed by erosion. Other patches of "desertification" are evident from satellite imagery: notably the area around Hukuntsi where yellowish sands have been stripped bare by over-grazing. The alluvial soils of the ancient lake beds range from grey loamy soils in the wetlands, and graygreen saline soils on the pans, to gray clayish soils to yellowish sandy soils around the wetlands and very chalky light gray soils round the pans. There are also areas of gray to black cracking clay in former wet areas, such as those around Pandamatanga where 'virgin land' maize farming is now being attempted on a commercial scale. ANIMAL LIFE Animal life is extremely varied in a thirstland environment. About 150 species of mammal are found in Botswana. These range from 30 species of bats and 27 of rodents to over 30 species of large mammal. Many large and small antelope, and scavengers such as jackals and hyaenas, can be found across the savanna,though rarely near centers of population or main roads. Very large mammals such as giraffe, elephant, rhino, buffalo and lion are generally confined to the secure wild life areas, including parks and reserves, which cover about a fifth of the country; hippo and crocodile being found in the rivers and marshes of the north. Botswana suffers less poaching than countries to the north, and there are active wildlife conservation groups. See Kalahari Conservation Society and others on Page 14: Tourism. Bird life is prolific, with more than 460 species including ostrich and bustard on the plains, cormorant and herons in aquatic areas, vulture and eagle or kite near hills, and woodland species such as goshawk and warbler. Small grassland species have spread to agricultural areas carved
- 33 out of the woodlands, notably the quelea finch which flocks in hundreds of thousands and attacks grain fields. Botswana has a great variety of reptiles and amphibians, of which over 200 species have been described in detail. The principal fish, in the rivers of the north, are tilapia (African bream), catfish and the tiger fish famous for its ferocious resistance to being caught on line. Up to 80,000 insect species have been scientifically named and described in southern Africa, but this may only constitute five per cent of the total. A start in describing new Botswana species has been made on beetles and grasshoppers, but moths and butterflies, flies and mosquitoes, wasps and ants remain among the least studied. PLANT LIFE The Kalahari, i.e. the sandveld west of the hardveld and south of the ancient lake beds, has often been called 'thirstland' to distinguish it from true desert. Even in its south-western corner, where there are some bare sand dunes, the vegetation is more characteristic of dry steppe than desert. The general vegetation of the country is savanna (grassland) with yellow or light brown grass cover (turning green after rains) and woody plants. The savanna ranges from Acacia shrub savanna in the south-west through acacia thorn bush and tree savanna 'parkland' into denser woodland and eventually forest as one moves north and east. Tree savanna on rocky hills of the eastern hardveld merges northwards into Mopane (African ironwood) woodland. Mopane woodland covers much of the northern and eastern third of the country, with the exception of the open grasslands immediately surrounding the Okavango delta and Makgadikgadi pans. Plant life in the acacia shrub savanna includes tsamma melons, an invaluable source of liquid for humans andanimals in the thirstland. Typical woody plants in bush savanna are mongana (blackthorn acacia), mhahu (Acacia fleckii), setshi (candlepod acacia), moselesele (Kalahari christmas-tree) and morukuru (tamboti); while mogononono (silver terminalia) and moretlwa (wildraisin bush) are also found in acacia tree savanna. Cacti, aloes and prickly pears (motoroko), and a few species of evergreen tree are found on rocky hills. Mopane woodland includes, besides mopane and acacia, the spectacular mowana or baobab ('upside-down tree') which may live up to four thousand years, and morula (wild plum). Isolated stands of palm trees (mokolane) grow on aquatic grassland in the north, while tall trees such as mzungula (sausage tree), mokotshong (African ebony) and varieties of acacia grow along river banks. The dry deciduous forest of the extreme north-east consists of mukwa (bloodwood) and mukusi (Zimbabwean teak), which are commercially exploited for timber.
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HISTORY AND POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS1

The history of Botswana does much more than cover a gap between the histories of neighboring South Africa and Zimbabwe, Namibia, Angola, and Zambia. In prehistoric and very recent times the Kalahari thirst lands of Botswana have been central in the historical geography of the region, as the intermediate territory between the savannas of the north and east and the steppes of the south and west. Between the 1880s and its independence in the 1960s, however, Botswana was a poor and peripheral British protectorate known as Bechuanaland. The country is named after its dominant ethnic group, the Tswana or Batswana ('Bechuana' in older variant orthography), and the national language is called Setswana (aka 'Sechuana'). Since the later 1960s Botswana has gained in international stature as a peaceful and increasingly prosperous democratic state. It has had one of the fastest growing economies in the world, rising from one of the poorest to lower-middle income level. This new prosperity has been based on the mining of diamonds and other minerals, which have built up state revenues, and on the sale of beef to Europe and the world market. There has been extensive development of educational and health facilities, in villages and traditional rural towns as well as in rapidly growing new towns. But there has also been an increasing gap between classes of new rich and new poor.
EARLY HUNTING, PASTORAL, AND FARMING PEOPLE

Khoesan-speaking hunters and herders,P eople speaking Khoesan (Khoe and San) languages, have lived in Botswana for many thousands of years. A site in the Tsodilo hills (Depression Shelter), in the north-western corner of Botswana, contains archaeological evidence of continuous Khoesan occupation from about 17 000 BC. to about 1650 AD. For most of that period Khoesan people subsisted as hunters and gatherers, their tools made of stone (and wood and bone), with a culture characterized by archaeologists as 'Later Stone Age'. Their hunting and gathering lifestyle was adapted to seasonal mobility in family groups over grassland and scrub, in and around the extensive riverine lakes and wetlands that once covered the north of the country and were dotted elsewhere. During the last centuries BC many Khoe-speaking people in northern Botswana converted their lifestyle to pastoralism - herding cattle and sheep on the rich pastures exposed by the retreating wetlands of the Okavango delta and Makgadikgadi lakes. Cattle and sheep had been brought from East Africa, where they had previously been herded by other Later Stone Age people for thousands of years. Some Khoe pastoralists migrated with their livestock through central Namibia as far south as they could, to the Cape of Good Hope, by about 70BC. They took Khoe language to areas where only San languages had previously been spoken.
BANTU-SPEAKING FARMERS
Both farming of grain crops and the speaking of Bantu languages were carried southwards from north of the Equator over the course of millennia. From West Africa, Later Stone Age farming
1
This section based in part on the research and other materials on the US Library of Congress
- 35 reached through Angola, and had been converted to the use of iron tools on the upper Zambezi by around 380 BC. From East Africa, Early Iron Age farming spread down the savanna to the Zambezi by around 20 B.C., as well as along the east coast. The farmers brought with them the speaking of western and eastern Bantu languages. It took hundreds of years for Iron Age farming culture and Bantu languages to replace Khoe pastoral culture in the Okavango-Makgadikgadi area. As early as 200 BC people there were making a kind of pottery known as Bambatha ware, which archaeologists think was Khoe pottery influenced by (western) Iron Age styles. Khoe language was being spoken by pastoralists in the area, on the Boteti River, as late as the 19th century, within recent living memory. The earliest dated Iron Age site in Botswana is an iron smelting furnace in the Tswapong hills near Palapye, dated around 190 AD - probably associated with eastern Iron Age Bantu farming culture from the Limpopo valley. Meanwhile farming culture of the western Iron Age type spread through northern and into south-eastern Botswana. The remains of beehive-shaped small houses made of grass-matting, occupied by western Early Iron Age farmers, have been dated from about 420 AD around Molepolole, and a similar site in the western Transvaal near Pretoria has been dated as early as 300. There is also evidence of early farming settlement of a similar type in Botswana west of the Okavango delta, existing alongside Khoesan hunter and pastoralist sites in the Tsodilo hills, dated from around 550 AD. Archaeologists now have difficulty in interpreting the hundreds of rock paintings in the Tsodilo hills, which were once assumed to be painted by 'Bushman' hunters remote from all pastoralist and farmer contact.
IRON AGE CHIEFDOMS AND STATES

From around 1095 south-eastern Botswana saw the rise of a new culture, characterized by a site on Moritsane hill near Gabane, whose pottery mixed the old western style with new Iron Age influences derived from the eastern Transvaal (Lydenburg culture). The Moritsane culture is historically associated with the Khalagari (Kgalagadi) chiefdoms, the westernmost dialect-group of Sotho (or Sotho-Tswana) speakers, whose prowess was in cattle raising and hunting rather than in farming. In east-central Botswana, the area within 80 or 100 kilometers of Serowe (but west of the railway line) saw a thriving farming culture, dominated by rulers living on Toutswe hill, between about 600-700 and 1200-1300. The prosperity of the state was based on cattle herding, with large corrals in the capital town and in scores of smaller hill-top villages. (Ancient cattleandsheep/goatcorrals are today revealed by characteristic grassgrowing on them.) The Toutswe people were also hunting westwards into the Kalahari and trading eastwards with the Limpopo. East coast shells, used as trade currency, were already being traded as far west as Tsodilo by 700. The Toutswe state appears to have been conquered by its Mapungubwe state neighbor, centered on a hill at the Limpopo-Shashe confluence, between 1200 and 1300. Mapungubwe had been developing since about 1050 because of its control of the early gold trade coming down the Shashe, which was passed on for sale to sea traders on the Indian Ocean. The site of Toutswe town was abandoned, but the new rulers kept other settlements going - notably Bosutswe, a hilltop town in the west, which supplied the state with hunting products, caught by Khoean hunters, and with Khoesan cattle given in trade or tribute from the Boteti River. But Mapungubwe's triumph was short-lived, as it was superceded by the new state of Great Zimbabwe, north of the Limpopo River, which flourished in control of the gold trade from the 13th
- 36 to the 15th centuries. It is not known how far west the power of Great Zimbabwe extended. Certainly its successor state, the Butua state based at Kame near Bulawayo in western Zimbabwe from about 1450 onwards, controlled trade in salt and hunting dogs from the eastern Makgadikgadi pans, around which it built stone- walled command posts. The Butua state passed from the control of Chibundule (Torwa) rulers to Rozvi invaders from the north-east in about 1685. Under Rozvi rule, the common people of Butua became known as the Kalanga. The old Chibundule rulers appear to have fled to the western Kalanga (in the area now in Botswana), where they became known as Wumbe, giving rise to a number of local Kalanga chiefdoms. Other Kalanga chiefdoms descended from Mengwe, the 'uncle' of Chibundule, or from groups of Sotho attracted from the south such as the Nswazwi and Chizwina (Sebina) chiefdoms.
NORTH-WESTERN BOTSWANA CHIEFDOMS

From about 850 AD farmers from the upper Zambezi, ancestral to the Mbukushu and Yeyi peoples, reached as far south and west as the Tsodilo hills (Nqoma). Oral traditions tell of Yeyi farmers and fishermen scattering among the Khoesan of the Okavango delta in the early 18th century, like 'flies across a milk-pail'. The oral traditions of Mbukushu chiefs tell of migrations from the upper Chobe down the Okavango river later in the 18th century. These appear to have been responses to increased raiding in Angola for the Atlantic slave trade. The oral traditions of Herero and Mbanderu pastoralists, south-west of the Okavango straddling the Namibia border, relate how they were split apart from their Mbandu parent stock by 17th century Tswana cattle-raiding from the south. RISE OF TSWANA DOMINATION During the 1200-1400 period a number of powerful dynasties began to emerge among the Sotho in the western Transvaal, spreading their power in all directions. Fokeng chiefdoms spread southwards over Southern Sotho peoples, while Rolong chiefdoms spread westwards over Khalagari peoples. Khalagari chiefdoms either accepted Rolong rulers or moved westwards across the Kalahari, in search of better hunting and the desirable large cattle of the west. By the 17th century Rolong-Khalagari power stretched, as we have seen. as far as Mbandu country across the central NamibiaBotswana frontier. In the 1660's the military and trading power of the main Rolong kingdom at Taung (south of Botswana), in conflict with Kora groups of southern Khoi over copper trade, was known as far away as the new Dutch settlers at the Cape of Good Hope. The main Tswana (Central Sotho) dynasties of the Hurutshe, Kwena and Kgatla were derived from the Phofu dynasty, which broke up in its western Transvaal home in the 1500-1600 period. Oral traditions usually explain these migrations as responses to drought, with junior brothers breaking away to become independent chiefs. The archeology of the Transvaal shows that the farming population was expanding and spreading in small homesteads, each clustered round its cattle corral, across open countryside - with a few larger settlements as evidence of petty chiefdoms. But after about 1700 the settlement pattern changed, with stone-walled villages and some large towns developing on hills - evidence of the growth of states often hostile to each other. These states were probably competing for cattle wealth and subject populations, for control of hunting and mineral tribute, and for control of trade with the east coast.
GROWTH OF TSWANA STATES

Kwena and Hurutshe migrants founded the Ngwaketse chiefdom among Khalagari-Rolong in south-eastern Botswana by 1700. After 1750 this grew into a powerful military state controlling Kalahari hunting and cattle raiding, and copper production west of Kanye. Meanwhile other
- 37 Kwena had settled around Molepolole; and a group of those Kwena henceforth called Ngwato further north at Shoshong. By about 1770 a group of Ngwato, called the Tawana, had even settled as far north-west as Lake Ngami, in country occupied by Yeyi and previously frequented by Khalagari-Rolong and Kwena hunters and traders.
TIMES OF WAR
Southern Africa as a whole saw an increasing tempo of disruption, migration and war from about 1750 onwards, as trading and raiding for ivory, cattle and slaves spread inland from the coasts of Mozambique, the Cape Colony and Angola. By 1800 raiders from the Cape had begun to attack the Ngwaketse. By 1826 the Ngwaketse were being attacked by the Kololo, an army of refugees under the dynamic leadership of Sebetwane, who had been expelled north- westwards, possibly by raiders from Maputo Bay. The great Ngwaketse warrior king, Makaba II, was killed, but the Kololo were pushed further north by a counter-attack. The Kololo moved through Shoshong, expelling the Ngwato northwards, to the Boteti River, where they settled for a number of years - attacking the Tawana and raiding for cattle as far west as Namibia, where they were warded off in a battle with Herero. In about 1835 they settled on the Chobe River, from which the Kololo state stretched northwards until its final defeat by its Lozi subjects on the upper Zambezi in 1864. Meanwhile the Kololo were followed in their tracks by the Ndebele, a raiding army led by Mzilikazi, who settled in the Butua area of western Zimbabwe in 1838-40 after the conquest of the Rozvi. These wars are called the Difaqane by historians.
POST-WAR TSWANA COMMERCIAL PROSPERITY

The Tswana states of the Ngwaketse, Kwena, Ngwato and Ngwato were reconstituted in the 1840s after the wars passed. The states took firm control of commoners and subject peoples, organised in wards under their own chiefs paying tribute to the king. The states competed with each other to benefit from the increasing trade in ivory and ostrich feathers being carried by wagons down new roads to Cape Colony in the south. Those roads also brought Christian missionaries to Botswana, and Boer trekkers who settled in the Transvaal to the east of Botswana. The most remarkable Tswana king of this period was Sechele (ruled 1829-92) of the Kwena around Molepolole. He allied himself with British traders and missionaries, and was baptized by David Livingstone. He also fought with the Boers, who tried to seize Africans who fled to join Sechele's state from the Transvaal. But by the later 1870's the Kwena had lost control of trade to the Ngwato, under Khama III (ruled 1875-1923), whose power extended to the frontiers of the Tawana in the north-west, the Lozi in the north and the Ndebele in the north-east.
A BRITISH PROTECTORATE
The Scramble for Africa in the 1880s resulted in the German colony of South West Africa, which threatened to join across the Kalahari with the independent Boer republic of the Transvaal. The British in Cape Colony responded by using their missionary and trade connections with the Tswana states to keep the "missionaries' road" to Zimbabwe and the Zambezi open for British expansion. In 1885 the British proclaimed a protectorate over their Tswana allies, as far north as the Ngwato; and the protectorate was extended to the Tawana and the Chobe River in 1890.
- 38 THREATS OF INCORPORATION British colonial expansion was privatized, in the form of the British South Africa (BSA) Company, which used the road through the Bechuanaland Protectorate to colonize Zimbabwe (soon to be called Rhodesia) in 1890. But the protectorate itself remained under the British crown, and white settlement remained restricted to a few border areas, after an attempt to hand it over to the BSA Company was foiled by the delegation of three Tswana kings to London in 1895. The kings, however, had to concede to the company the right to build a railway to Rhodesia through their lands. The British government continued to regard the protectorate as a temporary expedient, until it could be handed over to Rhodesia or, after 1910, to the new Union of South Africa. Hence the administrative capital remained at Mafeking (Mafikeng), actually outside the protectorate's borders in South Africa, from 1895 until 1964. Investment and administrative development within the territory were kept to a minimum. It declined into a mere appendage of South Africa, for which it provided migrant labor and the rail transit route to Rhodesia. Short-lived attempts to reform administration and to initiate mining and agricultural development in the 1930s were hotly disputed by leading Tswana chiefs, on the grounds that they would only enhance colonial control and white settlement. The territory remained divided into eight largely self-administering 'tribal' reserves, five white settler farm blocks, and the remainder classified as crown (i.e. state) lands. The extent of Bechuanaland Protectorate's subordination to the interests of South Africa was revealed in 1950. In a case that caused political controversy in Britain and the Empire, the British government barred Seretse Khama from the chieftainship of the Ngwato and exiled him for six years. This, as secret documents have since confirmed, was in order to satisfy the South African government which objected to Seretse Khama's marriage to a white woman at a time when racial segregation was being reinforced in South Africa under apartheid.
ADVANCE TO INDEPENDENCE
From the later 1950s it became clear that Bechuanaland could no longer be handed over to South Africa, and must be developed towards political and economic self-sufficiency. The supporters of Seretse Khama began to organize political movements from 1952 onwards, and there was a nationalist spirit even among older 'tribal' leaders. Ngwato 'tribal' negotiations for the start of copper mining reached agreement in 1959. A legislative council was eventually set up in 1961 after limited national elections. The Bechuanaland People's Party (BPP) was founded in 1960, and the Bechuanaland Democratic Party (later Botswana Democratic Party, BDP) - led by Seretse Khama - in 1962. After long resistance to constitutional advance before economic development could pay for it, the British began to push political change in 1964. A new administrative capital was rapidly built at Gaborone. Bechuanaland became self- governing in 1965, under an elected BDP government under Seretse Khama as prime minister. In 1966 the country became the Republic of Botswana, with Seretse Khama as its first president. For its first five years of political independence, Botswana remained financially dependent on Britain to cover the full cost of administration and development. The planning and execution of economic development took off in 1967-71 after the discovery of diamonds at Orapa. The essential precondition of this was renegotiation of the customs union with South Africa, so that state revenue would benefit from rising capital imports and mineral exports - rather than remaining a fixed percentage of total customs union income. This renegotiation was achieved in 1969.
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BOTSWANA GAINS INTERNATIONAL STATURE

From 1969 onwards Botswana began to play a more significant role in international politics, putting itself forward as a non-racial, liberal democratic alternative to South African apartheid. South Africa was obliged to step down from its objections to Botswana building a road, with US aid finance, direct to Zambia avoiding the old railway and road route through Rhodesia. From 1974 Botswana was, together with Zambia and Tanzania, and joined by Mozambique and Angola, one of the "Front Line States" seeking to bring majority rule to Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa.
ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL GROWTH

With an economy growing annually between 12 and 13 percent, Botswana extended basic infrastructure for mining development and basic social services for its population. More diamond mines were opened, on relatively favorable terms of income to the state, and less economically successful nickel-copper mining commenced at Selebi-Phikwe. The BDP was consistently reelected with a large majority, though the Botswana National Front (BNF, founded 1965) became a significant threat after 1969, when "tribal" conservatives joined the socialists in BNF ranks attacking the "bourgeois" policies of government. The later 1970s saw civil war in Rhodesia, and urban insurrection in South Africa, from which refugees flowed into Botswana. When Botswana began to form its own army, the Botswana Defence Force, the Rhodesian army crossed the border and massacred 15 Botswana soldiers in a surprise attack at Leshoma (February 1978). Botswana played its part in the final settlement of the Rhodesian war, resulting in Zimbabwe independence in 1980. But its main contribution was in formulating the Southern African Development Coordination Conference, to look to the future of the region. The idea behind SADCC, as expounded by Seretse Khama, was to coordinate disparate economies rather than to create a unified market in southern Africa. All the states of southern Africa, except South Africa (and Namibia), formed SADCC in 1980, to work together in developing identified sectors of their economies particularly the transport network to the ports of Mozambique.
POLITICAL FIGURES AND RULERS

MASIRE SUCCEEDS SERETSE KHAMA Seretse Khama died in July 1980 and was succeeded as president by his deputy since 1965, vice-president Quett (aka Sir Ketumile) Masire. Between 1984 and 1990 Botswana suffered from upheavals in South Africa when South African troops raided the 'Front Line States'. Two raids on Gaborone by the South African army in 1985 and 1986 killed 15 civilians. A new era in regional relations began with the independence of Namibia in 1990, and continued with internal changes in South Africa culminating in its free elections of 1994. The economy continued to expand rapidly after a temporary slump in diamond and beef exports at the beginning of the 1980s. The expansion of mining output slowed in the 1990s, but was
- 40 compensated for by the growth of manufacturing industry producing vehicles and foodstuffs for the South African market. MOGAE SUCCEEDS MASIRE In April 2003, Quett (Sir Ketumile) Masire retired as president, and was succeeded by his vicepresident Festus Mogae. Since then the main opposition party, the BNF, which had begun to approach parity with the ruling BDP in the elections of 1994, has been split in half by a leadership dispute. Botswana handed over leadership of SADCC, now the Southern African Development Community(SADC), to South Africa in 1994. But the secretariat of SADC remains housed in the capital of Botswana, Gaborone. As well as SADC, the Republic of Botswana is a member of the United Nations, the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the Non-Aligned Movement, and the Commonwealth. Botswana is also a member (with Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Swaziland) of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU).
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POPULATION2
RURAL SETTLEMENT
The human and livestock population of Botswana is concentrated around the hill ranges of the eastern hardveld and along the perennial rivers of the north. Approximately one third of the population lives in scattered rural settlements, usually based around livestock pens. More than half the population lives in rural village settlements of over a thousand people, including traditional towns with up to 40,000 people. A growing proportion of the population, now exceeding one fifth, live in the seven modern towns and cities classified as urban areas. The typical rural settlement and land use pattern of the eastern highveld in the past may be characterized as having been concentric circles around a concentrated village nucleus. The family had a home base in the village, where most of its members spent most of the year. In the appropriate season it cultivated 'lands' (fields) within a day or two's walk from the village. The family cattle, on the other hand, were pastured for most of the year at 'cattle-posts' a number of days walk from the village. Finally, beyond the cattle-posts, there were hunting lands. This "traditional" pattern, inherited from the late 19th century, has however fragmented in the 20th century with the decline of traditional political controls, the break-up of the family through longdistance labor migration, and the increased mobility offered by motor transport and options for new settlement offered by drilling of bore-holes (artesian wells) for water. Private and public capital investment in village centers has also precluded communities from moving their whole village, as in a bygone age, when nearby cultivable land and pastures become depleted.
LARGE VILLAGES & "TRADITIONAL" TOWNS

The villages and traditional towns of Botswana are still basically laid out around the kgotla (courtyard) and cattle kraal (corral) of a traditional ruler, and are sub-divided into wards each of which mimics the village or town plan with its own central kgotla and kraal. But, since the 1970s, traditional settlements have been sliced through by modern roads and facilities such as schools and offices, as well as by shopping malls and bars. Traditional architecture of thatch roofing and clay walling has given way to corrugated metal roofing and brick walls. The new middle class is expressing its independence from traditional contraint, while retaining locational identity with traditional village roots, by building large modern suburban houses outside the old wards - especially on the paved approach roads to the traditional state capitals of Serowe, Kanye, Mochudi, Molepolole, Maun, Tlokweng and Ramotswa. Other villages have similarly burgeoned with new construction, particularly along the line of rail.
"MODERN" TOWNS & CITIES

Two of the seven "modern" towns of Botswana date from origins as small urban centers on the railway for white settler farming communities in the colonial period - Francistown (1897) and Lobatse (1900). Both began to develop in size and function in the 1950s as employment in nonagricultural services expanded.
This section based in part on the materials of the US Library of Congress

- 42 Gaborone, the capital city, was founded in 1964, since when it has grown to over 185,000. Selebi-Phikwe (1971) and Jwaneng (1979) are the only substantial mining towns; Orapa (1971) being a small company town in the sandveld, closed off from spontaneous accretion by security fences. The newest mining township, really a village, is Sua (1991), which is based on the soda ash deposits of the eastern Makgadikgadi Pans.
DEMOGRAPHY
After six previous censuses of variable quality, Botswana had its first systematic national census in 1964. Total population was estimated at 550,000, with 35,000 absentees - mostly adult male workers in South Africa. Since 1964, the population has grown at about 3.4 per cent a year, thus exceeding one million soon after 1980 and doubling every twenty years. Meanwhile the rate of labor migration abroad has been reduced by a combination of restrictions by South Africa and increased employment opportunities at home. Botswana also provided a home and eventual citizenship for numbers of refugees between the 1950s and the 1970s - from Angola, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and most recently Namibia. The 1991 census showed improved life expectancy of 67.0 years at birth, up from the 1981 figures by eight years to 68.4 years for females and by ten years to 64.8 years for males, due to the falling death rate. However these figures were drastically revised downwards in 2003 to take into accounts projected deaths from the AIDS pandemic. The 1991 census also showed that Botswana is one of the southern African countries experiencing a falling birth rate in response to improved infant life expectancy. The age and gender composition of the population was weighted by an increasingly youthful population. Approximately one fifth was under 5, and nearly half younger than 15. Females exceeded males in age groupsover 15; below that age the gender ratio was more or less equal because of recently reduced male infantmortality. The American CIA's World Factbook 2003 lists life expectancy in Botswana at 40.09 years, with no note on the drastic reduction on previous statistics because of 2003 HIV/AIDS mortality projections. The estimated total population is 1.53 million. The 1991 census showed that half the population is urban. One quarter of the population lives in six 'modern' towns and cities (Gaborone 1997 est. 183 000, Francistown 88 000, Selebi-Phikwe 46 000, Lobatse 30 000, Jwaneng 15 000, Orapa 10 000), and one quarter in twenty 'traditional towns and large villages (Molepolole 1997 est. 43 000, Kanye 35 000, Serowe 32 000, Mahalapye 31 000, Maun 29 000, etc.).
GENDER RELATIONS
Gender relations should be seen in the context of changing class relations. The "traditional" expendibility of young men as soldiers in war (with high status given to survivors), for example, was converted to expendibility as migrant workers in the mines in the colonial period. Royal and aristocratic women were always at an advantage over commoner and servile women. They also benefited from the first, Christian wave of Westernization of "traditional" law around 1900, in the recognition of their property and succession rights. A child was no longer, as in most "feudal" societies, the automatic "property" of the father. Gender relations among commoners were changed dramatically by the prevalence of male labor out-migration in the 1930s-50s. Formal marriage (by marriage payments between families) and
- 43 female monogamy declined, and women often became de facto heads of household. The gains of royal and aristocratic women in Tswana "traditional" law were extended to commoner women. Botswana shares with Lesotho, and the parts of South Africa between them, the unusual feature for Africa over the past century of more girls than boys going to school. (More girls in elementary classes, but more boys post-elementary.) This is no doubt a major cause of rising feminine consciousness, which was both cause and effect of the reforms in Tswana law. In the biggest "tribal" state, the Ngwato, women standing up for their interests as women can be seen among women aristocrats from around 1900 and among women commoners from around 1950. Some observers have suggested a jealous male backlash against the widespread education of women, seen in increasing accusations of witchcraft against women during the 20th century - the feminization of evil. But this hypothesis needs to be tested against historical records. Botswana today has women cabinet ministers and a woman high court judge. But ironically women are worse off than men in the "modern" sector than in the "traditional" sector. Households headed by women have half the average income in "modern" towns, and two-thirds the average income in "traditional" towns and large villages, but have an equal share of poverty (less than a quarter of the "modern" town income level) with households headed by men in rural areas.
WOMEN IN THE SOCIETY

In 1989 the total population was 1.3 million; in 1990 the United Nations estimated there were 671,000 women in Botswana, of which 47% were below age 15 and 5% were age 60 or above. Society consists of three major ethnic groups; more than half the population are of Tswana origin, with 8 sub-groups, of which the largest, the Bmaangwato, comprise more than 40% of the total. The Bangwatese of the south-west are the largest of the other ethnic groups. Approximately 30% of the population comprise non-Tswana minority communities, including the Kalanga, Kgalagadi, Mbukushu and Yei. There is also a nomadic San (Bushman) community of some 10,500, residing mainly in the south and west, and a Herero community of about 25,000, located primarily in the west. Half of the population are Christian, and half follow animist beliefs.
1965 1966 1981
Women received the right to vote. The country gained independence from the United Kingdom. The Women's Affairs Division (Contact person: Mrs. Joyce Anderson, Coordinator), located in the Department of Culture, Registration and Social Welfare Matters, Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs, was established.
Council of Women's Affairs acts as liaison between the Association of Botswana Women's Organizations and the Women's Affairs Division. SELECTED INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS AFFECTING THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN 1. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (adopted 1979) neither signed nor ratified. 2. Convention on the Political Rights of Women (adopted 1952) neither signed nor ratified.
- 44 3. Convention on the Consent to Marriage, Minimum Age for Marriage and Registration of Marriages (adopted 1962) neither signed nor ratified. 4. Convention Against Discrimination in Education (adopted 1960) neither signed nor ratified. 5. Convention Concerning Equal Remuneration for Men and Women Workers For Equal Value (adopted 1951) neither signed nor ratified. 6. Convention Concerning Maternity Protection (adopted 1952) neither signed nor ratified. 7. Convention Concerning Discrimination in Respect of Employment and Occupation (adopted 1958) neither signed nor ratified. 8. International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (adopted 1966) neither signed nor ratified. 9. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (adopted 1966) neither signed nor ratified. LEGAL AND REGULATORY CONTEXT In Botswana, individuals are allowed, in certain cases, to choose between customary and general law. However, since most people are unaware of this option, and since general law costs money which many people cannot afford, customary law is the system most relevant to the status of women, the majority of whom live in rural areas. Botswana is a member of Women, Law and Development in Africa (WILDAF). WILDAF is a regional network established to promote the development of strategies that link law and development to empower women. (The Women's Affairs Unit (WAU) of the Ministry of Home Affairs provides links between various ministries and departments concerned with policies and programs affecting women, and provides the link between non-governmental agencies and international organizations). CONSTITUTION Article 3 entitles every person in Botswana to the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual, regardless of race, place of origin, political opinions, colour, creed or sex. Article 15(1) prohibits discriminatory law either of itself or its effect except "...with respect to adoption, marriage, divorce, burial, devolution of property on death or other matters of personal law". Section (2) prohibits discriminatory treatment due to a person's race, tribe, place of origin, political opinions, colour or creed (sex omitted) (30 September 1966, as amended 1987).FAMILY RELATIONS Persons wishing to marry can choose between customary and common/statutory systems, both recognized by Botswana law. Despite variations between tribes, marriage according to custom has two requirements agreement between families of prospective spouses and a transfer of bogadi (bride-wealth); in some tribes such as the Bangwato it is no longer a legal requirement although some families continue to give it. Bogadi is effectively the transference of a woman's reproductive powers to her husband's family. Customary law marriage is potentially polygamous. The Marriage Act applies common/statutory law. Boys below age 16 and girls below age 14 may not marry; minors above these ages can marry with parental consent. Section 16 of the Act requires that the marriage be solemnized by a Marriage Officer or minister of religion, both of whom must be appointed by the Minister. According to custom, men may seek grounds for
- 45 divorce based on infidelity, barrenness, repeated adultery, sorcery, and refusal to perform household chores. A wife can divorce her husband on grounds of infidelity or cruelty only if his behavior is excessive. Irretrievable breakdown of marriage is recognized as a ground for divorce if at least one of the above elements are present and if past attempts at reconciliation have failed. Under common/statutory law action for divorce can only be brought under the ground of irretrievable breakdown of marriage. The Matrimonial Causes Act (1973) lists grounds a plaintiff may invoke to prove such a breakdown: adultery, desertion for at least two years, living apart for two years and consent by the defendant of the decree being granted, and behavior of the defendant which is such that the plaintiff cannot "reasonably" be expected to live with the defendant. In general, divorce is harder for women to obtain because wives are expected to persevere. Problems arise when persons marry under both legal systems; it is unclear whether dissolving marriage under one system automatically dissolves the consequences under the other. Under customary law, child maintenance obligations are enforced by family elders and, if failing, customary courts. Mothers are able to receive maintenance for only the first child. Women are dissatisfied with the customary system and prefer the magistrate's court, yet often use both systems simultaneously. The Customary Law Act states the welfare of the children is the determining factor for custody and guardianship; customary rules are similar to general law, preferring the father over the mother of a legitimate child when bogadi has been paid, and preferring the mother or her guardian where the child is illegitimate. ECONOMICS AND COMMERCE OWNERSHIP, USE AND INHERITANCE OF PROPERTY Women have rights to their personal property, and are entitled to use family property such as fields and household implements. But it is the husband who controls property of value, mainly land and cattle. Single women above the marriageable age are often allocated their own property, which they can hold and dispose of independently. Women may choose between marriage in or out of community of property, but both property regimes are unsatisfactory to women. Community of property gives women the right to a half share in the joint estate, but it gives the husband sole power of administering the property. The wife may not enter into contracts with regard to the joint property without her husband's consent. The Deeds Registry Act provides that immovable property may not be registered in the name of a woman married in community of property. Marriages outside of community of property give women full legal capacity to contract and acquire property. But the Deeds Registry Act deprives the wives who do not earn incomes from sharing in family property at the end of the marriage. Botswana follows a patrilineal system of descent. Generally, however, property devolution under traditional practices is not death centered; it is an ongoing process. Changes in favor of equal inheritance for women have taken place among the Bakgatla, but in general changes in customary inheritance laws are taking place unevenly, and much is left to the discretion of family heads and formal courts. Inheritance under general law is governed by common law and various statutes. Common law permits general freedom of testation, but there are limitations. The Succession (Rights of the Surviving Spouse and Inheritance Family Provisions) Act of 1970 gives the surviving spouse the right to inherit some of the property of the deceased and provides that the dependents may claim maintenance from the estate should they be insufficiently provided for in the will. The Act, however, does not cover estates to which customary law applies.
- 46 LABOR MARKETS Government policy advocates equal pay. However, the Employment Act allows different treatment of women (i) women may not work underground unless not engaged in manual work; (ii) women may not be employed in any agricultural or industrial undertaking during the night without their consent; and (iii) women may not resume work before the expiration of six weeks following confinement, and during maternity leave they need be paid only one-fourth of their normal earnings (Employment Act, Part XII: Employment of Females). In 1987, the Botswana government increased maternity leave pay for civil servants to 50%, but without amending the statutory minimum of 25% in the Employment Act. Under the Employment Act (Domestic Employees) Regulation of 1987, domestic employees, who are mostly women, may work up to 60 hours a week, are entitled to 4 paid public holidays, and are not covered by minimum wage regulations. STRATEGIC SECTORS EDUCATION The government's aim is to provide nine years of education for all citizens. Since independence, Botswana has experienced a 330% increase in the number of primary school pupils; in 1990, 85% of all primary school-age children attended. There is, however, a shortage of 2,000 plus primary school classrooms. Although the Ministry of Education's initial policy of expelling pregnant girls has been changed, the issue of schoolgirl pregnancy remains a problem. At the secondary level, sex-linked stereotypes of school subjects (1985 study) restrict women's attendance and their performance in "male" subjects (such as Physical Science, Agricultural Science, Math, Accounting, Geometrical Mechanical Drawing). Meanwhile, high female enrollment in classes such as General Science, Food and Nutrition, and Home Management yield girls a Cambridge pass but have minimal vocational value. Girls are subsequently limited to enter the traditionally female areas of nursing and teaching or non-manual, low-status jobs which are poorly paid and have fewer career choices. The Botswana Agricultural College is the main instrument for agricultural training. From 1985-1988 female enrollment was 24.5%. Rural Training Centres (RTCs) train men and women in various agricultural skills to improve subsistence farming and income-generating activities. Of a total of five, two have Rural Home Instruction Programs designed specifically for female farmers. Some men delegate to their wives which courses to attend. POPULATION/HEALTH/NUTRITION The average life expectancy for women and men in Botswana is 62 years and 58 years respectively. Approximately 85% of the population live within a 15-mile radius of a health-care facility. Hospital officials state women above the age of majority are not required to have their husbands' consent for operations, except for sterilization or if the woman is too ill to offer consent. In October 1987, the Ministry of Health issued general family planning policy guidelines; women and men of reproductive age are entitled to use family planning methods (except sterilization) without partner or family consent. In practice, husbands try to prevent wives from taking contraceptives and health officials are reluctant to intervene in such disputes. Family planning clinics sometimes require minors to obtain parental consent before administering contraception, in accordance with health policy. Section 60 of the Botswana Penal Code makes it an offence for any person to administer or to cause a woman, pregnant or not, to take any poison or other noxious thing with the intent to
- 47 procure a miscarriage. Legal abortions are performed in hospitals in accordance with an unclear Ministry of Health policy. AGRICULTURE Over 70% of Botswana's people live in rural areas, the majority being women and children. 45% of all households are female-headed, and 4% of these are defined as women living alone. Most able-bodied men emigrate to towns; of the estimated 84,000 farming families approximately 35% are female-headed households. Consequently, the percentage of women engaged in key production, management and other related agricultural activities is very high. Women are responsible for practically all cropping activities except plowing; the high labour input demand by legume crops such as cowpeas goes mostly into harvesting which is generally undertaken by women. Technology is causing changes in task responsibility: introducing plough planters in row planting is shifting the role of planting from women to men since men traditionally use "machinery". Women and children are responsible for food processing; a significant amount of time is spent on pounding cereal. A sorghum milling research and development effort is having a positive effect on women and children, who would otherwise have to process daily food by hand. Most farming families hardly produce sufficient food for themselves. The Ministry of Agriculture is the largest provider of extension services to farmers. Botswana is divided into 225 extension areas, with a ratio of (approx.) 364 farming households to one Agricultural Demonstrator. 27% of the staff are female; although most small-scale farmers are women the Field Service District Agricultural Officers are all male. Training programs, especially ones run by government structures, are well organized yet stereotyped into male roles and thus difficult for women to relate to. The Rural Industrial Innovation Centre (RIIC) is a non-profit association whose objectives include providing technical training to rural Botswana to enable farmers to be more productive and self-sufficient. INFRASTRUCTURE A 1983 survey of informal sector producers in four villages indicated 40% of women and 35% of men had access to transportation for business activities. However, women generally did not own the transport and were required to make payment in cash or kind, or enter into a reciprocal work arrangement with the transport owner. EMPLOYMENT FORMAL SECTOR The World's Women Statistical Publication of the UN grouped the findings of women's economic activity from 1970 to 1990. The results demonstrate a marked increase from 1970 to 1990. In 1970, 98,000 of the female population aged 15 and over were considered economically active, whereas in 1990, the figure jumped to 152,000 economically active women representing 36% of the total economically active workforce. However, this number also represents a decrease in the estimated economic activity rate from 1970, from 55% of women being active in the formal sector to 42% in 1990. The estimated gender differentials in the four categories of general occupations are (1) administrative, managerial workers (56 women/100 men); (2) clerical, sales, service workers (197 women//100 men); (3) production, transport workers, labourers (29 women/100 men (4) agriculture, hunting, forestry workers (105 women/100 men).
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These figures demonstrate a much higher percentage of women working in the service and agricultural sectors which confirms their movement to the informal sector. INFORMAL SECTOR The majority of persons engaged in the informal sector are women. A 1983 survey of four villages indicated 62% of producers in the sector were women. Most (69%) began participation because they needed the income; for many women income earned through sewing, knitting, hawking cooked food, basket-making, embroidering, pottery, selling grass and vegetable gardening is extremely important. CREDIT There are few bank branches outside district capitals in rural Botswana. Most rural residents prefer to save money by investing in cattle, but women spend more income on household items while men spend it on cattle. (The advantages of cattle, include providing milk, draught power, meat, and being used in bogadi or ensuring burial while multiplying over time). Generally, women in Botswana apply for loans for food production projects as groups-syndicates, management associations, cooperatives and companies. The National Development Bank does not have special arrangements for funding women but the collateral requirements for loans include assets not otherwise acceptable to many commercial banks, such as livestock and equipment. Yet women remain marginalized because they lack such collateral (income is spent on other items). Nevertheless, approximately 40% of credit extended to men involves substantial female participation in the project, particularly in agriculture and food processing projects. The National Financial Assistance Policy has made a special 10% inducement provision for women in small-scale agricultural projects since less than 10% of the grantees are women. The Small Projects Programme, an effort at agricultural extension, is aimed at overcoming problems linked to increasing agricultural production at the village level and specifically excludes cattleoriented projects. In the financial sector, loan application for women is directly related to their social status. Acceptance of collateral, securities, inheritance and land holding rights are guided by the law, rendering it difficult for women to perform in the "open economy". ETHNICITY The dominant ethnic identity in Botswana is Tswana, with its whole population being characterized as Batswana (singular, Motswana) whatever their original ethnic origin. Though no attempt to count population by ethnic origin has been made since 1946, probably less than half the population is "ethnic Tswana" by origin. (There being a greater number of "ethnic Tswana" in South Africa, where a Tswana autonomous region called Bophuthatswana, also referring to its population as "Batswana", existed between 1976 and 1994.) Tswana ethnic dominance in Botswana can be dated to the eight Tswana states which ruled most of the area in the 19th century. The populations of these states were given the official colonial status of "tribes", a term still used officially today, under British colonial rule. Most Botswana nationals today still acknowledge membership of one of these eight "tribal" state identities - Tawana (Batawana) in the north-west, Ngwato (Bangwato, Bamangwato or Bagamangwato) in east- central areas, Kwena (Bakwena) and Ngwaketse (Bangwaketse), Kgatla (Bakgatla) and Tlokwa (Batlokwa), Malete (Balete or Bamalete) and Rolong (Barolong) in the south-east. The dominant group within each traditional state was Tswana. Except among the
- 49 Tawana of Ngamiland, most non-Tswana groups were left in their own wards with their own chiefs subordinate to the Tswana rulers. Within south-east Botswana the other main ethnic identity, that of the Khalagari (Bakhalagari), has become soincorporated within Tswanadom as to be now almost indistinguishable. Khalagari (who could be referred to as 'Western Sotho') people and their language, anyway closely related to Tswana ('Central Sotho'), have become so acculturated that even their name is now usually rendered in the Tswana form as Kgalagadi - and this remains the official Tswana term for the 'desert' named for the people, still called Kalahari in English. The Ngwato of east-central Botswana constitute in numbers and territory the largest traditional "tribal" state, but are probably by origin less than one fifth ethnically "pure" Tswana. Besides those of Khalagari origin, the other major ethnicities are Tswapong (Batswapong), Birwa (Babirwa) and Kalanga (Bakalanga). The Tswapong and Birwa living on the edges of the Limpopo valley are related in kinship and language to the Pedi ("Northern Sotho") peoples across the river in South Africa. The Kalanga living in the north of the Central District, and those around Francistown, are related to the Kalanga and other Shona peoples of Zimbabwe. Many Kalanga have hung onto their own "tribal" identity while adopting Setswana culture and becoming fully integrated into Botswana national society. The Tawana state of north-west Botswana can be seen as having had the least successful "tribal" identity, with most of its subjects only coming to see themselves as Tswana in the second half of the 20th century. A very small ethnic Tswana group ruled over a large majority of Yeyi (Bayeyi), sometimes written "Yei" and Mbukushu (Hambukushu), who were given only servile status under Tswana headmen, rather than as free citizens in their own wards with their chiefs recognised by the Tawana rulers as headmen. Only the Mbanderu (Ovambanderu) and Herero (Ovaherero), with close relatives across the border in Namibia, and other Tswana minority groups were given such citizen status. See article by John Bock. The Subiya (Basubiya) along the Chobe, with close relatives in the Caprivi Strip (Namibia) and Zambia, nevertheless retained their 'tribal' identity by being excluded from the Tawana "tribal" reserve by the British. Small and scattered groups of Khoesan people inhabit the south- western districts of Botswana, as well as being found semi- incorporated with other ethnic groups elsewhere. These Khoesan (otherwise Basarwa,'Bushmen', etc.), speak languages characterized as Khoe (or Khwe) and San. They include some communities with their own headmen, and poorer groups without recognised headmen employed by Tswana and white or Herero settler cattle-farmers - or attempting to hunt and gather in game areas. Khoesan communities with their own headmen include now Tswana- speaking or Kalangaspeaking Khoesan cattle-farmers on the Nata and Boteti Rivers in the north, and Afrikaans-speaking Khoesan cattlefarmers on the Molopo River in the south (related to Orlam-Nama people in South Africa and Namibia). White settlement in Botswana, consisting of Afrikaners and fewer English settled in border farms, totalled less than 3000 people in the colonial period. Since then a larger "expatriate" population from Europe, North America, South Asia and elsewhere in Africa (n.b. Zambia and Ghana) has been drawn to the main towns toservice Botswana's remarkable post-colonial development.
- 50 Though the cultural-linguistic demands of educated Kalanga and others continue, Botswana has not experienced significant ethnic friction since independence. There has been the growth of a new middle class and new working class, largely resident in the modern towns, bi-lingual in Setswana and English and expressing clear national identity over "tribal" identity. The American CIA World Factbook 2003's Botswana page's note on Ethnicity is: "Batswana 95%, Kalanga, Basarwa, and Kgalagadi 4%, white 1%." This is obviously based on a confusion over the term 'Batswana' which is officially used refer to all citizens of Botswana, and thus to all speakers of Setswana as their national language. In fact the only full ethnic national census was in 1936, and the last racial national census was in1964.. DAILY LIFE IN VILLAGES Western dress has been common among people in Botswana, except at the poorest level, for more than a century. Traditional dress having consisted of tailored leather and fur clothing, effective against the winter cold, and sandals or soft leather shoes. Common diet and cuisine consist of sorghum and maize porridge, melons, seeds, wild plums, beans and pulses and traditional spinach, supplemented by tomato and potato or onion and oranges usually purchased from stores. Meat consumption, (traditionally consisting of occasional wildlife or goat, and beef but rarely) has become more common with the opening of small butcheries selling beef. Beverages include forms of soured milk, sorghum or maize beer, and bottled or canned soft drinks and lager beers. Consumption of chemically preserved canned drinks has greatly increased with the spread of cash income. Families in rural villages live in traditional compounds, usually with two or three small houses with cylindrical clay walls and conical thatch roofs, set round an open fireplace and surrounded by low clay walling. Most recently built houses are square with metal roofs, while many houses in the north-west are made of reed. Furniture and crockery are usually of Western type, though traditional sleeping mats and large traditional pots (for cooling liquids) also remain popular. Most cooking in villages is on open wood fires, and lighting by candle and paraffin (kerosene) lantern, though coal fires have become general in poorer urban households without electricity.
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LANGUAGE, CULTURE, TRADITIONS

LANGUAGES
AFRIKAANS [AFK] 20,000 in Botswana (1995 LBT); 6,365,000 in all countries or more. Along the South African border, southwest of Lobatse and Ghanzi. Also in South Africa, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia. Indo-European, Germanic, West, Continental, Low, Dutch. Spoken as mother tongue by all the Boers and some Africans of Bantu descent. BIRWA [BRL] 10,000 (1993 Johnstone). East central around Selebi, Phikwe, and Bobonong, on the South African border. East of Kalanga, northeast of Tswapong. Also in South Africa. NigerCongo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, S, Shona (S.10). BUKA-KHWE (BOGA, BUGA, BUKA, BUGAKHWE, BOGAKHWE, RIVER BUSHMAN) [BUZ] 9,000. Khwai River, Mababe. Near the Handa and the Xun. Possibly also in Angola. Khoisan, Southern Africa, Central, Tshu-Khwe, Northwest. Dialects: BUKA-KHWE, GUMAHI, MOHISA. Dialects listed are probably separate languages. DETI-KHWE (DETI, TETE, TETI, TLETLE) [DET] Khoisan, Southern Africa, Central, Tshu-Khwe, Central. Dialects: K'ERE-KHWE, TSH'EREKHWE. Related to Shua. Reported to be endangered. Survey needed. ENGLISH [ENG] 322,000,000 in all countries (1995 WA). National language. GABAKE-NTSHORI (G//ABAKE, G//ABAKE-NTSHORI, G//ABAKETSHORI, HIECHWARE, CHUWARE, MASARWA, TATI, TATI BUSHMAN) [GZZ] (8,000 to 30,000 in the combined ethnic groups of Gabake-Ntshori, Kwe-Etshori, Hiotshuwau, Hiechware). Motsetse region. Khoisan, Southern Africa, Central, Tshu-Khwe, Northeast. Co-dialect with Kwe-Etshori. Tati is reported to be endangered. GANDE (GANADI) [GNE] Khoisan, Southern Africa, Central, Tshu-Khwe, North Central. Related to Shua. GANA-KHWE ( GXANA, GXANNA, KANAKHOE) [GNK] 3,000 together with Gawi-khwe (1995 LBT). Ghanzi and Central districts, east of Ga/wi-Khwe, west of Naro. Khoisan, Southern Africa, Central, Tshu-Khwe, Northwest. Dialects: DOMKHOE, GAAKHWE, GANAKHWE (KANAKHOE), /KHESSKHOE. May be inherently intelligible with Gawi-Khwe. Dialects listed are probably separate languages. GANI-KHWE (GANIKHWE, KANI-KHOE, TANNEKWE) Khoisan, Southern Africa, Central, TshuKhwe, Southwest. May be the same as Gana-Khwe. May be inherently intelligible with Gwi-Khwe. Traditional religion, Christian. GWI-KHWE (GWIKHWE, GWI, GWI, GCWI, GWIKWE, G/WIKHWE) (3,000 in 1995; together with Gana-Khwe). Ghanzi District, northeast of the Xoo, west of Gana-Khwe. Khoisan, Southern Africa, Central, Tshu-Khwe, Southwest. Dialect: KHUTE. May be inherently intelligible with GanaKhwe.
- 52 HAND (ANI, HANDDAM, HANDKWE-DAM, HANDA-KHWE, TS'IXA, TS'EXA) 3,000. Northwest District, Khwai River, Mababe. Near the Buka Khwe and the Xun. Khoisan, Southern Africa, Central, Tshu-Khwe, Northwest. Related to Buka. Traditional religion. HERERO (OCHIHERERO, DAMARA) 18,000 in Botswana; 141,000 in Namibia 159,000 in all countries. Around the Okavango, scattered among the Yeye and Mbukushu. They mainly have their own villages or areas within larger towns, Northwest and Ghanzi Districts. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, R, Herero . Dialect: MBANDIERU. Erroneously called 'Damara'. They are mainly refugees from Namibia. Older speakers are returning to Namibia, younger ones staying in Botswana. Traditional religion, Christian. HIECHWARE (CHWARE, TSHWA, CUA, TYUA, SARWA, SESARWA, HAITSHUARI) 3,000 in Botswana (1976 P. Johnstone); 1,600 in Zimbabwe (1972 Barrett); 4,600 in all countries. Northeast, west and south of Francistown. Khoisan, Southern Africa, Central, Tshu-Khwe, Northeast. Nomadic. Hiechware, Kwe-Etshori, and Hiotshuwau are separate languages (Voegelin and Voegelin 1977.201). Traditional religion, Christian. HIOTSHUWAU (TYUA, TYHUA, HIOCHUWAU, TSHUWAU, CHUWAU) 9,587 (1977 Voegelin and Voegelin). Khoisan, Southern Africa, Central, Tshu-Khwe, Northeast. HUA (/HUA-OWANI, /HUA, /H) [HUC] 1,000 to 1,500 (GR). Southern Kalahari Desert, Kweneng District. Khoisan, Southern Africa, Southern, Hua. Reported to be diminishing in numbers. Related to !Xoo. KALANGA (CHIKALANGA, KANANA, SEKALAA, SEKALANA) 160,000 in Botswana; 161,000 in Zimbabwe; 321,000 in all countries. Northeast border with Zimbabwe and Francistown, Northeast and Central districts. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, VoltaCongo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, S, Shona. Dialect: LILIMA (HUMBE). Resistance to pressures to adopt Tswana language and culture is led by men. Different from Kalanga (KiKalanga, Holoholo) of Zare. KGALAGADI (KHALAGARI, KHALAKADI, KXHALAXADI, QALAQARZI) 35,000 in Botswana. South and central, along the South Africa border, Kgalagadi, Kweneng, Southern, and Northwest districts, including Tsabong, Hukuntsi, Kang, Lobatse, Gaborone, Jweneng, Mochadi, and north. Small groups in Namibia. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, S, Sotho-Tswana, Tswana. Dialects: MGOLOGA, SHAGA, KGALAGADI, BOLAONGWE, PEDI, PHALENG. Ngologa is the largest dialect. A separate language from Tswana. It may be 2 separate languages. Some speakers use Tswana, English, or Afrikaans as second language. Some can read Tswana or English. Typology: SVO; genitives, articles, adjectives, numerals, relatives after noun heads; question word final; word order distinguishes Subject, Object, Indirect Object; Verb Affixes mark person and number; passives formed by suffix -w; causatives formed by suffix -is; comparative locatives; CV; tonal. Semi-arid desert. Plains. Nomadic and sedentary pastoralists. Christian. Survey needed.
- 53 KOSSEE (KOSSEE-NTSHORI, KOSSEE-TSHORI) [KSO] Khoisan, Southern Africa, Central, Tshu-Khwe, Northeast. Related to Shua. Survey needed. KUNG-GOBABIS (AUEN, KAUKAU, KOKO) 5,000 in all countries (1993 UBS); 30,000 including Kung-Tsumkwe (1995 LBT). Ghanzi District, along Namibia border, north of Naro, east of GwiKhwe. Also in Namibia. Khoisan, Southern Africa, Northern. Dialect: NOGAU. The people call themselves 'kxau'ei'. Traditional religion, Christian. Work in progress. KUNG-TSUMKWE (X, XUN, KUNG, XO, JU'HOAN, JU'OASI, ZHU'OASI, DZU'OASI, TSHUMKWE) 4,000 to 8,000 in Botswana. Northwest District, on Namibia and Angola borders, north of Kung-Gobabis. Also in Namibia. Khoisan, Southern Africa, Northern. Dialects: DZU'OASI, NOGAU (AGAU). Speakers use the name 'Ju/'hoan' for themselves. Traditional religion, Christian. KWE-ETSHORI (KWEE, KWE, KWE-TSHORI) [KWQ] Near Francistown. Khoisan, Southern Africa, Central, Tshu-Khwe, Northeast. Kwe-Etshori, Hiechware, and Hiotshuwau are separate languages MBUKUSHU (MBUKUSHI, MAMBUKUSH, MAMPUKUSH, MBUKUHU, THIMBUKUSHU, GOVA, KUSSO) 12,000 in Botswana, 6,000 in Angola; 20,000 in all countries. Northwest District, to the Angolan border, just east of Herero, and northwest of Yei. Also in Zambia and a few in Namibia. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, K, Kwangwa. Close to Kwangali, but a separate language. Traditional religion, Christian. NAMA (NAMAN, NAMAKWA, NAMAQUA, DAMA, DAMARA, DAMAQUA, TAMA, TAMMA, TAMAKWA, BERDAMA, BERGDAMARA, KAKUYA BUSHMAN NASIE, ROOI NASIE, HOTTENTOT, "KLIPKAFFER", "KLIPKAFFERN", KHOEKHOEGOWAP) 200 to 1,000 in Botswana; 90,000 in Namibia; 146,000 in all countries (1989 UBS). Southeastern, Kgalagadi District, south of Makopong, on South Africa border. Also in South Africa. Khoisan, Southern Africa, Central, Nama. NARO (NHARON, NHAURU, NHAURUN, AIKWE, AIKWE, AIEN, AISAN) 9,500 in all countries including 6,000 Naro (1992 R. Vossen) and 3,500 in Ts'aokhoe dialect (1995 LBT). Ghanzi District. A few across the border in Namibia. Khoisan, Southern Africa, Central, Tshu-Khwe, Southwest. Dialects: AMKWE, ANEKWE, GIINKWE, IGINGKWE, GIOKWE SHUA (SHUA-KHWE, MASHUAKWE, TSHUMAKWE) [SHG] 19,000 in Botswana together with the Tshwa group, including 100 Danisin. Central and Northwest districts, Nata. Khoisan, Southern Africa, Central, Tshu-Khwe, North Central. Dialects: SHUA-KHWE (MASHUAKWE), NOO-KHWE (NOO, NOOKHWE), OREE-KHWE (OREE, KOREE-KHOE), AIYE (AAYE), HAISE (XAISE, TAISE, HAIS, AIS) SUBIA (ECHISUBIA, SUBIYA, SUPIA, CHIKWAHANE, CHIIKUHANE) 12,000 in Botswana; 5,500 in Zambia; 5,904 in Namibia (1960); 23,400 in all countries. Far north Zambia border area, into Caprivi, around Kachikau, north of Chobe National Park, Northwest District. Also in Namibia. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, K, Subia. Their name for their language is 'Chikwahane'; 'Subiya' is the Tswana name. Tonga is probably a separate language. Traditional religion, Christian. Survey needed.
- 54 TSWANA (CHUANA, COANA, CUANA, SECHUANA, BEETJUANS) 1,070,000 in Botswana, 70% of the population; 2,822,000 in South Africa; 29,350 in Zimbabwe; 11,300 in Namibia; 3,932,000 in all countries. Spoken throughout the country. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, S, Sotho-Tswana, Tswana. Dialects: TLAHAPING (TLAPI), ROLONG, KWENA, KGATLA, NGWATU. Southern Sotho, Northern Sotho, and Tswana are largely inherently intelligible but have generally been considered separate languages. Primary school is taught in Tswana. 90% to 95% of children complete standard 7 in primary school. 65% literacy rate for those over 20. National language. Agriculturalists, pastoralists: cattle. Christian, traditional religion. Braille Scripture in progress. XOO (NG/AMANI) [NMN] 3,000 to 4,000 in Botswana (1995 LBT); 50 in Namibia (1995); 3,000 to 4,000 in all countries (1995), including 215 in Xatia. Southern Gantsi district, northern Kgalagadi District, western Southern District. Khoisan, Southern Africa, Southern, Hua. Dialects: AUNI, KAKIA (MASARWA), KIHAZI, NGUEN, NUSAN, XATIA. Nusan are in Botswana. People older than 10 who have been to school or have lived with speakers of other languages use Tswana, Kgalagadi, Herero, Naro, or Gwi-Khwe as second languages for common topics. Typology: SVO; prepositions; genitives, adjectives, numerals, relatives after noun heads; quesion word initial; 2 prefixes, 3 suffixes; word order distinguishes subjects, objects, indirect objects; verb affixes mark number, gender of Subject and Object, and is obligatory; passives; reduplication on periphrastics for causatives; periphrastic comparatives; CV, CVV, CVCV, CVN; tonal. Savannah. Plains. Sedentary hunter-gatherers. Nusan: traditional religion, Christian. XUN (WATER BUSHMEN, MBARAKWENA, KHWE) 11,000 in all countries or more; 9,000 in Angola; 2,000 in Namibia. Near the Buka Khwe and the Xun. Khoisan, Southern Africa, Central, Tshu-Khwe, Northwest. YEYE (SEYEYI, SEYEI, YEI, YEEI, YEYI, CIYEI, KOBA, KUBA) 20,000 in Botswana. Northwest District, Okavango swamp, and a few west of Subia on the Zambia border. Some in Namibia. Niger-Congo, Atlantic-Congo, Volta-Congo, Benue-Congo, Bantoid, Southern, Narrow Bantu, Central, R, Yeye. Speakers work for the Batawana, a subgroup of Tswana. Not closely related to other languages. Young people use Tswana or English as second language. 25% literate in Tswana or English. Motivation for literacy is high. Typology: SVO; postpositions; articles, adjectives, numeals after noun heads; relatives before or after; question word initial; 4 prefixes, one suffix; word order distinguishes Subjects, Objects, Indirect Objects; noun affixes indicate case; verb affixes mark person, number, gender; CVC; non-tonal. Delta. Plains. Fishermen, hunters, peasant agriculturalists. Altitude: 850 to 1,000 meters. Christian.
RELIGION3
"Traditional" religion is rather a misnomer, since it implies the coherence proper to fully institutionalized religions with set places of worship and a hierarchy of officiants. The only coherent religion in Botswana in this sense, often called a "cult", was that of the High God called
3

- 55 Ngwale or Mwari worshipped among Venda and Kalanga, and represented by spirit mediums who spoke in His/ Her voice. Its origins before the 18th century are unresearched. The High God in Setswana is referred to as Modimo - the same word used in the plural (badimo) for ancestor (also used in reference to spirit possession in Moffat's Bible translation in a place where the English Bible refers to "devils"). Tswana rulers attempted to control reverance for royal ancestors, rain-making ceremonies, male circumcision camps etc. But Tswana rulers were hardly priest-kings and certainly not god-kings as among the Lunda and Luba of south-central Africa. Christianity was brought by European and African missionaries from the south, notably the Scottish Congregationalist Robert Moffat and his son-in-law Dr. David Livingstone. The story of Livingstone's conversion of Kgosi (king) Sechele of the Kwena was told in Livingstone's Missionary Travels, and has been retold by a modern secular stage play by David Pownall. During the last part of the 19th century, Christianity was established as the official religion of the five major Tswana states. Kwena, Ngwaketse, Ngwato, and Tawana churches were served by the London Missionary Society (LMS), and the Kgatla state church by the Dutch Reformed Mission (DRM). Allegiance to the old "tribal" state churches was disrupted by incoming missions (Anglican, Seventh Day Adventist, Roman Catholic) in the early 20th century, and attendance in the old churches has rapidly declined since the 1950s. The two most active and popular churches are now the Zion Christian Church (both Star and Dove branches), based in South Africa, among the working class, and the Roman Catholics among the middle class. There are also numerous other small Zionist and Apostolic churches in rural villages, as well as United Reformed (Congregational & Methodist), Dutch Reformed, Lutheran, Methodist and Anglican churches, and predominantly expatriate Muslim, Quaker, Hindu and Bahai congregations in major towns. Indigenous religious and medical practices, notably respect for patriarchal ancestors, have either declined or been assimilated within popular Christian beliefs. Rites of burial, wedding and birth have been adapted to Christianity and remain extremely important in Botswana life. Traditional rites of adolescent initiation for males have been retained in a few places - circumcision now being conducted in hospital.
CULTURE
It is a truism to say that all countries are multicultural but at the same time are linked to global culture. But the recognition of multiculturalism in Botswana has been blocked, until the later 1990s, by the need to develop a unifying national culture. That national culture is based largely upon Setswana (Tswana language) culture. It represents the growth of a distinct Botswana nationality defined within state borders, and embraces elements of postcolonial English culture. Tswana national culture can be traced back to the incorporation of diverse peoples under a string of Tswana states, beginning in the later 18th century and reaching maturity by the time of British colonization at the end of the 19th century. The Tswana states, linked by the kinship ties of their rulers speaking linked dialects of a common language, were brought together in allianceagainst common enemies between the 1850s and the 1890s. Such'tribal' federalism continued into the colonial period.
- 56 Everyone within the colonial boundaries of Botswana came to be regarded as a Motswana, regardless ofethnic origin. Hence many outsiders assumed that Botswana was a monocultural entity with only one 'tribe'. But it was not until the end of colonialism that the old Tswana states were incorporated into a unitary state, under a powerful central government, between 1964 and 1969. The dominant national culture of Botswana today reflects the dual heritage and intermingling of Tswana and English cultural dominions. In practice the two languages and cultures are subtly mixed and alternated in urban and official situations. Membership of Botswana's ruling circles is marked by equal facility in both languages and cultures, irrespective of the individual's regional or ethnic origin and home language. Multiculturalism, in the form of official recognition of different local languages for use in schools and on the radio, has been taboo since the 1960s. It was seen as promoting 'tribalism', i.e. subnational separatism and national disunity. (For the same reasons, the government of Botswana followed Zambia in proclaiming a national policy of 'nonracialism' rather than 'multiracialism'.) But by the end of the 1990s, now that the universal acceptance of national identity is no longer seen as a problem, there is a more relaxed and permissive attitude in Botswana towards multiculturalism in general and multilingualism in particular. Meanwhile Botswana makes its contributions to global culture. Words derived from Setswana in foreign dictionaries include Kalahari, Tsetse, and Tilapia. Distinctive baskets from north-west Botswana have carved out an export market in the United States since the 1970s. The most successful (and controversial for MargaretThatcher) design of a British Airways tailplane in the late 1990s was by an artist from the Kuru Project in the Kalahari. Blue and yellow colored diamonds from Botswana are found on fingers and necks across the globe - though the typical Botswana diamond is clear and cloudless, full of reflected light. MUSIC & DRAMA Traditional Tswana music was generally based on the human voice and string instruments, with a general lack of drumming. Traditional music and dance generally declined during the last decades of the colonial period, as such culture was suspected of being antithetical to modernity and development. Since independence there has been a revival of interest, with school dance troupes welcoming official visitors, but music on radio is dominated by black South African and imported African-American 'soul' music. The 1970s saw the emergence of didactic drama to raise popular awareness of development issues. The 1980s-90s have seen some revival of teaching of music and art in schools. FINE ARTS AND CRAFTS CRAFTS Since 1970 Botswana has been assisting over 5,000 individual craft producers scattered in remote areas and more than a dozen contemporary handicraft workshops by purchasing products and reselling them through both a retail and an export operation. Botswana crafts begins operation by traveling to remote village areas, some reached only by narrow sandy tracks and over one thousand kilometers from the capital. Purchases are made by direct cash payment to provide the rural poor immediately with much needed cash income. Only well-made and finely designed crafts are accepted, guaranteeing a unique and beautiful item. All items are made by
- 57 hand, by a producer workingindividually, not on a production line. No two products are identical. Orders placed for large numbers can only be filled with items of a similar nature and style, never exact replicas. BASKETS The most famous of all the craft products of Botswana is the basket. As an integral part of Botswana agricultural culture, baskets have been made and used traditionally for thousands of years. Closed baskets with lids are used for storing grain, seeds, and sometimes sorghum beer. Large, open bowl-shaped baskets are used by the women for carrying items on their heads and for winnowing grain after it has been pounded. The main producers of baskets are the women of the Bayei and Hambukushu tribes in northwestern Botswana. Although baskets are still very much the common sight in rural Botswana, more and more are being produced for the commercial market. Expansion and diversity of weaving techniques, designs and the use of color are encouraged through upgrading courses, annual competitions and exhibitions. Today, the baskets of Botswana are equal to the finest art forms found in the world. CONTEMPORARY CRAFTS In villages and towns along the line of rail, several weaving workshops provide much needed employment opportunities for Botswana women. These production centers are creating a variety of products from wool. Tiro ya Diatla and Lentswe la Oodi Weavers have gained international reputations for their tapestriesdepicting village life, African wildlife and traditional geometric designs. Both traditional and contemporary pottery are also available. Pelegano Pottery produces some of the most unique ceramic pieces found in Africa today. Using clay from the surrounding hills of Gabane, these artisans create animal figures, masks, bowls, and jewelry pieces. Sterling silver jewelry incorporating traditional basket designs and reproductions of Bushmen rock-paintings from Tsodilo Hills as well as bracelets, rings and necklaces are fashioned by rural producers from such materials as palm fiber, mopane wood, glass beads, animal hair and clay. WOODEN CRAFTS In south-eastern Botswana, Thamaga carvers create whimsical animals like giraffes, guinea fowls, and baboons and oxen or tractors pulling carts. Many wood-working artisans are found throughout Botswana, working under the shade of trees or makeshift shelters, never working in organizedproduction centers. Simple hand tools, such as axes, adzes, and knives are still used to carve out human and animal shapes or figures from soft and hard woods.In remote villages in northern Botswana, craftsmen carve wooden figures representing the creatures of the Okavango Delta, including crocodiles, monitor lizards, hippos and birds. Red-hot pokers and knives create detailed designs and whimsical expressions. Hand-turned or bicycle lathes produce such items ascandlesticks, ashtrays and sugar bowls from hard mopane wood. BUSHMEN CRAFTS The Bushmen, known as the Basarwa in Botswana, still live in the harsh environment of the Kalahari Desert and western Ngamiland. Although very few still rely completely on hunting and gathering to survive, most continue to engage in these activities part-time. Their craft skills, passed down through generations, are an integral part of their traditional practices of hunting and gathering, dancing for healing and entertainment, and personal adornment of the body. While the Bushmen continue to use their craft products in daily life, increased production and sale of these items also provides them with a crucial source of cash income.
- 58 Beads also play an important part in the Bushmen material culture. They adorn their leather products with beads either of colorful glass or ones crafted from ostrich eggshells. They create exquisite necklaces, bracelets, and headbands. Tortoise shell powder puffs, used for storing aromatic herbs are decorated with beads. Beads knotted with hair from wildebeest tail to make bracelets. HAMBUKUSHU CRAFTS The Hambukushu of Etsha came to Botswana as refugees from Angola, arriving with a wide variety of craftwork skills. The men, famed for their blacksmithing and woodcarving skills, fashion decorative but functionaltools, most noticeably axes, hoes, adzes and knives in wooden sheaths. They also make musical instruments, such as thumb pianos and different types of drums carved from wooden logs. The Hambukushu women are equal to their men in possessing a variety of craftwork skills. By using the natural resources in the surrounding environment of the Okavango Delta, the women weave elaborate baskets, necklaces, and bracelets from palm leaves, traditional wigs from tree roots and sitting mats from papyrus. Like their Bayei neighbors, some Hambukushu women still practice the intricate art of beadwork, fashioning skirts and aprons out of black and white glass beads and natural twine. HERERO CRAFTS People of the Herero tribe arrived in Botswana at the turn of the 19th Century from Namibia (South West Africa) and now live in the northwestern regions of the country. The Herero remain avid pastoralists. Their traditional crafts, centering around cattle raising and milking, are produced today and are available. Milk jugs, used for storing sour milk, are carved from a single piece of hard wood with a sharp bladed adze. Containers for storing cooking fat are made from wet pieces of cow skin that have hardened into round shapes. Under the influence of German missionaries, the Herero women switched from wearing heavy leather clothing and pointed head-dresses to cloth patchwork dresses and skillfully arranged head-scarves (called taku). Even today, tall,stately Herero women can be seen wearing these elegant, colorful, and many petticoated outfits. Both the dignity and sense of humor of the Herero is translated into a wonderful collector's item - the Herero doll. Four styles are designed, representing different stages in a woman's life: pre-puberty, puberty, adulthood, plus the ancestral costume. Like the patchwork dresses wornby the women, these dolls are all sewn by hand by the Herero living in the northern rural regions of Botswana.
LITERATURE
The tradition of publishing in Setswana in the 19th century began with the Holy Bible (completed by 1857) and continued with translations of works such as The Pilgrim's Progess, and other educational as well as evangelical texts. Sol Plaatje and L.D. Raditladi continued the tradition in the 20th century with translations into Setswana of Shakespeare plays, and in the case of Raditladi his own original plays and love poetry. Setswana novel writing has been revived since the 1980s by authors such as Mantsetsa Marope. 19th century published literature in English on Botswana is largely travel literature. The first bigseller on Botswana, reprinted many times in the last half of the 19th century was The Lion Hunter by Roualeyn Gordon Cumming - the archetype of safari adventures much of which, in modern eyes, reads like sheer blood lust. The second big-seller on Botswana was one of the best- sellers of the whole 19th century and has been rarely out of print since - Missionary Travels by David
- 59 Livingstone (1857).It must be still counted a great work because of the insights it contains on life at that time. Among pieces on the colonial period, the classic memoirs are those of Sir Charles Rey, 'Bechuanaland Diaries 1929-37 '(published by the Botswana Society in 1988). It may be read in conjunction with a volume by the late historian Michael Crowder, The Flogging of Phineas McIntosh, a Tale of Colonial Folly, Bechuanaland 1933 (also 1988). The best written of late colonial official memoirs is No Time Like the Past by Michael Fairlie (1990). Apart from works by Jules Verne, who incorporated Botswana into his novels Meridiana and Adamantia, the first major work of fiction on or near Botswana was Mhudi by the pioneer Motswana writer Sol Plaatje, originally published in the 1930s - a love story set in the wars of the 1830s. Nicholas Montserrat published two novels on Botswana, The Tribe That Lost Its Head and Richer Than All His Tribe, based on his experience as the official press officer 1949-50 trying to manage British colonial publicity over the Seretse Khama marriage crisis. The novelist Carolyn Slaughter has published an autobiographical novel about the 1950-60s, growing up in Maun and being beaten by nuns in Bulawayo, titled Dreams of the Kalahari. Around the time of independence the Scottish writer Naomi Mitchison discovered Botswana. Her writings about Botswana include her autobiographical Return to the Fairy Hill and the excellent children's novel The Family at Ditlhabeng. The Botswana citizen best known internationally as an author is the late Bessie Head (1937-86), whose perceptive novels and short stories, written in English, reflect the loneliness of genius and the mores of life in the rural town of Serowe. Her novel When Raid Clouds Gather is clearly set in Serowe. Her novel A Question of Power, about teetering on the edges of 'insanity', has achieved cult status among some feminists. Other novels in English include Andrew Sesinyi's popular Love on the Rocks (1983), and Gaele Sobott-Mogwe's Color me Blue written for children. Caitlin Davies' novel Jamestown Blues (1997), set in an isolated salt mining township, tells of expatriate life as seen through the eyes of a young Motswana girl. (Scion of a famous writing family, Maun-based Davies is currently Botswana's liveliest and most productive freelance journalist.) Norman Rush's book of short stories called Whites and his prize-wining novel called Mating do likewise through American eyes. (Rush was local director of the US Peace Corps volunteer scheme in the early 1980s.) A play by David Pownall (a British writer with Zambian theatre experience) called Livingstone and Sechele, set at Kolobeng in the 1840s, was performed in Edinburgh (at the Traverse) in 1979 and London (at the Lyric, Hammersmith) in 1980. Among post-colonial works of non-fiction there are political biographies of Seretse Khama and Fish Keitseng, and political autobiobiographies by Mike Dingake and Motsamai Mpho, as well as at literary biographies of Sol Plaatje and Bessie Head.
FILMS AND TELEVISION

The most important filming in Botswana has so far been of wildlife documentaries, including those released through the U.S. National Geographic Society. No major feature films have yet actually been shot in Botswana. The Government's Botswana TV station is scheduled to begin transmission in late 1999. The biggest fiction film ever made supposedly about Botswana - but not actually made here - was The Gods Must Be Crazy (1980), with a sequel (1989) and a further sequel called Fei zhou he shang (1991). All three starred a South African actor called N!xau. The first two were filmed in the
- 60 Northern Transvaal, and the third in Hong Kong. ("The Gods Must be Crazy" is also the name of the TNT Botswana Travel Page. Also the fiction film Sands of the Kalahari starring Stuart Whitman and a troupe of baboons is filmed in Botswana.
CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS
There is a National Museum and Art Gallery in Gaborone, and district museums founded by local community initiatives at Mochudi (Phutadikobo), Serowe (Khama III Memorial), Francistown (Supa-Ngwao), Molepolole (Sebele I Memorial), Maun (Nghabe), and the Kuru Development Project. Other district museums have long been planned for Kanye and Ghanzi. The national learned and semi-scientific society, the Botswana Society, holds regular lectures and publishes an annual journal (Botswana Notes and Records)and books. The National Library Service has relatively well-stocked branches, many in association with schools. There is a 500-seater theatre in Gaborone, the "Maitisong" at Maruapula School, used by amateur theatrical and musical groups. It has a regular Saturday evening public program, and hosts visiting professional productions from abroad. There is an annual Maitisong Festival held for two weeks every April at many venues in town, involving groups from all over Botswana and foreign musicians and actors.
SPORTS, RECREATION, HEALTH

Soccer is the national sport, played on fields and at stadiums across the country every Saturday. That national team is the Zebras. The local league consists of (Mochudi) Centre Chiefs, (Lobatse) Extension Gunners, Gaborone United, Notwane (present champions), Township Rollers, Mogoditshane Fighters, Jwaneng Comets, BDF XI, Prisons XI, Police XI, Tafic, and FC Satmos. Soccer results seem to be off-line at present, but can normally be found by a bit of web trawling. Tennis, golf, and softball are other significant minority interests in towns. There are many opportunities for recreation in the great outdoors. Foreigners are restricted to photo-safaris, with very few opportunities for hunting.
EDUCATION4
LITERACY As in other countries, national literacy rates are guesstimates based on deducting the proportion of people over 10 years old who have never been to school and are assumed to be illiterate. (Rather than having a census which actually tests literacy.) The 1981 census estimated a literacy rate of 74 per cent of the population. Other sources put the rate down to 68 per cent. Rural literacy rates range from North-East and Central districts above the norm, to Kweneng, Ngamiland and Ghanzi district below the norm. More women than men are literate. Botswana ranks fifth in Africa on the UN Development Program's Human Development Index reflecting the country's successful attempts to raise educational attainment and life expectancy. About 300,000 children or 90% of the country's primary school age population attend primary school while 76,000 continue to secondary school level, the highest secondary school enrolment
4

- 61 in Africa. Tertiary education is provided at the University of Botswana which has a current enrolment of 5,000 and the Botswana Polytechnic. The government is trying to develop institutions which offer vocational training in the various employment sectors, specifically tourism, building and construction and textiles. There are some 70 centers offering vocational training for up to 8,000 students in various disciplines. Despite its relatively good school enrolment, the country still has a shortage of skilled labor and a lack of professional management expertise. PRIMARY & SECONDARY EDUCATION Education is, at least in theory, universal and free up to junior secondary level. Great leaps forward have been made in the quantitative provision of schooling. But old problems remain. Less than 10 per cent of children of school-going age are not in school. (Most have dropped out after a few years of education, to support their families economically: a few of the poorest children in the most "remote" western and north-western rural areas have never have been in school.). Meanwhile enrolments in urban areas are usually more than 100 per cent of age cohorts, reflecting pupils' repetition of school years. Qualitative changes in education since independence have concentrated on teacher training and certification of teachers, on improved building standards and provision of equipment and textbooks, the importation of expatriate teachers to improve secondary levels of mathematics and science, and on limited provision of post- secondary technical and vocational training. The curriculum has been modified along the lines of other ex-British African countries, away from its original South African model. See the Ministry of Education's Curriculum Development & Evaluation Department, which also lists individual school web-sites. The main Ministry of Education page(s) being still under construction as of April 1999. PROFESSIONAL EDUCATIONPrivate and community initiatives have been significant in the development of education (including secondary schools and museums), though most have been since taken over by government. International interest was aroused in the 1970s by an alternative system of education, integrating vocational skills into the secondary curriculum, developed by the educationist Patrick van Rensburg at Swaneng Hill near Serowe. Swaneng also gave rise to 'brigades' offering temporary employment and basic technical skills in various construction trades to school-leavers. However, "education-with-development" has had little impact on the general curriculum within Botswana schools except in the rhetoric of making the curriculum more "practical". The "brigades" have largely been incorporated into the formal system of education since the 1980s as providing the basic level of technical and vocational skills. HIGHER EDUCATION University development, at first from 1964 through funding of a university in faraway Lesotho and then after 1970 through a campus in Gaborone which became the University of Botswana in 1982, has been under tight control of government "manpower planners". Besides the provision of higher teacher training, the university has been geared to the training of high level personnel for government administration and private enterprise.
- 62 US ASSIANTANCE IN EDUCATION REFORM HISTORICAL, POLITICAL, AND ECONOMIC BACKGROUND Botswana is a landlocked country, two-thirds of which is covered by the Kalahari desert. Unlike its southern neighbors, Botswana never experienced a strong European presence. Contact with Europe began in the 19th century when missionaries settled the area. Hostilities broke out between the Botswana and Afrikaners from the Transvaal (South Africa) in 1885. The Botswana looked to Britain for help and the British government proclaimed the area of Botswana (then Bechuanaland) to be a protectorate. Under British protection, local tribal government evolved. In 1964 the British government accepted proposals that led to self-government and full independence in 1966. Since 1966 the Republic of Botswana has maintained a politically stable multi-party democracy, with the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) winning all elections. The government has made extraordinary progress, most particularly in managing the economy and achieving significant improvements in the quality of life for its people. Since independence, Botswana's economy has grown at a rate of 8 to 14 percent per year. This growth has been almost exclusively due to mining, particularly of diamonds. In the 1980s, the country became the world's largest producer of quality diamonds. Proceeds from the diamond industry, extensive international grant and loan aid, and wise economic management have placed Botswana in a strong financial position. However, the most recent elections in October 1994 signaled a changing political climate and a high level of voter dissatisfaction. Unlike previous years when the BDP won over 90 percent of the parliamentary seats, it won only 65 percent of the new seats, while significant gains were achieved by the Botswana National Front (BNF). High urban and rural unemployment and increasing income inequalities were among the factors that contributed to the change. In addition, the devastating effects of HIV/AIDS threatens to undermine the government's efforts to improve the social and economic well-being of Botswanans. STATUS OF BOTSWANA'S EDUCATION REFORM As a major focus of its educational reform program in the 1980s, the government took steps to make primary school universal and to expand the percentage of school-age children enrolled at the secondary level. To improve primary education, the government determined it would need more primary school teachers, as well as programs to prepare teacher college tutors, develop curricula, and provide in-service teacher training. The 1994 Revised National Policy on Education outlined the strategy for the development of more responsive education and training. The new policy extended basic education from nine to ten years and diversified the curricula by introducing basic commercial and technical courses to prepare students for the job market. The government hopes that commercial and technical education will increasingly be appreciated by Botswanans as viable alternatives to higher formal academic education, given the problems of limited space at institutions of higher learning, unemployment among school leavers, and the persistent shortage of skilled artisans in the country. Commercial and technical education will also prepare school leavers for self-employment in the informal sector, given limited growth opportunities in the formal employment sector. Indicators of the social/economic context Botswana Population (millions) GNP per capita ($) 1.4 2790 Sub-Saharan Africa -846
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Infant deaths per 1000 live births Annual population growth rate
35 3.4
97 2.8
Literates as percentage of adult 70 54.7 population Indicators of the primary education system (1991-93) Total enrollment (thousands) Gross enrollment rate Girls as portion of gross enrollment Pupil:teacher ratio Public expenditure on education ($) 301 116 51 29 244.8 BOTSWANA: USAID'S ASSISTANCE USAID's assistance to education in Botswana began nearly 10 years earlier than in most other African countries. In the 1980s, USAID undertook the Primary Education Improvement Project (PEIP, 1981-92) and the Junior Secondary Education Improvement Project (JSEIP, 1985-91). These helped bring about major advances in access to and delivery of quality basic education programs. The projects focused on improving teaching quality by improving the institutions that train teachers. PEIP strengthened the capacity of the MOE and the University of Botswana to plan, develop, and implement an effective pre- and in-service curriculum for primary teacher education. The university established a Department of Primary Education, primary teacher training colleges have improved their programs, and in-service education networks have been developed. The projects also assisted the government to revise the curricula. In 1991 USAID initiated its Basic Education Consolidation (BEC) project to help sustain the educational gains of the 1980s. The project assisted the MOE to strengthen its curriculum development and implementation process. BEC is also helping the ministry to plan, implement, and evaluate an integrated, consolidated, and coordinated basic education program covering the first 10 years of public education. The curricula will incorporate the objectives of teacher training and student assessment to assure a coherent and focused basic education system. Because USAID has been assisting the education sector since 1981, and has provided systemwide reform assistance since 1991, the student-level impact of reform is more pronounced in Botswana than in other countries. Enrollments have increased, as has the system's capacity to accommodate students as they progress through grade levels. Repetition and dropout rates have declined. The rate of girls' enrollment and of female teachers has grown. BASIC EDUCATION CONSOLIDATION PROJECT (BEC) - 633-0254 Purpose To enhance and increase the capacity of the MOE, and to consolidate a 10-year basic education program. Nature of project assistance -77.9 44.8 44 --
- 64 The project provides support to the Departments of Curriculum Development and Evaluation and Teacher Education in the form of long- and short-term technical assistance in the areas of curriculum development, implementation, and evaluation. USAID's support for training includes funding U.S.-based master's degree study, and short-term and in-country training. Project assistance covers the local costs of running the project, project research, and monitoring. Funding level and duration $12.6 million in project assistance 1991-95 Institutional contract with the Academy for Educational Development (AED)
Contract mechanisms Current status USAID/Washington will close Botswana's Mission and bring the BEC Project to a close in September 1995. Thereafter, USAID's Regional Center for Southern Africa (RCSA) will be the headquartered in Gaborone. INDICATORS OF PROGRESS IN BOTSWANA System-Level Impacts Policy 1994 Revised National Policy on Education extended the duration of basic education from 9 to 10 years Criterion-referenced testing system to measure student achievement and competencies tested Continuous assessment (CA) program implemented to track student performance Teacher training programs reorganized at primary teacher training colleges In-service education networks developed Department of Primary Education established at University of Botswana Planning, implementing, and evaluating an integrated, consolidated, and coordinated basic education program begun Process to integrate curriculum development, teacher training, and student assessment begun 40% increase in trained/retrained primary school teachers over life of program 74% of 9,772 primary school teachers female 78.7% junior secondary school teachers trained/retrained (42.9% female)
Institutional
Student-Level Impacts
- 65 Access Equity Girls' primary school enrollment 53% in 1993 (50% target) Girls' enrollment in Forms 1 and 2 is 54.3% of total enrollment 192 primary schools constructed Sufficient capacity for 100% progression from Standard 7 to Form 1 81% progression rate from Standard 7 to Form 1 Primary school repetition rate 2.6% 3.8% dropout rate for Form 1 and 2 in 1993
Quality/ Efficiency
OTHER DONORS WITH PROGRAMS IN THE EDUCATION SECTOR Canada-University of Botswana Cuba-secondary science and math teachers Germany-vocational trade schools Netherlands-University of Botswana Norway-guidance education Sweden-literacy and primary education UNICEF-early childhood education United Kingdom-secondary school teacher training World Bank-junior secondary education
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POLITICAL SYSTEM & GOVERNMENT
- 67 After 80 years of British Protectorate, Bechuanaland attained self governance in 1965 and became independent Republic of Botswana on 30 September, 1966. The Botswana Constitution established a nonracial democracy which maintains freedom of speech, freedom of the press and freedom of association, and affords all citizens equal rights. The Constitution provides for a unicameral legislature, the National Assembly. The President candidate, whose declared supporters form the majority of Parliament members, takes the office as President and selects his Ministers from among the members of National Assembly. In addition to National Assembly, there is a House of chiefs with 15 members. There is an independent judiciary with a High Court presided over by the Chief Justice. Some cases are heard by local chiefs and headmen, or their representatives, and decided in accordance with customary law, while others are dealt with according to statute law by Magistrates' Courts and the High Court.
PRESIDENT
President of Botswana
Vice President Preceded by Born Political party
Incumbent Assumed office 1 April 2008 Mompati Merafhe Festus Mogae 27 February 1953 (age 55) BDP
Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama (or Ian a Srts; born February 27, 1953[1]) is the President of Botswana and the Paramount Chief of the Bamangwato tribe. He is the first born son of Sir Seretse Khama (the country's foremost independence leader who was President from 1966 to 1980) and Lady Khama. Khama, serving as Commander of the Botswana Defence Force, announced on December 16, 1997 that he would retire from his command on March 31, 1998. Because this was the same date as the planned retirement of President Quett Masire, it fueled political speculation about Khama.[2] On April 1, 1998, when Vice-President Festus Mogae succeeded Masire as President, Khama was appointed as the new Vice-President. However, Khama did not hold a seat in the National
- 68 Assembly, and so could not immediately take office as Vice-President. In early July 1998 he overwhelmingly won a by-election in Serowe North, receiving 2,986 votes against 86 votes for the candidate of the opposition Botswana National Front. On July 13, he took his seat in the National Assembly and was sworn in as Vice-President. Following the victory of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) in the general election of October 1999, Khama remained Vice-President as well as Minister of Presidential Affairs and Public Administration.[5][6] Mogae granted Khama a one-year leave later in the year, a decision that the opposition Botswana Congress Party and the Botswana Council of Non-Governmental Organizations sharply criticized. Khama's leave became effective on January 1, 2000. He returned to his duties as Vice-President on September 1, 2000, although he was replaced as Minister of Presidential Affairs and Public Administration at that time. Khama, already a member of the BDP Central Committee, was elected as Chairman of the BDP on July 22, 2003 at a party congress; he defeated the previous Chairman, Ponatshego Kedikilwe, receiving 512 votes against 219 for Kedikilwe. Khama had been backed for the post by President Mogae,[10][13] and the outcome was viewed as crucial, paving the way for Khama to eventually succeed Mogae as President. Mogae stepped down, as he had long said he would do, on April 1, 2008, handing power to Khama. At his swearing-in ceremony in Gaborone, Khama said that there would be continuity in policy and no "radical changes", although he said that "a change in style and special emphasis on a number of issues" might be evident, and he emphasized his commitment to democracy.[15] He immediately undertook a major cabinet reshuffle, and he appointed former Foreign Minister Mompati Merafhe as the new Vice-President. The next general election is scheduled for 2009 In 2007, he appeared on British television in the BBC's Top Gear motoring programme. In his short appearance he met presenters Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond as they prepared to cross the Makgadikgadi Pan in northern Botswana, by car. Khama is a qualified pilot, and attended Sandhurst Military Academy. The President is the personification of the State. In law, the President is head of the executive, commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the Republic, and the President is also an integral part of the legislature. The President has the power to dissolve Parliament, select or dismiss the Vice President, ministers and assistant ministers, and has the prerogative of mercy. In international affairs, the President as the Head of State has the power to declare war and sign peace treaties and to recognize foreign states and governments. The President is the personification of the State. In law, the President is head of the executive, commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the Republic, and the President is also an integral part of the legislature. The President has the power to dissolve Parliament, select or dismiss the Vice President, ministers and assistant ministers, and has the prerogative of mercy. In international affairs, the President as the Head of State has the power to declare war and sign peace treaties and to recognize foreign states and governments. POLITICAL PARTIES The first political party in Botswana was short-lived and limited in scope as it was - the Federal Party founded by one of Botswana's truly outstanding literary figures - poet cum playwright Leetile Disang Raditladi. But the first modern nationalist parties emerged in the early 1960's. As a result of the disappointment with the Legislative Council, the Bechuanaland Peoples Party (BPP) under the leadership of Dr Kgalemang Motsete - an accomplished music composer and educationist was the first mass party to agitate for full independence not later than 1964.
- 69 Former treason trialist (under the Union of South Africa Terrorism Act) Mr. Motsamai Mpho was the secretary general. Internal dissention on the eve of the first national elections in 1965 resulted in a split and the birth of a new party - the Bechuanaland Independence Party under the leadership of Mr. Motsamai Mpho. Dr Motsete attempted to retain a small group of the BPP's old guard but lost power to Mr. Matante. The Bechuanaland Democratic Party was next to be formed under theleadership of Mr Seretse Khama (later Sir Seretse) who became the first President of the Republic of Botswana. The party's vice president was an eloquent master farmer and former journalist -Mr. Quett Ketumile Masire (Botswana's second President) The party enjoyed widespread support and was popular with Batswana and also enjoyed the support of the chiefs, the moderate, the wealthy and the educated. The Botswana National Front was formed in 1967, led by Dr Kenneth Koma - a widely read socialist intellectual. The BNF wasthe official opposition party. As of July 2003, 13 political parties have been registered: Botswana Congress Party Botswana Democratic Party Botswana Labor Party Botswana National Front Botswana Peoples Party Botswana Progressive Union Botswana Workers Front Independence Freedom Party Mels Movement of Botswana Social Democratic Party United Action Party United Democratic Front United Socialist Party After 80 years of British Protectorate, Bechuanaland attained self governance in 1965 and became independent Republic of Botswana on 30 September, 1966. The Botswana Constitution established a nonracial democracy which maintains freedom of speech, freedom of the press and freedom of association, and affords all citizens equal rights. The Constitution provides for a unicameral legislature, the National Assembly. The President candidate, whose declared supporters form the majority of Parliament members, takes the office as President and selects his Ministers from among the members of National Assembly. In addition to National Assembly, there is a House of chiefs with 15 members. There is an independent judiciary with a High Court presided over by the Chief Justice. Some cases are heard by local chiefs and headmen, or their representatives, and decided in accordance with customary law, while others are dealt with according to statute law by Magistrates' Courts and the High Court. OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT PRESIDENTS BASIC FUNCTIONS: To provide overall national leadership and direction (conceptual and operational) on all matters of national importance so that the national ideals, principles and objectives are upheld, enhanced and realised.
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To effectively coordinate, monitor and evaluate, at overall national level, the inter-related ministerial policies and operations to ensure optimal utilisation of all resources and effective attainment of national objectives and goals.
To provide effective national security and stability through which the much desired national progress can be attained. To provide/special support services in the vital fields of human resource management, legal service, mass communication, printing etc. to ensure that the Government executing agencies effectively attain their developmental and service objectives and goals. To develop and maintain sound inter-national policies and relations which will foster national progress and international peace and stability.
Contact person: Mr. Magetse P/Bag 001 Gaborone +267 350-800 +267 312-525 CABINET The President normally acts on the advice of the Cabinet of Ministers, which is selected by him from Members of Parliament. There are 10 ministers and three assistant Ministers who run
- 71 ministries and departments of government. Cabinet Ministers, as Members of Parliament, participate in Parliamentary debates but are normally bound by the ethic of collective responsibility. Ministers are also responsible to the National Assembly but the President may appoint or dismissministers without consulting the National Assembly or Cabinet. CABINET OFFICE The Cabinet Office, headed by the Secretary to the Cabinet, under the direction of the President, comprises the Cabinet Secretariat the Cabinet Business Committee and the Cabinet Economic Committee. The Cabinet Secretariat serves Ministers collectively in the conduct of Cabinet business. It operates as an instrument in the coordination of policy at the highest level of Government. Its functions include circulating memoranda and other documents required by Cabinet, preparing agenda for Cabinet meetings, recording discussions taken and safeguarding the security of Cabinet documents. PUBLIC SERVICE MANAGEMENT DIRECTORATE The overall purpose of the Directorate of Public Service Management (DPSM) is to improve the overall performance and effectiveness of the Public Service. The are also responsible for training and developing the Public sector manpower to achieve the goals of self-sufficiency in manpower and high- level performance efficiency. They also ensure optimal utilisation of the available manpower. In brief, the DPSM's functions are; Public service administration and management; public service manpower planning, recruitment and development; Public service performance productivity and improvement, complement, grading and deployment. Contact person: Mr K. Masogo P/Bag 011 Gaborone +267 358-700 +267 372-287 POLICE Section 6 of the Botswana Police Act stipulates that the force shall be employment in and throughout the country to protect life and property, prevent and detect crime, repress internal disturbances, maintain security and public tranquillity, apprehend offender, bring offenders to justice, duly enforce all written laws with which it is directly charged and generally maintain peace. For the performance of their duties under this act, Police officers may carry arms. The police shall also perform such military duties within Botswana as may be required of it under the authority of the President as Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. The Police Department is divided into three divisions, namely North, South Central and South. The divisions are headed by Divisional Commander. The Police services are divided into eight branches namely; General Duties, Criminal Investigation Department, Special Support Group, Special Branch, Traffic, Telecommunications and Transport, Police College and Departmental Management. Contact person: Mr. Mbulawa P/Bag 0012 Gaborone +267 351-161
- 72 DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION The department of Information and Broadcasting was established in Mafikeng, South Africa in 1961 during the British Protectorate Government. As government owned broadcasting and printing media, the role of the department is to win and retain the consent of the people to the policies, aims and objectives of the government and provide feedback. The other role of the media is to educate and entertain the people, in accordance with the national development aims and goals. The department consists of three main media organs; Information Division, Broadcasting Division and the engineering division of Radio Botswana, which are all comprised of sections and units. Under The Information division is the Botswana Press Agency and the Publication section. The Broadcasting division consists of Culture & Entertainment and News and Current Affairs. The Engineering division comprises of the Transmitter and Studio Sections. The responsibilities of the division includes the planning of the frequencies of the transmitters and making specifications for studio and transmitter equipment. They also include the technical production and transmission of Radio Botswana programmes. Contact person: Mr. Makgekgenene P/Bag 0060 Gaborone +267 352-541 PRINTING DEPARTMENT The Department's main functions is to provide a comprehensive and secure printing service to all Government Ministries / Departments as well as to serve as a Government Publisher and Distributor. For operational purposes it is divided into sections i.e. Photocomposing, Graphic Reproduction, Lithographic Machine Printing, Print Finishing and Bookbinding, Production Unit, Bookshop, and the Maintenance, Costing and Estimating Units which are to be established soon. Some of the Government Printer's publications are The Daily news Newspaper, The Government Gazette, Laws of Botswana, Botswana Law Reports, Government Statistics Report, Government Annual Economic Reports, Presidential and National Commission. Contact person: Mr. Segwe P/Bag 0081 Gaborone +267 353-202 +267 312-001 DEPARTMENT OF STATE HOUSE The functions of the department is to provide administrative support at the State House such as coordinating the executive and political activities of the President and the First Lady, by keeping and Maintaining their dairies for the day to day engagements. The department also supervises development projects and maintenance work taking place at the State House. The responsibilities are as follows: To provide security, decoration maintenance for the President and the First Lady at their residential place. The department is also responsible for providing public relations support to the President and the First lady by ushering their VIP visitors and controlling movement of visitors at the State House. Contact person: Mr. N Koloi
- 73 P/Bag 001 Gaborone +267 353-391 PARLIAMENT The supreme legislative authority in Botswana is Parliament, consisting of the President and the National Assembly, and where tribal and customarymatters are involved Parliament is obliged to act in consultation with theHouse of Chiefs. The President is a member of the National Assembly and has the power to address, summon or dissolve it anytime. Normally the President addresses the National Assembly at the opening of a new Parliament every five years, or whenever there is an important national issue, and at the end of the life of Parliament when he dissolves it to call a General Election which leads to a new Parliament. The main functions of Parliament are (a) to pass laws regulating the life ofthe nation and (b) to scrutinize government policy and administration andto monitor government expenditure. NATIONAL ASSEMBLY In order to effectively and efficiently provide parliament with the overall and full range of management, administrative and logistical support services,the overall objectives of Clerk of National Assembly are as follows: To facilitate parliament to serve as an overall "guardian'' of the nation by ensuring that all public funds are used for intended authorized purposes through the public accounts committee, as well as authorized raising of national revenue through taxation, loans etc.; To facilitate parliament role of serving as a medium for representing and articulating the will, aspirations and needs of the people as a whole; To facilitate the parliament in its role of ensuring that the country'scustomary and cultural heritage is preserved and blended in the laws of Botswana through national representation by the chiefs in the house of chiefs; Arising from the above stated overall objectives the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly aims at achieving the following specific objectives: Developing and implementing long and short term Office of Clerk ofNational Assembly administrative policies and strategies both developmental and operational based on constitutional provisions, national laws, principal, policies and development plans. Developing and enforcing parliamentary procedures, rules and regulations, conduct of parliamentary business including that of the house of chiefs and of self -conduct of members. Ensuring at all times efficient and effective provision of the full range of secretariat, secretarial, editorial and publications support services of parliament to all its committees and house of chiefs. Ensuring at all times efficient and effective provision of the full range of Research, Information, Library, Archives and Language translation and interpretation services for Parliament, all its committees, the house of chiefs and their respective members. Ensuring at all times efficient and effective provision of the full range of Ceremonial, Protocol and public relations services to Parliament, the House of Chiefs and all other concerned.
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Ensuring at all times efficient and effective provision of the full range of support services to the Parliament, House of chiefs and their members. Ensuring at all times efficient and effective management and administration of all Human and material resources of parliament and the house of chiefs, in order to ensure that Parliament, all its committees and the House of Chiefs run and operate efficiently and smoothly at all times and at the highest level possible. PARLIAMENT In order to effectively and efficiently provide parliament with the overall and full range of management, administrative and logistical support services, the overall objectives of Clerk of National Assembly are as follows: To facilitate parliament to serve as an overall "guardian'' of the nation by ensuring that all public funds are used for intended authorised purposes through the public accounts committee, as well as authorised raising of national revenue through taxation, loans etc. To facilitate parliament role of serving as a medium for representing and articulating the will, aspirations and needs of the people as a whole. To facilitate the parliament in its role of ensuring that the country's customary and cultural heritage is preserved and blended in the laws of Botswana through national representation by the chiefs in the house of chiefs.
Arising from the above stated overall objectives the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly aims at achieving the following specific objectives: Developing and implementing long and short term Office of Clerk of National Assembly administrative policies and strategies both developmental and operational based on constitutional provisions, national laws, principal, policies and development plans. Developing and enforcing parliamentary procedures, rules and regulations, conduct of parliamentary business including that of the house of chiefs and of self -conduct of members. Ensuring at all times efficient and effective provision of the full range of secretariat, secretarial, editorial and publications support services of parliament to all its committees and house of chiefs. Ensuring at all times efficient and effective provision of the full range of Research, Information, Library, Archives and Language translation and interpretation services for Parliament, all its committees, the house of chiefs and their respective members. Ensuring at all times efficient and effective provision of the full range of Ceremonial, Protocol and public relations services to Parliament, the House of Chiefs and all other concerned. Ensuring at all times efficient and effective provision of the full range of support services to the Parliament, House of chiefs and their members. Ensuring at all times efficient and effective management and administration of all Human and material resources of parliament and the house of chiefs, in order to ensure that
- 75 Parliament, all its committees and the House of Chiefs run and operate efficiently and smoothly at all times and at the highest level possible. Contact person: Public Relations Officer P.O. Box 240 Gaborone parliament@gov.bw
+267 373-200
+267 353-101
THE HOUSE OF CHIEFS The House of Chiefs is composed of fifteen (15) members as provided in the constitution as follows: Eight ex-official members who are the chiefs from eight tribes Four elected members, and these are elected every five years or when a vacancy occurs. They are elected from amongst themselves from the four districts namely, North East, Chobe, Kgalagadi and Ghanzi. Three specially elected members are elected by both the ex-officio and the elected members in the House of Chiefs. Unlike the 12 members, the specially elected members should have proficiency in English as a requirement
Other qualifications are: Must not be politicians and should not have been involved in active politics in the past 5 years. Must not be civil servants Must be Batswana age 21 or above
When the President dissolves parliament all other members cease to be members except the exofficio members. The House of Chiefs has no legislative powers or veto powers but act as an advisory body to parliament and government but all bills affecting the following should go through the House of Chiefs before being discussed e.g Tribal organisation or Tribal property The organisation, powers or Administration of Customary courts Customary law or the ascertainment or recording of customary law
Contact person: Public Relations Officer P O Box 240 Gaborone +267 373-200 +267 313-103
ELECTORAL SYSTEM For electoral purposes, Botswana is divided into constituencies, each of which returns one member to the National Assembly. To ensure suitablerepresentation, the Judicial Service
- 76 Commission is required at intervals of not less than five years and not more than ten years to appoint a Delimitation Commission to determine whether any alteration to existing constituency boundaries is necessary. Anyone, man or woman, who is entitled to vote and has reached the ageof 18 can stand for election - provided the individual is not disqualified by reason of having been certified insane or unsound mind, does not have adeath sentence imposed on him, or has not been declared insolvent inany part of the Commonwealth, or being under a sentence of imprisonment exceeding six months. THE HOUSE OF CHIEFS The House of Chiefs consists of eight ex-officio members, four elected and three specially elected members. The ex-officio members are the substantive holders of the office of Chief of the Barolong, Bangwato, Balete, Batlokwa, Bakwena, Bakgatla, Bangwaketse and Batawana. The elected members are persons elected from among their own numberby persons holding office of Sub-Chief in the Chobe, Francistown, Ghanziand Kgalagadi districts. Specially elected members are elected by theex-officio and elected members of the House among people who have notbeen actively engaged in politics in the preceding five years. The ex-officio members remain members of the House of Chiefs for aslong as they continue to perform their chiefly functions. Membership ofelected and specially elected members is renewed every five yearsfollowing the dissolution of Parliament, which comes after every five years, while that of ex-officio members is more or less permanent in the House. There is no definite schedule of the meetings of the House of Chiefs, thetime and place of convening being determined by the Chairman of the House. The House of Chiefs, however sits whenever the Government or the National Assembly has referred a bill to it or whenever it has important business to transact, or at least once a year. The supreme legislative authority in Botswana is Parliament, consisting of the President and the National Assembly, and where tribal and customary matters are involved Parliament is obliged to act in consultation with the House of Chiefs. The President is a member of the National Assembly and has the power to address, summon or dissolve it anytime. Normally the President addresses the National Assembly at the opening of a new Parliament every five years, or whenever there is an important national issue, and at the end of the life of Parliament when he dissolves it to call a General Election which leads to a new Parliament. The main functions of Parliament are (a) to pass laws regulating the life ofthe nation and (b) to scrutinize government policy and administration andto monitor government expenditure. MINISTRY OF COMMERCE The overall purpose of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry is to enhance socioeconomic progress through development of trade, commerce industry, wildlife and tourism by making optimal use of local resources and creation of employment, as well as to provide efficient trade and commercial service to all sections of the community particularly those in rural areas; and creation of employment opportunities by production activities especially in rural areas. The role of Ministry of Commerce and Industry is to enhance socio-economic progress through development trade, industry, wildlife and tourism by making optimal use of local resources and creation of employment. To provide an efficient trade and commercial service to all sections of
- 77 the community particularly those in rural areas and creation of employment opportunities by production activities especially in rural areas. Contact person: Ms. T. C. Moremi (Permanent Secretary) +267 3601-200 +267 371-538 The main responsibility and function of the Consumer Unit is to empower consumers and to provide efficient, effective and professional services in educating and protecting consumers by providing quality information and safeguarding against the sale of defective, unsafe and harmful products as well as deceptive and unethical practices in the market place. The objectives are to empower consumers by educating them about their rights and responsibilities in the marketplace. Provide consumers with useful and quality information to consumers, and do market and consumer research as to provide factual reports and information to consumers. It also investigates and mediates consumer complaints regarding unfair and unethical practices in the marketplace, to monitor and ensure that the market is not dumped with unsafe and harmful products. Contact person: Mrs. N. M. Dambe (Director) +267 311-233 +267 375-239 The department of Industry is responsible for promoting the development of industry and transfer of technology through a variety of public policy instruments aimed at diversifying the economy; increasing employment opportunities; developing local entrpreneurship; and increasing the participation of Botswana at all levels of industry. The department is made up of the following Divisions: Departmental Management responsible for manpower development and administering the financial resources of the department. Policies and Programmes Coordination responsible for developing and reviewing policies and appraising industrial project. Industrialisation Support Services responsible for administering government support schemes to industry. Integrated Field Services responsible for providing various management and technical training to the citizen small scale and informal sector. Business management Development Services responsible for coordination of all business management training of entrepreneurs across the country.
Contact person: Mrs. D. Tibone (Director) +267 311-477 +267 312-238 The Department of Wildlife and National Parks is responsible for wildlife conservation and utilization in Botswana. This includes responsibility for all National Parks, Game Reserves and Wildlife Management Areas. All together these areas amount to some 40% of the surface area of Botswana (National Parks 7.6%, Game Reserves 10.3%, Wildlife Management Areas 22%), research, problem animal control, education, licensing and disease surveillance. The objectives of the Department is to ensure the conservation of biodiversity throughout Botswana in the interest of present and future generations, and to ensure the conservation of the
- 78 indigenous wildlife and habitat in the National Parks and Reserves through minimal interference. It also involves communities, NGOs and the private sector in the realisation of the full economic potential of wildlife resources outside protected areas. To promote continuos research in all areas related to management of wildlife resources, and to raise public awareness and appreciation of Botswana's unique wildlife resources, and to enforce the laws relating to wildlife resources. Contact person: Mr. T. G. G. G. Seeletso (Secretary) +267 371-405 +267 312-354 The Department of Tourism is responsible for the development and promotion of tourism in an environmentally sustainable manner, in Botswana and for the formulation and Implementation of tourism policies and programmes. In this regard its overall objective is to develop and promote Botswana's natural resources and to facilitate their commercial exploitation to the optimal advantage of national socio-economic development. For comprehensive overview of Botswana's tourist offering, please visit the Tourism section of this site. The Department of Tourism more specific objectives include: facilitating the generation of income, Government revenue, foreign exchange earnings, etc. through the development and promotion of tourism. employment creation for citizens through investment promotion in tourism and growth of tourism sector; enhancing public awareness; and appreciation of the importance of and the socioeconomic benefits derivable from it; promoting environmental protection and conservation as well as the sustainable utilisation of tourism resources with a view to ensuring that local communities derive a dependable livelihood from resources within their environment; promoting the involving and participation of local authorities, local communities, NGOs, and the private sector in the development and promotion of tourism; and enforcing laws and regulations relating to the operations of tourism enterprises and ensuring their proper adherence to acceptable standards. a) Departmental Management: responsible for providing effective and competent leadership and guidance in resource planning, management, utilisation and administration; b) Licensing and Inspection: responsible for the enforcement of laws and regulations relating to the operations of tourism enterprises and ensuring their proper adherence to acceptable standards; c) Marketing: responsible for developing and implementing an appropriate tourism marketing strategy and managing Botswana's publicity campaign locally, regionally and internationally to increase awareness of Botswana's marketing and tourist products and services;
The department of Tourism has the following divisions:
- 79 d) Research and Statistics: responsible for establishing a reliable statistical database, tourism market research, product development and diversification and facilitating strategic tourism planning and management; e) Casino Control: responsible for licensing casino operations and ensuring their proper adherence to acceptable operational standard f) Financial Assistance Policy (FAP): responsible for promoting investment in the tourism sector and use the FAP assistance programme to encourage both local and foreign investors to create jobs for Batswana by establishing new tourism projects or expanding existing ones; g) Natural Resources Conservation: responsible for promoting the conservation and sustainable utilisation of Botswana's tourism resources, especially the environment and its biodeversity; h) Education and Training: responsible for determining in consultation with public and private sector stakeholders, the tourism and hospitality education, skills training and capacity building needs of the tourism sector, and the appropriate measures for addressing them; and i) Policies and Programmer Coordination: responsible for coordinating tourism policy formulation, review and implementation as well as the effective management and implementation of approved tourism development programmes and projects. Contact person: Mr. G. Kombani (Director) +267 353-024 +267 308-675 Department of Trade and Investment Promotion is charged with the responsibility of coordinating trade and investment promotion activities of the Ministry. It aims at facilitating smooth establishment and operation of businesses in Botswana by advising the government and non-government organisations to simplify relevant official procedures to stimulate local and foreign investment. This ensures a growing number of Batswana being involved in ownership and control of the commercial and industrial activities by encouraging them to take economic risks and assisting in effective implementation of the localisation policy. To ensure maximum diversity and expansion of commercial and industrial enterprises on both product and geographical location scenarios; and increasing business for Botswana entrepreneurs and ensure regular supply of goods and services by undertaking constant promotional activities such as "Buy Botswana" and other campaigns. The department offers the following services: Investment Promotion, Trade Promotion, and Botswana's Commercial Representation abroad. Contact person: Mr. D. Tsheko (Director) +267 351-790 +267 305-375 MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE The responsibilities of the Ministry of Agriculture cover sectors of livestock, arable agriculture, conservation and cooperative development. These portfolio responsibilities have led to the creation of the Department of Crop Production and Forestry, Department of Animal Health and Production, Department of integrated Agricultural Research, Department of Cooperative
- 80 Development, Department of Ministry Management, Agricultural Resources Board Secretariat, and the support divisions of Agricultural Planning and Statistics and Agricultural Information and Public Relations Division. Contact person: Mr. S. S. G. Tumelo (Permanent Secretary) P/Bag 003 Gaborone +267 350-603 +267 356-027 The overall objective of the Department is to provide and coordinate ministerial level, a full range of administrative resources and support services to all other departments of the ministry, to enable them to effectively carry out their functions, and thus attain ministry's national objectives. In order to achieve the above objectives, the Department of Ministry Management is responsible for the following major functions, Overall Administrative Coordination; providing Financial Support Services; Material and Supplies Service; Maintenance and Upkeep Services; Administrative Support Services; Personnel Administrative Services; Public Relations and External Liaison; Developing Administrative Capabilities within the Ministry and Management of the Department. Contact person: Mr. D. S. Moruti (Under Secretary) P/Bag 003 Gaborone +267 350-574 +267 356-027 The Department of Animal Health and Production is one of the biggest in the Ministry of Agriculture comprising five Divisions, Veterinary Field Services; Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Control, Meat Hygiene and Quality Control; National Veterinary Laboratory; and Animal Production. Key projects in this department include: livestock marketing facilities livestock water development animal disease emergency control services to livestock owners improvements to disease control The overall objective of this department is to control nationally and economically important animal diseases, such as Foot and Mouth disease and Anthrax, as well as prevent and control disease outbreak through strict adherence of high standard of animal health, as well as improving sustainable livestock production and management practices. Contact person: Dr. M. V. Raborokgwe (Director) P/Bag 003 Gaborone +267 350-635 Cooperative Societies in Botswana consist of Producer Cooperatives, Consumer Cooperatives, Multipurpose Cooperatives, Marketing Cooperatives, Savings and Credit Cooperatives and Secondary Cooperatives. The department continues to encourage the establishment and strengthening of all categories. Key project of this department is Cooperative Development.
- 81 The overall objective is to provide a range of services to farmers in rural areas, especially in livestock marketing, supply of inputs and consumer goods by improving the working conditions of staff through the availability of offices and houses. Contact person: Mr. K. K. Mmopi (Commissioner) P/Bag 003 Gaborone +267 350-730 The mandate of the Department of Agricultural Research is to generate improved crop and livestock production technologies through research to promote a productive and sustainable agricultural sector. In designing programs to carry out its mandate the Department has taken cognisance of the agricultural policy objectives of food security, diversification, sustainable resource utilization and economic viability. Key projects in this department include: agricultural research research programme support Research thrusts are in the areas of crop and livestock improvement, sustainable utilization of range resources, soil and water management, optimising utilization of locally available animal feed resources, crop pests and disease management and pasture and forage crop improvement. Contact person: Dr. L. M. Mazhani (Acting Director) P/Bag 033 Gaborone +267 328-780 E-mail: dar@info.bw The Division of Agricultural planning and statistics provides statistical monitoring and evaluation, farm management, policy analysis and project planning services to the whole Ministry, and acts as the key link between departments and other Ministries. The Division coordinates and initiates sectoral policy studies / consulatancies to improve the performance of the agricultural sector through, inter alia, targeting of resource allocation. It also represents the Ministry in several multilateral and regional economic and trade organisations. Key projects in this division include: MOA Computerisation MOA Consultancies Contact person: Mr. H. K. Sigwele (Director) P/Bag 003 Gaborone +267 350-606 The Division supports the Ministry staff by designing and producing extension media such as leaflets, agricfacts, booklets, photographs, slides, radio programmes, notice boards, exhibitions, public address systems and conducting of intensive educational campaigns throughout the country on a variety of agricultural opics. The Division also trains its extension staff in making and using audio-visual media and service all the audio visuals of the Ministry. It achieves all its above mentioned tasks through its seven sections, namely, graphics and Printing, publications, campaigns, photography, audio-visual, broadcasting and Carpentry and painting workshop.
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Contact person: Mr. V. Molefe (Chief Agriculture Information Officer) P/Bag 003 Gaborone +267 350-587 Under the Department of Crop Production and Forestry there are the following divisions: Division of Land Use and Planning, Division of Crop Production, and Division of Forestry Beekeeping and Range Ecology. Key projects of this Department include: Arable Land Development Programme (ALDEP), Irrigation Development, Emergency Plant Protection, Lands use Monitoring and Planning, Small Projects Programme, Horticultural Development, Soil Conservation and Forestry Development. The overall objectives is to promote productivity of the sub-sector in Botswana through provision of subsidies, inputs and introduction of appropriate technologies. Contact person: Mr. K. S. W. Tibi (Director) P/Bag 003 Gaborone +267 350-598 +267 307-057 MINISTRY OF MINERALS, ENERGY AND WATER The Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water has the portfolio responsibility to coordinate development and operational activities in the energy water and minerals sector. Specific programmes and projects to fulfill these responsibilities are carried out by Ministries' departments (Geological Survey, Mines and Water Affairs) and parastatals (Botswana Power Corporation and Water Utilities Corporation). The Ministry Headquarters provides leadership and policy directions to the departments and parastatals. The Permanent Secretary assisted by the Deputy Permanent Secretary provides administrative leadership under the political direction of the Minister. For this purpose the Permanent Secretary utilises specialised divisions within the Ministry Headquarters, namely the Planning Unit, Minerals Affairs Division, Energy Affairs Division and the North South Carrier Water Project Unit. This Ministry formulates, directs and coordinates the overall national politics on minerals, energy and water resources. It formulates short and long term strategies for implementing the approved national policies and programmes on minerals, energy and water resources. It provides clean water as a direct means of improving people's lives and an essential input for agricultural, commercial and industrial development. It provides effective national leadership and liaises with other related sectors within government and other parastatal, private and international agencies working in the filed of minerals, energy and water resources. For prospecting licenses and mining leases contact the Geological Survey and Mines Department respectively. Contact person: Mrs. Mpotokwane P/Bag 0018 Gaborone +267 365-6600 +267 372-738
- 83 The overall objectives of the Department of mines are to establish and maintain an effective organization to administer mineral exploitation legislation, and to enhance socio-economic, financial and other benefits to Botswana arising from the exploitation of mineral resources. With respect to mineral policies the department will assist in developing sound national policy on mineral development and operation. The department will provide professional guidance on matters pertaining to mine safety and control of pollution arising from mining activities. The department of mines will formulate and provide technical guidelines, performance standards for mining, mineral processing and metallurgical operations and advice government accordingly. Contact person: Ribson C. Gabonowe (Director of Mines) P/Bag 0049 Gaborone +267 365-7000 The overall objective of the Department of Water Affairs is to assess, plan, develop and maintain water resources for domestic, agricultural, commercial, industrial and other uses in the whole country. In order to provide effective leadership for water resources planning, development and management, the department will assist and advises in the formulation of water resources development and management policies. The department assesses, plans, develops and manages water resources for short, medium and long term purposes. It also administers the water law and other related legislations, and liaises with the riparian users of nation and international rivers on the saving, conservation and protection of water resources. Contact person: Dr Tombale +267 351-601 +267 300-581 E-mail: dwa@global.bw The Department's mandate is to collect, assess, archive, advise on and disseminate all geoscientific data related to the rocks, minerals and water resources of Botswana. It carries out geo-scientific surveys and research on a long-term basis in order to provide a better understanding of the geological framework of Botswana. It provides a service to mineral exploration companies actively involved or interested in prospecting in Botswana; it also evaluates industrial mineral prospects that could support local industry and reduce Botswana's reliance on imported raw materials. It also undertakes research on the major groundwater systems of Botswana to ensure proper utilisation and protection of such systems. Contact person: T. P. Machacha (Director) P/bag 14 Lobatse +267 332-495 E-mail: geosurv@global.bw
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STUDYING COUNTRY THROUGH THE CONSTITUTION

CHAPTER I THE REPUBLIC 1. 2. Declaration of Republic Botswana is a sovereign Republic.
Public Seal The Public Seal of the Republic shall be such device as may be prescribed by or under an Act of Parliament. CHAPTER IIPROTECTION OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS OF THE INDIVIDUAL 3. Fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual Whereas every person in Botswana is entitled to the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual, that is to say, the right, whatever his race, place of origin, political opinions, colour, creed or sex, but subject to respect for the rights and freedoms of others and for the public interest to each and all of the following, namely (a) life, liberty, security of the person and the protection of the law; (b) freedom of conscience, of expression and of assembly and association; and (c) protection for the privacy of his home and other property and from deprivation of property without compensation, the provisions of this Chapter shall have effect for the purpose of affording protection to those rights and freedoms subject to such limitations of that protection as are contained in those provisions, being limitations designed to ensure that the enjoyment of the said rights and freedoms by any individual does not prejudice the rights and freedoms of others or the public interest. 4. Protection of right to life (1) No person shall be deprived of his life intentionally save in execution of the sentence of a court in respect of an offence under the law in force in Botswana of which he has been convicted. (2) A person shall not be regarded as having been deprived of his life in contravention of subsection (1) of this section if he dies as the result of the use, to such extent and in such circumstances as are permitted by law, of such force as is reasonably justifiable (a) for the defence of any person from violence or for the defence of property; (b) in order to effect a lawful arrest or to prevent the escape of a person lawfully detained; (c) for the purpose of suppressing a riot, insurrection or mutiny; or (d) in order to prevent the commission by that person of a criminal offence, or if he dies as the result of a lawful act of war. 5. Protection of right to personal liberty (1) No person shall be deprived of his personal liberty save as may be authorized by law in any of the following cases, that is to say (a) in execution of the sentence or order of a court, whether established for Botswana or some other country, in respect of a criminal offence of which he has been convicted; (b) in execution of the order of a court of record punishing him for contempt of that or another court;
- 85 (c) in execution of the order of a court made to secure the fulfilment of any obligation imposed on him by law; (d) for the purpose of bringing him before a court in execution of the order of a court; (e) upon reasonable suspicion of his having committed, or being about to commit, a criminal offence under the law in force in Botswana; (f) under the order of a court or with the consent of his parent or guardian, for his education or welfare during any period ending not later than the date when he attains the age of 18 years; (g) for the purpose of preventing the spread of an infectious or contagious disease; (h) in the case of a person who is, or is reasonably suspected to be, of unsound mind, addicted to drugs or alcohol, or a vagrant, for the purpose of his care or treatment or the protection of the community; (i) for the purpose of preventing the unlawful entry of that person into Botswana, or for the purpose of effecting the expulsion, extradition or other lawful removal of that person from Botswana, or for the purpose of restricting that person while he is being conveyed through Botswana in the course of his extradition or removal as a convicted prisoner from one country to another; (j) to such extent as may be necessary in the execution of a lawful order requiring that person to remain within a specified area within Botswana or prohibiting him from being within such an area, or to such extent as may be reasonably justifiable for the taking of proceedings against that person relating to the making of any such order, or to such extent as may be reasonably justifiable for restraining that person during any visit that he is permitted to make to any part of Botswana in which, in consequence of any such order, his presence would otherwise be unlawful; or (k) for the purpose of ensuring the safety of aircraft in flight. (2) Any person who is arrested or detained shall be informed as soon as reasonably practicable, in a language that he understands, of the reasons for his arrest or detention. (3) Any person who is arrested or detained (a) for the purpose of bringing him before a court in execution of the order of a court; or (b) upon reasonable suspicion of his having committed, or being about to commit, a criminal offence under the law in force in Botswana, and who is not released, shall be brought as soon as is reasonably practicable before a court; and if any person arrested or detained as mentioned in paragraph (b) of this subsection is not tried within a reasonable time, then, without prejudice to any further proceedings that may be brought against him, he shall be released either unconditionally or upon reasonable conditions, including in particular such conditions as are reasonably necessary to ensure that he appears at a later date for trial or for proceedings preliminary to trial. (4) Any person who is unlawfully arrested or detained by any other person shall be entitled to compensation therefor from that other person. 6. Protection from slavery and forced labour (1) No person shall be held in slavery or servitude. (2) No person shall be required to perform forced labour. (3) For the purposes of this section, the expression "forced labour" does not include (a) any labour required in consequence of the sentence or order of a court; (b) labour required of any person while he is lawfully detained that, though not required in consequence of the sentence or order of a court, is reasonably necessary in the interests of hygiene or for the maintenance of the place at which he is detained; (c) any labour required of a member of a disciplined force in pursuance of his duties as such or, in the case of a person who has conscientious objections to service as a member of a
- 86 naval, military or air force, any labour that that person is required by law to perform in place of such service; (d) any labour required during any period of public emergency or in the event of any other emergency or calamity that threatens the life and well-being of the community, to the extent that the requiring of such labour is reasonably justifiable in the circumstances of any situation arising or existing during that period or as a result of that other emergency or calamity, for the purpose of dealing with that situation; or (e) any labour reasonably required as part of reasonable and normal communal or other civic obligations. 7. Protection from inhuman treatment (1) No person shall be subjected to torture or to inhuman or degrading punishment or other treatment. (2) Nothing contained in or done under the authority of any law shall be held to be inconsistent with or in contravention of this section to the extent that the law in question authorizes the infliction of any description of punishment that was lawful in the country immediately before the coming into operation of this Constitution. Protection from deprivation of property (1) No property of any description shall be compulsorily taken possession of, and no interest in or right over property of any description shall be compulsorily acquired, except where the following conditions are satisfied, that is to say (a) the taking of possession or acquisition is necessary or expedient (i) in the interests of defence, public safety, public order, public morality, public health, town and country planning or land settlement; (ii) in order to secure the development or utilization of that, or other, property for a purpose beneficial to the community; or (iii) in order to secure the development or utilization of the mineral resources of Botswana; and (b) provision is made by a law applicable to that taking of possession or acquisition (i) for the prompt payment of adequate compensation; and (ii) securing to any person having an interest in or right over the property a right of access to the High Court, either direct or on appeal from any other authority, for the determination of his interest or right, the legality of the taking of possession or acquisition of the property, interest or right, and the amount of any compensation to which he is entitled, and for the purpose of obtaining prompt payment of that compensation. (2) No person who is entitled to compensation under this section shall be prevented from remitting, within a reasonable time after he has received any amount of that compensation, the whole of that amount (free from any deduction, charge or tax made or levied in respect of its remission) to any country of his choice outside Botswana. (3) Subsection (1)(b)(i) of this section shall be deemed to be satisfied in relation to any 30 of 1969 Law applicable to the taking of possession of minerals or the acquisition of rights to minerals if that law makes provision for the payment at reasonable intervals of adequate royalties. (4) Nothing contained in or done under the authority of any law shall be held to be inconsistent with or in contravention of subsection (2) of this section to the extent that the law in question authorizes (a) the attachment, by order of a court, of any amount of compensation to which a person is entitled in satisfaction of the judgment of a court or pending the determination of civil proceedings to which he is a party; or (b) the imposition of reasonable restrictions on the manner in which any amount of compensation is to be remitted. 8.
- 87 (5) Nothing contained in or done under the authority of any law shall be held to be inconsistent with or in contravention of subsection (1) of this section (a) to the extent that the law in question makes provision for the taking of possession or acquisition of any property (i) in satisfaction of any tax, rate or due; (ii) by way of penalty for breach of the law whether under civil process or after conviction of a criminal offence under the law in force in Botswana; (iii) as an incident of a lease, tenancy, mortgage, charge, bill of sale, pledge or contract; (iv) in the execution of judgments or orders of a court in proceedings for the determination of civil rights or obligations; (v) in circumstances where it is reasonably necessary to do so because the property is in a dangerous state or injurious to the health of human beings, animals or plants; (vi) in consequence of any law with respect to the limitation of actions; or (vii) for so long only as may be necessary for the purposes of any examination, investigation, trial or inquiry or, in the case of land, for the purposes of the carrying out thereon of work of soil conservation or the conservation of other natural resources or work relating to agricultural development or improvement (being work relating to such development or improvement that the owner or occupier of the land has been required, and has without reasonable excuse refused or failed, to carry out), and except so far as that provision or, as the case may be, the thing done under the authority thereof is shown not to be reasonably justifiable in a democratic society; or (b) to the extent that the law in question makes provision for the taking of possession or acquisition of (i) enemy property; (ii) property of a deceased person, a person of unsound mind, a person who has not attained the age of 21 years, a prodigal, or a person who is absent from Botswana, for the purpose of its administration for the benefit of the persons entitled to the beneficial interest therein; (iii) property of a person declared to be insolvent or a body corporate in liquidation, for the purpose of its administration for the benefit of the creditors of the insolvent or body corporate and, subject thereto, for the benefit of other persons entitled to the beneficial interest in the property; or (iv) property subject to a trust, for the purpose of vesting the property in persons appointed as trustees under the instrument creating the trust or by a court, or by order of a court, for the purpose of giving effect to the trust. (6) Nothing contained in or done under the authority of any law shall be held to be inconsistent with or in contravention of subsection (1) of this section to the extent that the law in question makes provision for the compulsory taking of possession in the public interest of any property, or the compulsory acquisition in the public interest in or right over property, where that property, interest or right is held by a body corporate established by law for public purposes in which no moneys have been invested other than moneys provided by Parliament. 9. Protection for privacy of home and other property (1) Except with his own consent, no person shall be subjected to the search of his person or his property or the entry by others on his premises. (2) Nothing contained in or done under the authority of any law shall be held to be inconsistent with or in contravention of this section to the extent that the law in question makes provision (a) that is reasonably required in the interests of defence, public safety, public order, public morality, public health, town and country planning, the development and utilization of mineral resources, for the purpose of any census or in order to secure the development or utilization of any property for a purpose beneficial to the community;
- 88 (b) that is reasonably required for the purpose of protecting the rights or freedoms of other persons; (c) that authorizes an officer or agent of the Government of Botswana, a local government authority or a body corporate established by law for a public purpose to enter on the premises of any person in order to inspect those premises or anything thereon for the purpose of any tax, rate or duty or in order to carry out work connected with any property that is lawfully on those premises and that belongs to that Government, authority or body corporate, as the case may be; or (d) that authorizes, for the purpose of enforcing the judgment or order of a court in any civil proceedings, the search of any person or property by order of a court or entry upon any premises by such order, and except so far as that provision or, as the case may be, anything done under the authority thereof is shown not to be reasonably justifiable in a democratic society. Provisions to secure protection of law (1) If any person is charged with a criminal offence, then, unless the charge is withdrawn, the case shall be afforded a fair hearing within a reasonable time by an independent and impartial court established or recognized by law. (2) Every person who is charged with a criminal offence (a) shall be presumed to be innocent until he is proved or has pleaded guilty; (b) shall be informed as soon as reasonably practicable, in a language that he understands and in detail, of the nature of the offence charged; (c) shall be given adequate time and facilities for the preparation of his defence; (d) shall be permitted to defend himself before the court in person or, at his own expense, by a legal representative of his own choice; (e) shall be afforded facilities to examine in person or by his legal representative the witnesses called by the prosecution before the court, and to obtain the attendance and carry out the examination of witnesses to testify on his behalf before the court on the same conditions as those applying to witnesses called by the prosecution; and (f) shall be permitted to have without payment the assistance of an interpreter if he cannot understand the language used at the trial of the charge, and except with his own consent the trial shall not take place in his absence unless he so conducts himself as to render the continuance of the proceedings in his presence impracticable and the court has ordered him to be removed and the trial to proceed in his absence. (3) When a person is tried for any criminal offence, the accused person or any person authorized by him in that behalf shall, if he so requires and subject to payment of such reasonable fee as may be prescribed by law, be given within a reasonable time after judgment a copy for the use of the accused person of any record of the proceedings made by or on behalf of the court. (4) No person shall be held to be guilty of a criminal offence on account of any act or omission that did not, at the time it took place, constitute such an offence, and no penalty shall be imposed for any criminal offence that is severer in degree or description than the maximum penalty that might have been imposed for that offence at the time when it was committed. (5) No person who shows that he has been tried by a competent court for a criminal offence and either convicted or acquitted shall again be tried for that offence or for any other criminal offence of which he could have been convicted at the trial for that offence, save upon the order of a superior court in the course of appeal or review proceedings relating to the conviction or acquittal. (6) No person shall be tried for a criminal offence if he shows that he has been pardoned for that offence. (7) No person who is tried for a criminal offence shall be compelled to give evidence at the trial. 10.
- 89 (8) No person shall be convicted of a criminal offence unless that offence is defined and the penalty therefor is prescribed in a written law: Provided that nothing in this subsection shall prevent a court of record from punishing any person for contempt of itself notwithstanding that the act or omission constituting the contempt is not defined in a written law and the penalty therefor is not so prescribed. (9) Any court or other adjudicating authority prescribed by law for the determination of the existence or extent of any civil right or obligation shall be established or recognized by law and shall be independent and impartial; and where proceedings for such a determination are instituted by any person before such a court or other adjudicating authority, the case shall be given a fair hearing within a reasonable time. (10) Except with the agreement of all the parties thereto, all proceedings of every court and proceedings for the determination of the existence or extent of any civil right or obligation before any other adjudicating authority, including the announcement of the decision of the court or other authority, shall be held in public. (11) Nothing in subsection (10) shall prevent the court or other adjudicating authority from excluding from the proceedings persons other than the parties thereto and their legal representatives to such extent as the court or other authority (a) may consider necessary or expedient in circumstances where publicity would prejudice the interests of justice or in interlocutory proceedings; or (b) may be empowered by law to do so in the interests of defence, public safety, public order, public morality, the welfare of persons under the age of 18 years or the protection of the private lives of persons concerned in the proceedings. (12) Nothing contained in or done under the authority of any law shall be held to be inconsistent with or in contravention of (a) subsection (2)(a) of this section to the extent that the law in question imposes upon any person charged with a criminal offence the burden of proving particular facts; (b) subsection (2)(d) or (2)(e) of this section to the extent that the law in question prohibits legal representation before a subordinate court in proceedings for an offence under customary law (being proceedings against any person who, under that law, is subject to that law); (c) subsection (2)(c) of this section to the extent that the law in question imposes reasonable conditions that must be satisfied if witnesses called to testify on behalf of an accused person are to be paid their expenses out of public funds; (d) subsection (5) of this section to the extent that the law in question authorizes a court to try a member of a disciplined force for a criminal offence notwithstanding any trial and conviction or acquittal of that member under the disciplinary law of that force, so, however, that any court so trying such a member and convicting him shall in sentencing him to any punishment take into account any punishment awarded him under that disciplinary law; (e) subsection (8) of this section to the extent that the law in question authorizes a court to convict a person of a criminal offence under any customary law to which, by virtue of that law, such person is subject. (13) In the case of any person who is held in lawful detention, the provisions of subsection (1), subsection (2)(d) and (e) and subsection (3) of this section shall not apply in relation to his trial for a criminal offence under the law regulating the discipline of persons held in such detention. (14) In this section "criminal offence" means a criminal offence under the law in force in Botswana. 11. Protection of freedom of conscience (1) Except with his own consent, no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of conscience, and for the purposes of this section the said freedom includes freedom of thought and of religion, freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others, and both in public and in private, to manifest and propagate his religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice and observance.
- 90 (2) Every religious community shall be entitled, at its own expense, to establish and maintain places of education and to manage any place of education which it wholly maintains; and no such community shall be prevented from providing religious instruction for persons of that community in the course of any education provided at any place of education which it wholly maintains or in the course of any education which it otherwise provides. (3) Except with his own consent (or, if he is a minor, the consent of his guardian) no person attending any place of education shall be required to receive religious instruction or to take part in or attend any religious ceremony or observance if that instruction, ceremony or observance relates to a religion other than his own. (4) No person shall be compelled to take any oath which is contrary to his religion or belief or to take any oath in a manner which is contrary to his religion or belief. (5) Nothing contained in or done under the authority of any law shall be held to be inconsistent with or in contravention of this section to the extent that the law in question makes provision which is reasonably required (a) in the interests of defence, public safety, public order, public morality or public health; or (b) for the purpose of protecting the rights and freedoms of other persons, including the right to observe and practise any religion without the unsolicited intervention of members of any other religion, and except so far as that provision or, as the case may be, the thing done under the authority thereof is shown not to be reasonably justifiable in a democratic society. [Ch0000s12] 12. Protection of freedom of expression (1) Except with his own consent, no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of expression, that is to say, freedom to hold opinions without interference, freedom to receive ideas and information without interference, freedom to communicate ideas and information without interference (whether the communication be to the public generally or to any person or class of persons) and freedom from interference with his correspondence. (2) Nothing contained in or done under the authority of any law shall be held to be inconsistent with or in contravention of this section to the extent that the law in question makes provision (a) that is reasonably required in the interests of defence, public safety, public order, public morality or public health; or (b) that is reasonably required for the purpose of protecting the reputations, rights and freedoms of other persons or the private lives of persons concerned in legal proceedings, preventing the disclosure of information received in confidence, maintaining the authority and independence of the courts, regulating educational institutions in the interests of persons receiving instruction therein, or regulating the technical administration or the technical operation of telephony, telegraphy, posts, wireless, broadcasting or television; or (c) that imposes restrictions upon public officers, employees of local government bodies, or teachers, and except so far as that provision or, as the case may be, the thing done under the authority thereof is shown not to be reasonably justifiable in a democratic society. 13. Protection of freedom of assembly and association (1) Except with his own consent, no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of assembly and association, that is to say, his right to assemble freely and associate with other persons and in particular to form or belong to trade unions or other associations for the protection of his interests. (2) Nothing contained in or done under the authority of any law shall be held to be inconsistent with or in contravention of this section to the extent that the law in question makes provision (a) that is reasonably required in the interests of defence, public safety, public order, public morality or public health;
- 91 (b) that is reasonably required for the purpose of protecting the rights or freedoms of other persons; (c) that imposes restrictions upon public officers, employees of local government bodies, or teachers; or (d) for the registration of trade unions and associations of trade unions in a register established by or under any law, and for imposing reasonable conditions relating to the requirements for entry on such a register (including conditions as to the minimum number of persons necessary to constitute a trade union qualified for registration, or of members necessary to constitute an association of trade unions qualified for registration) and conditions whereby registration may be refused on the grounds that any other trade union already registered, or association of trade unions already registered, as the case may be, is sufficiently representative of the whole or of a substantial proportion of the interests in respect of which registration of a trade union or association of trade unions is sought, and except so far as that provision or, as the case may be, the thing done under the authority thereof is shown not to be reasonably justifiable in a democratic society. Protection of freedom of movement (1) No person shall be deprived of his freedom of movement, and for the purposes of this section the said freedom means the right to move freely throughout Botswana, the right to reside in any part of Botswana, the right to enter Botswana and immunity from expulsion from Botswana. (2) Any restriction on a person's freedom of movement that is involved in his lawful detention shall not be held to be inconsistent with or in contravention of this section. (3) Nothing contained in or done under the authority of any law shall be held to be inconsistent with or in contravention of this section to the extent that the law in question makes provision (a) for the imposition of restrictions that are reasonably required in the interests of defence, public safety, public order, public morality or public health or the imposition of restrictions on the acquisition or use by any person of land or other property in Botswana and except so far as that provision or, as the case may be, the thing done under the authority thereof, is shown not to be reasonably justifiable in a democratic society; (b) for the imposition of restrictions on the freedom of movement of any person who is not a citizen of Botswana; (c) for the imposition of restrictions on the entry into or residence within defined areas of Botswana of persons who are not Bushmen to the extent that such restrictions are reasonably required for the protection or well-being of Bushmen; (d) for the imposition of restrictions upon the movement or residence within Botswana of public officers; or (e) for the removal of a person from Botswana to be tried outside Botswana for a criminal offence or to undergo imprisonment in some other country in execution of the sentence of a court in respect of a criminal offence under the law in force in Botswana of which he has been convicted. (4) If any person whose freedom of movement has been restricted by order under such a provision as is referred to in subsection (3)(a) of this section (other than a restriction which is applicable to persons generally or to general classes of persons) so requests at any time during the period of that restriction not earlier than six months after the order was made or six months after he last made such request, as the case may be, his case shall be reviewed by an independent and impartial tribunal presided over by a person, qualified to be enrolled as an advocate in Botswana, appointed by the Chief Justice. (5) On any review by a tribunal in pursuance of this section of the case of a person whose freedom of movement has been restricted, the tribunal may make recommendations, concerning the necessity or expediency of continuing the restriction to the authority by which it was ordered but, unless it is otherwise provided by law, that authority shall not be obliged to act in accordance with any such recommendations.
14.
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15.
Protection from discrimination on the grounds of race, etc. (1) Subject to the provisions of subsections (4), (5) and (7) of this section, no law shall make any provision that is discriminatory either of itself or in its effect. (2) Subject to the provisions of subsections (6), (7) and (8) of this section, no person shall be treated in a discriminatory manner by any person acting by virtue of any written law or in the performance of the functions of any public office or any public authority. (3) In this section, the expression "discriminatory" means affording different treatment to different persons, attributable wholly or mainly to their respective descriptions by race, tribe, place of origin, political opinions, colour or creed whereby persons of one such description are subjected to disabilities or restrictions to which persons of another such description are not made subject or are accorded privileges or advantages which are not accorded to persons of another such description. (4) Subsection (1) of this section shall not apply to any law so far as that law makes provision (a) for the appropriation of public revenues or other public funds; (b) with respect to persons who are not citizens of Botswana; (c) with respect to adoption, marriage, divorce, burial, devolution of property on death or other matters of personal law; (d) for the application in the case of members of a particular race, community or tribe of customary law with respect to any matter whether to the exclusion of any law in respect to that matter which is applicable in the case of other persons or not; or (e) whereby persons of any such description as is mentioned in subsection (3) of this section may be subjected to any disability or restriction or may be accorded any privilege or advantage which, having regard to its nature and to special circumstances pertaining to those persons or to persons of any other such description, is reasonably justifiable in a democratic society. (5) Nothing contained in any law shall be held to be inconsistent with or in contravention of subsection (1) of this section to the extent that it makes reasonable provision with respect to qualifications for service as a public officer or as a member of a disciplined force or for the service of a local government authority or a body corporate established directly by any law. (6) Subsection (2) of this section shall not apply to anything which is expressly or by necessary implication authorized to be done by any such provision of law as is referred to in subsection (4) or (5) of this section. (7) Nothing contained in or done under the authority of any law shall be held to be inconsistent with or in contravention of this section to the extent that the law in question makes provision whereby persons of any such description as is mentioned in subsection (3) of this section may be subjected to any restriction on the rights and freedoms guaranteed by sections 9, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of this Constitution, being such a restriction as is authorized by section 9(2), 11(5), 12(2) 13(2), or 14(3), as the case may be. (8) Nothing in subsection (2) of this section shall affect any discretion relating to the institution, conduct or discontinuance of civil or criminal proceedings in any court that is vested in any person by or under this Constitution or any other law. (9) Nothing contained in or done under the authority of any law shall be held to be inconsistent with the provisions of this section (a) if that law was in force immediately before the coming into operation of this Constitution and has continued in force at all times since the coming into operation of this Constitution; or (b) to the extent that the law repeals and re-enacts any provision which has been contained in any written law at all times since immediately before the coming into operation of this Constitution. 16. Derogation from fundamental rights and freedoms
- 93 (1) Nothing contained in or done under the authority of any law shall be held to be inconsistent with or in contravention of section 5 or 15 of this Constitution to the extent that the law authorizes the taking during any period when Botswana is at war or any period when a declaration under section 17 of this Constitution is in force, of measures that are reasonably justifiable for the purpose of dealing with the situation that exists during that period. (2) Where a person is detained by virtue of such an authorization as is referred to in subsection (1) of this section the following provisions shall apply (a) he shall, as soon as reasonably practicable and in any case not more than five days after the commencement of his detention, be furnished with a statement in writing in a language that he understands specifying in detail the grounds upon which he is detained; (b) not more than 14 days after the commencement of his detention, a notification shall be published in the Gazette stating that he has been detained and giving particulars of the provision of law under which his detention is authorized; (c) not more than one month after the commencement of his detention and thereafter during his detention at intervals of not more than six months, his case shall be reviewed by an independent and impartial tribunal established by law and presided over by a person, qualified to be enrolled as an advocate in Botswana, appointed by the Chief Justice; and (d) he shall be afforded reasonable facilities to consult and instruct, at his own expense, a legal representative and he and any such legal representative shall be permitted to make written or oral representations or both to the tribunal appointed for the review of his case. (3) On any review by a tribunal in pursuance of this section of the case of a detained person, the tribunal may make recommendations, concerning the necessity or expediency of continuing his detention, to the authority by which it was ordered but, unless it is otherwise provided by law, that authority shall not be obliged to act in accordance with any such recommendations. 17. Declarations relating to emergencies (1) The President may at any time, by Proclamation published in the Gazette, declare that a state of public emergency exists. (2) A declaration under subsection (1) of this section, if not sooner revoked, shall cease to have effect (a) in the case of a declaration made when Parliament is sitting or has been summoned to meet within seven days, at the expiration of a period of seven days beginning with the date of publication of the declaration; or (b) in any other case, at the expiration of a period of 21 days beginning with the date of publication of the declaration, unless before the expiration of that period, it is approved by a resolution passed by the National Assembly, supported by the votes of a majority of all the voting members of the Assembly. (3) Subject to the provisions of subsection (4) of this section, a declaration approved by a resolution of the National Assembly under subsection (2) of this section shall continue in force until the expiration of a period of six months beginning with the date of its being so approved or until such earlier date as may be specified in the resolution: Provided that the National Assembly may, by resolution, supported by the votes of a majority of all the voting members of the Assembly, extend its approval of the declaration for periods of not more than six months at a time. (4) The National Assembly may by resolution at any time revoke a declaration approved by the Assembly under this section. Enforcement of protective provisions (1) Subject to the provisions of subsection (5) of this section, if any person alleges that any of the provisions of sections 3 to 16 (inclusive) of this Constitution has been, is being or is likely to be contravened in relation to him, then, without prejudice to any other action with respect 18.
- 94 to the same matter which is lawfully available, that person may apply to the High Court for redress. (2) The High Court shall have original jurisdiction (a) to hear and determine any application made by any person in pursuance of subsection (1) of this section; or (b) to determine any question arising in the case of any person which is referred to it in pursuance of subsection (3) of this section, and may make such orders, issue such writs and give such direction as it may consider appropriate for the purpose of enforcing or securing the enforcement of any of the provisions of sections 3 to 16 (inclusive) of this Constitution. (3) If in any proceedings in any subordinate court any question arises as to the contravention of any of the provisions of sections 3 to 16 (inclusive) of this Constitution, the person presiding in that court may, and shall if any party to the proceedings so requests, refer the question to the High Court unless, in his opinion, the raising of the question is merely frivolous or vexatious. (4) Parliament may confer upon the High Court such powers in addition to those conferred by this section as may appear to be necessary or desirable for the purpose of enabling that court more effectively to exercise the jurisdiction conferred upon it by this section. (5) Rules of court making provision with respect to the practice and procedure of the High Court for the purposes of this section may be made by the person or authority for the time being having power to make rules of court with respect to the practice and procedure of that court generally. 19. Interpretation and savings (1) In this Chapter, unless the context otherwise requires "court" means any court of law having jurisdiction in Botswana other than a court established by a disciplinary law, and in sections 4 and 6 of this Constitution a court established by a disciplinary law; "disciplinary law" means a law regulating the discipline of any disciplined force; "disciplined force" means (a) a naval, military or air force; (b) a police force; or (c) a prison service; "legal representative" means a person entitled to practise in Botswana as an advocate or attorney; "member", in relation to a disciplined force, includes any person who, under the law regulating the discipline of that force, is subject to that discipline. (2) In relation to any person who is a member of a disciplined force raised under an Act of Parliament, nothing contained in or done under the authority of the disciplinary law of that force shall be held to be inconsistent with or in contravention of any of the provisions of this Chapter other than sections 4, 6 and 7. (3) In relation to any person who is a member of a disciplined force raised otherwise than as aforesaid and lawfully present in Botswana, nothing contained in or done under the authority of the disciplinary law of that force shall be held to be inconsistent with or in contravention of any of the provisions of this Chapter. CHAPTER III CITIZENSHIP [Ch0000s20to29]20 to 29 inclusive. [Repealed.] CHAPTER IV THE EXECUTIVE PART I The President and the Vice-President (ss 30-41) 30. Office of President
- 95 There shall be a President of the Republic of Botswana who shall be the Head of State. 31. First President (1) The first President shall be the person who immediately before 30th September, 1966 holds the office of Prime Minister under the Constitution. (2) The first President shall be deemed to have assumed office at the coming into operation of this Constitution. 32. Election of President after dissolution of Parliament (1) Whenever Parliament is dissolved an election shall be held to the office of President in such manner as is prescribed by this section and, subject thereto, by or under an Act of Parliament. (2) Nominations in the election of a President shall be delivered to the returning officer on such day and at such time as may be prescribed by or under any law for the time being in force in Botswana; the nomination of a candidate in an election of a President shall not be valid unless it is supported, in such manner as may be prescribed by or under an Act of Parliament, by not less than 1000 persons registered as voters for the purpose of elections to the Assembly. (3) The following provisions shall then apply (a) a person nominated as a Parliamentary candidate may, at the time of his nomination and subject to the provisions of paragraph (b), declare in such manner as may be prescribed by or under an Act of Parliament which of the candidates in the election of President he supports, but the nomination of a Parliamentary candidate shall be valid notwithstanding that the nomination paper does not contain such a declaration; (b) such a declaration shall not be made in relation to any Presidential candidate unless that candidate has signified, in such manner as may be prescribed by or under an Act of Parliament, his consent to the making of a declaration in his favour by that Parliamentary candidate; (c) where the Parliamentary election is contested in any constituency a poll shall be taken in that constituency at which the votes shall be given by ballot, and for the purposes of that poll any Parliamentary candidate who declared support in accordance with paragraph (a) for a particular Presidential candidate shall use the same voting colour and symbol, if any, as may have been allocated under any law for the time being in force in Botswana to that Presidential candidate for the purposes of the Presidential election; (d) the returning officer shall declare to be elected as President any candidate for whom support has been declared in accordance with paragraph (a) above by not less than such number of persons elected as Members of the National Assembly in the Parliamentary election as corresponds to more than half the total number of seats for Elected Members in the Assembly, and if there is no such person the returning officer shall declare that no candidate has been elected. (4) Parliament may make provision whereby the time for nominating Presidential candidates may be extended in the event of there being no qualified candidate nominated at the expiration of the time for the delivery of such nominations. (5) Where, at the expiration of the time for the delivery of nominations in the election of a President, more than one qualified candidate is validly nominated and any of those candidates dies before the commencement of the poll in the Parliamentary election, the poll in the Parliamentary election shall be countermanded, fresh nominations of Parliamentary candidates shall take place in every constituency and a fresh election of a President shall be held in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this section. (6) Where (a) any candidate in an election of a President dies during the period commencing with the taking of the poll in the Parliamentary election and ending when the result of the election has been ascertained and that candidate would, but for his death, have been entitled to have been declared elected as President under subsection (3) of this section; or
- 96 (b) the returning officer declares in accordance with the provisions of subsection (3)(d) of this section that no candidate has been elected, the new National Assembly shall meet on such day (not being more than 14 days after the result of the election is ascertained or, as the case may be, the declaration that no candidate has been elected) as the Speaker shall appoint, and shall elect a person to the office of President in such manner as is prescribed by section 35(5) of this Constitution and subject thereto by or under an Act of Parliament. Such an election shall take place before the election of the Specially Elected Members of the National Assembly. (7) A person elected to the office of President under this section shall assume that office on the day upon which he is declared elected. (8) Without prejudice to the provisions of section 92 of this Constitution, an Elected Member of the National Assembly may, in the event of there being one or more successful election petitions following a general election, move, at the first sitting of the Assembly after the resultant by-elections have been decided and the Members thereby elected have taken their seats, that the President does not enjoy the support of the majority of the Elected Members of the Assembly; and in the voting on that question the Specially Elected Members of the Assembly shall have no vote. If it appears as a result of the voting on that question that the President does not enjoy the support of a majority of the elected Members of the Assembly, the office of President shall become vacant. (9) Any Elected Member of the Assembly may give notice to the President that he intends to move in the Assembly a motion under subsection (8) and notwithstanding any other provision of this Constitution the President shall not after receipt of any such notice be empowered to dissolve Parliament before the conclusion of the sitting of the Assembly mentioned in the said subsection (8). (10) If the office of President becomes vacant in accordance with subsection (8) of this section the seats of the Specially Elected Members of the Assembly shall also become vacant, and the election of a person to the office of President shall take place before the election of the Specially Elected Members. (11) In this section "Parliamentary candidate" means a candidate in the Parliamentary election; "the Parliamentary election" means the general election to elect those Members of the National Assembly who are referred to in section 58(2)(a) of this Constitution following any dissolution of Parliament; "Presidential candidate" means a candidate for the office of President; "the returning officer" means the returning officer specified in section 38 of this Constitution. 33. Qualification for election as President (1) A person shall be qualified for election as President if, and shall not be qualified unless, he (a) is a citizen of Botswana by birth or descent; (b) has attained the age of 30 years; and (c) is qualified to be elected as a Member of the National Assembly. (2) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, for the purposes of this section and section 39 (a) the term "citizen by birth" shall be understood to include only those persons who became citizens of Botswana prior to the amendment of the law relating to citizenship by the Cap. 01:01 Citizenship Act; (b) any person who, although his father was a citizen of Botswana at the time of that person's birth, had, by virtue of his having been born outside Botswana, to be registered as a citizen of Botswana, under the law relating to citizenship in force at that time, shall be regarded as a citizen by descent.
- 97 34. Tenure of office of President 16 of 1997, s. 2. (1) The President shall, subject to the provisions of this section, hold office for an aggregate period not exceeding 10 years beginning from the date of his first assumption of office of President after the commencement of this Act. (2) The President shall cease to hold the office of President if at any time during his tenure of office any circumstances arise that would, if he were not a member of the National Assembly, cause him to be disqualified for election thereto. (3) The President shall cease to hold office of President at the expiry of the period prescribed under subsection (1) of this section, or when the person elected at the next election of President following a dissolution of Parliament assumes office. 35. Vacancy in office of President 16 of 1997, s. 3. (1) Whenever the President dies, resigns or ceases to hold office, the Vice-President shall assume office as President with effect from the date of the death, resignation or ceasing to be President. (2) If the office of President (a) becomes vacant in circumstances in which there is no Vice-President; or (b) is vacant whilst the Vice-President is absent from Botswana or is, by reason of physical or mental infirmity unable to perform the functions of his office, the functions of the office of President shall, until such time as a new President assumes office in accordance with this section or section 32 of this Constitution, be performed by such Minister as the Cabinet shall appoint. For the purposes of this subsection, a certificate of the Chief Justice that the Vice-President is by reason of physical or mental infirmity unable to discharge the functions of his office, shall, in respect of any period for which it is in force, be conclusive and shall not be questioned in any court. (3) Any person performing the functions of the office of President by virtue of subsection (1) or (2) of this section shall not exercise the power of the President to revoke the appointment of Vice-President or to dissolve Parliament. (4) If the office of President becomes vacant, the National Assembly shall, unless Parliament is dissolved, and notwithstanding that it may be prorogued, meet on the seventh day after the office of President becomes vacant, or on such earlier day as may be appointed by the Speaker, and shall elect a person to the office in such manner as is prescribed by the next following subsection and, subject thereto, by or under an Act of Parliament. (5) In an election of a President under this section (a) the Speaker shall preside at the meeting and conduct the election; (b) a person may be a candidate if and shall not be a candidate unless he has been nominated as a candidate with his consent prior to the sitting of the National Assembly at which the election takes place, by not less than 10 Members of the National Assembly entitled to vote in that election; (c) at the election every Member of the Assembly except the Speaker and the Attorney-General shall be entitled to vote; (d) the votes of the Members of the Assembly who are entitled to vote shall be given by ballot in such manner as not to disclose how any particular Member voted, and any person who receives the votes of more than one half of the total number of persons entitled to vote shall be declared elected as President; (e) a person elected as President under this section shall assume the office of President on the day upon which he is declared to be elected; (f) not more than three ballots shall be taken unless in the opinion of the Speaker the holding of further ballots is likely to result in the election of a President, in which case not more than two further ballots may be taken; (g) only one ballot shall be taken at any sitting of the Assembly, and the Speaker may adjourn the meeting at which a second or subsequent ballot is to be taken for such number
- 98 of days (in addition to the days on which and to which the meeting is adjourned), not being more than two, as he thinks fit; (h) if there is no candidate duly nominated for the first ballot in accordance with paragraph (b) or if after the number of ballots permitted under paragraph (f) have been taken no candidate has been declared elected Parliament shall stand dissolved or, in the case of a Presidential election held in accordance with section 32(6) of this Constitution, the foregoing general election shall be void. (6) No business other than the election of a President shall be transacted at a meeting of the National Assembly under subsection (4) of this section or under section 32(6) of this Constitution and such a meeting or any sitting thereof shall not be regarded as a meeting or sitting of the Assembly for the purposes of any other provision of this Constitution. (7) At any time when the office of Speaker is vacant or the holder of that office is unable by reason of absence or illness to exercise the functions vested in him by this section and section 32(6) of this Constitution, those functions may be exercised by the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly or, if there is no Deputy Speaker or the Deputy Speaker is unable by reason of absence or illness to exercise those functions, by such member of the Assembly (not being the President or Vice-President or a Minister or Assistant Minister) as the Assembly may elect for that purpose. 36. Discharge of functions of President during absence, illness, etc. (1) Whenever the President is absent from Botswana or considers it desirable to do so by reason of illness or any other cause he may, by directions in writing, authorize (a) the Vice-President; or (b) during any period when there is no Vice-President or the Vice-President is absent from Botswana or is, by reason of physical or mental infirmity, unable to perform the functions of his office, some other Minister, to discharge such of the functions of the office of President as he may specify, and the VicePresident or other Minister may discharge those functions until his authority is revoked by the President. (2) If the President is incapable by reason of physical or mental infirmity of discharging the functions of his office and the infirmity is of such a nature that the President is unable to authorize another person under this section to perform those functions (a) the Vice-President; or (b) during any period when there is no Vice-President or the Vice-President is absent from Botswana or the Vice-President is, by reason of physical or mental infirmity, unable to perform the functions of his office, such Minister as the Cabinet shall appoint, shall perform the functions of the office of President. (3) A person performing the functions of the office of President under this section shall not exercise the power of the President to revoke the appointment of the Vice-President or to dissolve Parliament. (4) A person performing the functions of the office of President by virtue of subsection (2) of this section shall cease to perform those functions if he is notified by the President that the President is about to resume those functions. (5) For the purposes of this section, a certificate of the Chief Justice that (a) the President is incapable by reason of physical or mental infirmity of discharging the functions of his office and the infirmity is of such a nature that the President is unable to authorize another person under this section to perform the functions of his office; or (b) the Vice-President is by reason of physical or mental infirmity unable to discharge the functions of his office, shall, in respect of any period for which it is in force, be conclusive and shall not be questioned in any court:
- 99 Provided that any such certificate as is referred to in paragraph (a) of this subsection shall cease to have effect if the President notifies any person under subsection (4) of this section that he is about to resume the functions of the office of President. 37. Oath of President A person assuming the office of President shall, before entering upon the duties of that office, take and subscribe such oaths as may be prescribed by Parliament. 38. Returning officer at elections of President (1) The Chief Justice shall be the returning officer for the purposes of elections to the office of President. (2) Any question which may arise as to whether (a) any provision of this Constitution or any law relating to the election of a President under section 32 or 35 of this Constitution has been complied with; or (b) any person has been validly elected as President under those sections, shall be referred to and determined by the returning officer whose decision shall not be questioned in any court. 39. Vice President 16 of 1997, s. 4. (1) There shall be a Vice-President who shall be appointed by the President from among the Elected Members of the National Assembly who are citizens of Botswana by birth or descent, which appointment shall be endorsed by the said Elected Members. (2) The Vice-President shall continue in office until a person elected at the next election of President under section 32 or 35 of this Constitution assumes office: Provided that the office of Vice-President shall become vacant (i) if the appointment of the holder of the office is revoked by the President; or (ii) if the holder of the office ceases to be a Member of the National Assembly for any other reason than a dissolution of Parliament. (3) The Vice-President shall not enter upon the duties of his office unless he has taken and subscribed the oath of allegiance and such oath for the due execution of his office as may be prescribed by Parliament. (4) If the Vice-President is absent from Botswana or is incapable by reason of illness or any other cause of discharging the functions of his office, the President may appoint a person, from among the Members of the Assembly, to perform the functions of the office of VicePresident and any person so appointed may discharge those functions accordingly: Provided that a person appointed under this subsection shall cease to perform the functions of the office of Vice-President (i) if his appointment is revoked by the President; (ii) if he ceases to be a Member of the Assembly otherwise than by reason of a dissolution of Parliament; (iii) upon the assumption by any person of the office of President; or (iv) upon the President giving him notice that the Vice-President is about to resume his functions. (5) Where the Vice-President is performing the functions of the office of President in accordance with section 35 or 36 of this Constitution he may appoint a person, from among the Members of the Assembly, to perform the functions of the office of Vice-President and any person so appointed may discharge those functions accordingly: Provided that a person appointed under this subsection shall cease to perform the functions of the office of Vice-President (i) if his appointment is revoked by the Vice-President; (ii) if he ceases to be a Member of the Assembly otherwise than by reason of a dissolution of Parliament; or
- 100 (iii) if the Vice-President ceases to perform the functions of the office of President. (6) In this section references to Members of the Assembly shall, in the event of Parliament being dissolved, be construed as references to those persons who immediately before the dissolution were Members of the Assembly. [ 40. Salary and allowances of President (1) The President shall receive such salary and allowances as may be prescribed by resolution of the National Assembly, which shall be a charge on the general revenues of the Republic. (2) The salary and allowances of the President shall not be altered to his disadvantage during his period of office. (3) A person who has held the office of President shall receive such pension or, upon the expiration of his term of office, such gratuity as may be prescribed by resolution of the National Assembly, which shall be a charge on the Consolidated Fund. 41. Protection of President in respect of legal proceedings (1) Whilst any person holds or performs the functions of the office of President no criminal proceedings shall be instituted or continued against him in respect of anything done or omitted to be done by him either in his official capacity or in his private capacity and no civil proceedings shall be instituted or continued in respect of which relief is claimed against him in respect of anything done or omitted to be done in his private capacity. (2) Where provision is made by law limiting the time within which proceedings of any description may be brought against any person, the term of any person in the office of President shall not be taken into account in calculating any period of time prescribed by that law which determines whether any such proceedings as are mentioned in subsection (1) of this section may be brought against that person. PART II The Cabinet (ss 42-46) 42. Ministers and Assistant Ministers (1) There shall be such offices of Minister of the Government (not exceeding six or such other number as Parliament may from time to time provide) as may be established by Parliament or, subject to the provisions of any Act of Parliament, by the President. (2) There shall be such offices of Assistant Minister (not exceeding three or such number as Parliament may from time to time provide) as may be established by Parliament or, subject to the provisions of any Act of Parliament, by the President. (3) Appointments to the office of Minister or Assistant Minister shall be made by the President from among Members of the National Assembly: Provided that (i) not more than four persons may be appointed as Minister or Assistant Minister from amongst persons who are not Members of the Assembly but are qualified for election as such; and (ii) if occasion arises for making an appointment to the office of a Minister or an Assistant Minister while Parliament is dissolved a person who was a Member of the Assembly before the dissolution may be appointed as a Minister or an Assistant Minister. 43. Tenure of office of Ministers and Assistant Ministers The office of any Minister or Assistant Minister shall become vacant (a) in the case of a Minister or Assistant Minister appointed from among the Members of the National Assembly, or in the case of a Minister or Assistant Minister appointed from among persons who are not Members of the Assembly who becomes a Member of the Assembly before the expiration of four months from the date of his appointment
- 101 (i) if he ceases to be a Member of the National Assembly otherwise than by reason of a dissolution of the National Assembly; or (ii) if, at the first sitting of the Assembly after a general election, he is not a Member of the Assembly; (b) in the case of a Minister or Assistant Minister appointed from among persons who are not Members of the Assembly, if before the expiration of four months from the date of his appointment (i) circumstances arise (other than a dissolution of the Assembly) that, if he were such a Member, would cause him to vacate his seat in the Assembly; or (ii) he does not become a Member of the Assembly; (c) if the holder of the office is removed from office by the President; (d) upon the assumption by any person of the office of President. 44. Cabinet (1) There shall be a Cabinet which shall consist of the President, Vice-President and the Ministers. (2) There shall preside at meetings of the Cabinet (a) the President; (b) in the absence of the President, the Vice-President; or (c) in the absence of the President and the Vice-President, such Minister as the President may designate. (3) The Cabinet may act notwithstanding any vacancy in its membership. 45. Oaths to be taken by Ministers and Assistant Ministers The Vice-President, a Minister or an Assistant Minister shall not enter upon the duties of his office unless he has taken and subscribed the oath of allegiance and such oath for the due execution of his office as may be prescribed by Parliament. [Ch0000s46] 46. Secretary to the Cabinet (1) There shall be a Secretary to the Cabinet whose office shall be a public office. (2) The Secretary to the Cabinet shall have charge of the Cabinet Office and shall be responsible, in accordance with such instructions as may be given to him by the President, for arranging the business for, and keeping the minutes of, the Cabinet, for conveying decisions of the Cabinet to the appropriate person or authority, and shall have such other functions as the President may from time to time direct. PART III Executive Functions (ss 47-56) 47. Functions of President (1) The executive power of Botswana shall vest in the President and, subject to the provisions of this Constitution, shall be exercised by him either directly or through officers subordinate to him. (2) In the exercise of any function conferred upon him by this Constitution or any other law the President shall, unless it is otherwise provided, act in his own deliberate judgment and shall not be obliged to follow the advice tendered by any other person or authority. (3) Nothing in this section shall prevent Parliament from conferring functions on persons or authorities other than the President. 48. Command of armed forces (1) The supreme command of the armed forces of the Republic shall vest in the President and he shall hold the office of Commander in Chief. (2) The powers conferred on the President by subsection (1) of this section shall include
- 102 (a) the power to determine the operational use of the armed forces; (b) the power to appoint members of the armed forces, to make appointments on promotion to any office in the armed forces and to dismiss any member of the armed forces. (3) The President may, by directions in writing and subject to such conditions as he may think fit, delegate to any member of the armed forces any of the powers mentioned in subsection (2) of this section. (4) Parliament may regulate the exercise of the powers conferred by or under this section. 49. Functions of Vice-President The Vice-President shall be the principal assistant of the President in the discharge of his executive functions and shall be responsible, under the directions of the President, for such business of the government of Botswana (including the administration of any department of Government) as the President may assign to him. 50. Functions of Cabinet Ministers and Assistant Ministers (1) The Cabinet shall be responsible for advising the President with respect to the policy of the Government and with respect to such other matters as may be referred to it by the President and shall, subject to the provisions of this Constitution, be responsible to the National Assembly for all things done by or under the authority of the President, Vice-President or any Minister in the execution of his office. (2) The President shall, so far as practicable and subject to the provisions of this Constitution, consult the Cabinet on matters of policy and the exercise of his functions. (3) The obligation of the President to consult his Cabinet and for the Cabinet to accept responsibility under this section shall not apply to the exercise by the President of his powers in relation to the appointment or removal of the Vice-President, Ministers and Assistant Ministers, the dissolution of Parliament, the Prerogative of Mercy, the assignment of responsibility to the Vice-President or any Minister and the specification of the functions of an Assistant Minister. (4) A Minister shall be responsible, under the direction of the President, for such business of the government of Botswana (including the administration of any department of Government) as the President may assign to him. (5) An Assistant Minister shall (a) assist the President or the Vice-President in the discharge of such of the functions of the office of President or Vice-President as the President may specify; or (b) assist such Minister in the discharge of the functions assigned to him under subsection (4) of this section as the President may specify. 51. Attorney-General (1) There shall be an Attorney-General whose office shall be a public office. (2) The Attorney-General shall be the principal legal adviser to the Government of Botswana. (3) The Attorney-General shall have power in any case in which he considers it desirable to do so (a) to institute and undertake criminal proceedings against any person before any court (other than a court-martial) in respect of any offence alleged to have been committed by that person; (b) to take over and continue any such criminal proceedings that have been instituted or undertaken by any other person or authority; and (c) to discontinue at any stage before judgment is delivered any such criminal proceedings instituted or undertaken by himself or any other person or authority. (4) The powers of the Attorney-General under subsection (3) may be exercised by him in person or by officers subordinate to him acting in accordance with his general or special instructions.
- 103 (5) The powers conferred on the Attorney-General by paragraphs (b) and (c) of subsection (3) shall be vested in him to the exclusion of any other person or authority: Provided that where any other person or authority has instituted criminal proceedings, nothing in this subsection shall prevent the withdrawal of those proceedings by or at the instance of that person or authority and with the leave of the court. (6) For the purposes of this section, any appeal from any judgment in any criminal proceedings before any court, or any case stated or question of law reserved for the purpose of any such proceedings, to any other court shall be deemed to be part of those proceedings: Provided that the power conferred on the Attorney-General by subsection (3)(c) of this section shall not be exercised in relation to any appeal by a person convicted in any criminal proceedings or to any case stated or question of law reserved at the instance of such a person. (7) In the exercise of the functions vested in him by subsection (3) of this section, the Attorney-General shall not be subject to the direction or control of any other person or authority. 52. Permanent Secretaries Where any Minister has been charged with responsibility for any department of Government, he shall exercise general direction and control over that department and, subject to such direction and control, the department shall be under the supervision of a Permanent Secretary whose office shall be a public office. 53. Prerogative of Mercy The President may (a) grant to any person convicted of any offence a pardon, either free or subject to lawful conditions; (b) grant to any person a respite, either indefinite or for a specified period, of the execution of any punishment imposed on that person for any offence; (c) substitute a less severe form of punishment for any punishment imposed on any person for any offence; and (d) remit the whole or part of any punishment imposed on any person for any offence or of any penalty or forfeiture otherwise due to the Government on account of any offence. 54. of (a) the Vice-President or a Minister appointed by the President by instrument in writing under his hand; (b) the Attorney-General; and (c) a person qualified to practise in Botswana as a medical practitioner, appointed by the President by instrument in writing under his hand. (2) A member of the Committee appointed under subsection (1)(a) or (c) of this section shall hold his seat thereon for such period as may be specified in the instrument by which he was appointed: Provided that his seat shall become vacant (i) in the case of a person who, at the date of his appointment, was the VicePresident or a Minister, if he ceases to be the Vice-President or a Minister; or (ii) if the President, by instrument in writing under his hand, so directs. (3) The Committee shall not be summoned except by the authority of the President who shall, as far as is practicable, attend and preside at all meetings of the Committee, and, in the absence of the President, the member of the Committee appointed under subsection (1)(a) of this section shall preside. (4) The Committee may act notwithstanding any vacancy in its membership and its proceedings shall not be invalidated by the presence or participation of any person not entitled to be present at or to participate in those proceedings.
Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy (1) There shall be an Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy which shall consist
- 104 (5) Subject to the provisions of this section, the Committee may regulate its own procedure. 55. Functions of Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy (1) Where any person has been sentenced to death for any offence, the President shall cause a written report of the case from the trial judge, together with such other information derived from the record of the case or elsewhere as he may require, to be considered at a meeting of the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy; and after obtaining the advice of the Committee he shall decide whether to exercise any of his powers under section 53 of this Constitution. (2) The President may consult with the Committee before deciding whether to exercise any of his powers under the said section 53 in any case not falling within subsection (1) of this section. [Ch0000s56] 56. Constitution of offices Subject to the provisions of this Constitution and of any Act of Parliament, the powers of constituting and abolishing offices for Botswana shall vest in the President. CHAPTER V PARLIAMENT PART I Composition (ss 57-70) 57. Parliament There shall be a Parliament of Botswana which shall consist of the President and a National Assembly. [Ch0000s58] 58. Composition of National Assembly (1) The President shall be ex-officio a member of the National Assembly, and shall be entitled to speak and to vote in all proceedings of the National Assembly. (2) In addition to the President the National Assembly shall consist of 27 of 1992, s. 2, 12 of 2002, s. 2. (a) 57 Elected Members who shall be elected in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution and subject thereto in accordance with the provisions of any Act of Parliament; (b) four Specially Elected Members who shall be elected in accordance with the provisions of the Schedule to this Constitution and subject thereto in accordance with the provisions of any Act of Parliament; and (c) the Attorney-General. (3) If a person who is not a member of the National Assembly is elected to the office of Speaker of the National Assembly, that person shall, by virtue of holding that office, be a member of the Assembly in addition to the members referred to in subsections (1) and (2) of this section. 59. Speaker (1) There shall be a Speaker of the National Assembly who shall be elected by the Members of the Assembly from among persons who are Members of the Assembly or from among persons who are not Members of the Assembly. (2) The President, the Vice-President, a Minister, an Assistant Minister or a public officer shall not be qualified to be elected as Speaker. (3) The Speaker shall vacate his office (a) if, having been elected from among the Members of the National Assembly, he ceases to be a Member of the Assembly otherwise than by reason of a dissolution of Parliament or if he is required by virtue of section 68(2) to (3) of this Constitution, to cease to perform his functions as a Member of the Assembly; (b) if any circumstances arise that, if he were not Speaker, would disqualify him for election as such; (c) when the Assembly first sits after any dissolution of Parliament; or
- 105 (d) if he is removed from office by a resolution of the Assembly supported by the votes of not less than two-thirds of all the Members thereof. (4) No business shall be transacted in the National Assembly (other than an election to the office of Speaker) at any time when the office of Speaker is vacant. 60. Deputy Speaker (1) There shall be a Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly who shall be elected from among the persons who are Members of the Assembly other than the President, the VicePresident, Ministers or Assistant Ministers. (2) The Members of the National Assembly shall elect a person to the office of Deputy Speaker when the Assembly first sits after any dissolution and, if the office becomes vacant otherwise than by reason of the dissolution of the Assembly, at the first sitting of the Assembly after the office becomes vacant. (3) The Deputy Speaker shall vacate his office (a) if he ceases to be a Member of the National Assembly, otherwise than by reason of a dissolution of Parliament; (b) if any circumstances arise that, if he were not Deputy Speaker, would disqualify him for election as such; (c) if he is required, by virtue of section 68(2) to (3) of this Constitution, to cease to perform his functions as a Member of the Assembly; (d) if he is elected as Speaker; (e) if he is removed from office by a resolution of the Assembly supported by the votes of not less than two-thirds of all the Members of the Assembly; or (f) when the Assembly first sits after any dissolution of Parliament. 61. Qualifications for election to National Assembly Subject to the provisions of section 62 of this Constitution, a person shall be qualified to be elected as a Member of the National Assembly if, and shall not be qualified to be so elected unless (a) he is a citizen of Botswana; 16 of 1997, s. 5. (b) he has attained the age of 18 years; (c) he is qualified for registration as a voter for the purposes of the election of the Elected Members of the National Assembly and is so registered; and (d) he is able to speak, and, unless incapacitated by blindness or other physical cause, to read English well enough to take an active part in the proceedings of the Assembly. [Ch0000s62] 62. Disqualifications for membership of National Assembly (1) No person shall be qualified to be elected as a Member of the National Assembly who (a) is, by virtue of his own act, under any acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state; (b) has been declared insolvent or adjudged or otherwise declared bankrupt under any law for the time being in force in Botswana and has not been discharged, or has made a composition with his creditors and has not paid his debts in full; (c) is certified to be insane or otherwise adjudged or declared to be of unsound mind under any law for the time being in force in Botswana; (d) is a Member of the House of Chiefs; (e) subject to such exceptions as may be prescribed by Parliament, holds any public office, or is acting in any public office by virtue of a contract of service expressed to continue for a period exceeding six months; S.I. 119/1993. (f) is under sentence of death imposed on him by a court in any part of the Commonwealth, or is under a sentence of imprisonment (by whatever name called) exceeding six months imposed on him by such a court or substituted by competent authority for some other sentence imposed on him by such a court;
- 106 (g) holds, or is acting in, any office the functions of which involve any responsibility for, or in connection with, the conduct of any elections to the Assembly or the compilation or revision of any electoral register for the purposes of such elections. (2) Parliament may provide that a person shall not be qualified for election to the National Assembly for such period (not exceeding five years) as may be prescribed if he is convicted of any such offence connected with elections to the Assembly as may be prescribed. (3) For the purposes of this section two or more terms of imprisonment that are required to be served consecutively shall be regarded as a single term of imprisonment for the aggregate period of those terms, and no account shall be taken of a sentence of imprisonment imposed as an alternative to or in default of the payment of a fine. 63. Constituencies Botswana shall be divided into as many constituencies as there are Elected Members of the National Assembly and each of those constituencies shall return one Member to the National Assembly. 64. Delimitation Commission (1) The Judicial Service Commission shall, not later than 1st March, 1969, and thereafter at intervals of not less than five nor more than 10 years, appoint a Delimitation Commission consisting of a Chairman and not more than four other members. (2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1) of this section, at any time when (a) Parliament has made provision altering the number of seats of Elected Members in the National Assembly; or (b) a comprehensive national population census is held in Botswana, the Judicial Service Commission shall, as soon as practicable thereafter, appoint a Delimitation Commission. (3) The Chairman of a Delimitation Commission shall be selected from among persons who hold or have held high judicial office. (4) No person shall be qualified to be appointed as Chairman or member of a Delimitation Commission who (a) is a Member of the National Assembly; (b) is or has been within the preceding five years actively engaged in politics; or (c) is a public officer. (5) A person shall be deemed to be actively engaged in politics or to have been so engaged during the relevant period if (a) he is, or was at any time during that period, a Member of the National Assembly; (b) he is, or was at any time during that period, nominated as a candidate for election to the National Assembly; or (c) he is, or was at any time during that period, the holder of an office in any political organization that sponsors or supports, or has at any time sponsored or supported, a candidate for election as a Member of the National Assembly: Provided that no person shall be disqualified from holding the office of Chairman or member of a Delimitation Commission by reason only of the fact that he has been the Speaker of the National Assembly if he was elected to that office from amongst persons who were not Members of the National Assembly. (6) The office of Chairman or other member of the Delimitation Commission shall become vacant if circumstances arise that, were he not Chairman or member of the Delimitation Commission, would disqualify him for appointment as such. (7) If, after the appointment of the Delimitation Commission and before the Commission has submitted its report under section 65, the office of Chairman or any other member of the Commission falls vacant or the holder of the office becomes unable for any reason to discharge his functions as a member of the Commission, the Judicial Service Commission may, subject to
- 107 the provisions of subsections (3) to (5) of this section, appoint another person to be a member of the Commission: Provided that a member appointed under this section because of the inability of some other member to discharge his functions shall cease to be a member of the Commission when, in the opinion of the Judicial Service Commission, that other member is able to resume his functions as a member of the Commission. 65. Report of Commission (1) Whenever a Delimitation Commission has been appointed the Commission shall as soon as practicable submit to the President a report which shall state whether any alteration is necessary to the boundaries of the constituencies in order to give effect to subsection (2) of this section or in consequence of any alteration in the number of seats of Elected Members in the National Assembly and where any alteration is necessary shall include a list of the constituencies delimited by the Commission and a description of the boundaries of those constituencies. (2) The boundaries of each constituency shall be such that the number of inhabitants thereof is as nearly equal to the population quota as is reasonably practicable: Provided that the number of inhabitants of a constituency may be greater or less than the population quota in order to take account of natural community of interest, means of communication, geographical features, density of population, and the boundaries of Tribal Territories and administrative districts. (3) In this section "population quota" means the number obtained by dividing the number of inhabitants of Botswana (as ascertained by reference to the latest comprehensive national population census in Botswana) by the number of constituencies into which Botswana is divided under section 63 of this Constitution. (4) The President shall as soon as practicable after the submission of the report of the Delimitation Commission, by Proclamation published in the Gazette, declare the boundaries of the constituencies as delimited by the Commission. (5) A Proclamation made under subsection (4) of this section shall come into force at the next dissolution of the National Assembly after it is made. (6) The Commission may by regulation or otherwise regulate its own procedure and may, subject to its rules of procedure, act notwithstanding any vacancy in its membership or the absence of any member and its proceedings shall not be invalidated by the presence or participation of any person not entitled to be present at or to participate in those proceedings: Provided that any decision of the Commission shall require the concurrence of a majority of all its members. (7) In the exercise of its functions under this section the Delimitation Commission shall not be subject to the direction or control of any other person or authority. (8) A Delimitation Commission shall stand dissolved upon the date on which its report is delivered to the President. 65A. Appointment of Independent Electoral Commission 18 of 1997, s. 2. (1) There shall be an Independent Electoral Commission which shall consist of (a) a Chairman who shall be a judge of the High Court appointed by the Judicial Service Commission; (b) a legal practitioner appointed by the Judicial Service Commission; and (c) five other persons who are fit, proper and impartial, appointed by the Judicial Service Commission from a list of persons recommended by the All Party Conference. (2) Where the All Party Conference fail to agree on all or any number of persons referred to in subsection (1)(c) of this section up to dissolution of Parliament, the Judicial Service Commission shall appoint such person or persons as are necessary to fill any vacancy. (3) For the purposes of this section, All Party Conference means a meeting of all registered political parties convened from time to time by the Minister.
- 108 (4) The first appointments of the Chairman and the Members of the Commission shall be made not later than 31st January, 1999, and thereafter subsequent appointments shall be made at the last dissolution of every two successive lives of Parliament. (5) The Chairman and the members of the Commission shall hold office for a period of two successive lives of Parliament. (6) A person shall not be qualified to be appointed as a member of the Independent Electoral Commission if (a) he has been declared insolvent or adjudged or otherwise declared bankrupt under any law in force in any part of the Commonwealth and has not been discharged, or has made a composition with his creditors and has not paid his debts in full; or (b) he has been convicted of any offence involving dishonesty in any country. (7) A person appointed a member of the Commission shall not enter upon the duties of the office of Commissioner until he has taken and subscribed the oath of allegiance and such oath for the due execution of his office as may be prescribed by an Act of Parliament. (8) The Commission shall regulate its own procedure and proceedings. (9) The Chairman shall preside over all proceedings, and in his absence, the legal practitioner referred to in subsection (1)(b) shall preside over the proceedings. (10) The quorum shall be four members, one of whom shall be the Chairman or the said legal practitioner. (11) All issues shall be decided by the decision of the majority of the members present and voting. (12) The Commission shall be responsible for (a) the conduct and supervision of elections of the Elected Members of the National Assembly and members of a local authority, and conduct of a referendum; (b) giving instructions and directions to the Secretary of the Commission appointed under section 66 in regard to the exercise of his functions under the electoral law prescribed by an Act of Parliament; (c) ensuring that elections are conducted efficiently, properly, freely and fairly; and (d) performing such other functions as may be prescribed by an Act of Parliament. (13) The Commission shall on the completion of any election conducted by it, submit a report on the exercise of its functions under the preceding provisions of this section to the Minister for the time being responsible for matters relating to such elections, and that Minister shall, not later than seven days after the National Assembly first meets after he has received the report, lay it before the National Assembly. 66. Appointment of Secretary to Independent Electoral Commission 18 of 1997, s. 3. (1) There shall be a Secretary to the Independent Electoral Commission referred to in section 65A (in this section referred to as the Secretary). (2) The Secretary shall be appointed by the President. (3) The functions of the Secretary shall, subject to the directions and supervision of the Independent Electoral Commission, be to exercise general supervision over the registration of voters for elections of (a) the Elected Members of the National Assembly; and (b) the members of any local authority, and over the conduct of such elections. (4) A person shall not be qualified to be appointed as Secretary to the Independent Electoral Commission if (a) he is not a citizen of Botswana; (b) he has been declared insolvent or adjudged or otherwise declared bankrupt under any law in force in any part of the Commonwealth and has not been discharged, or has made a composition with his creditors and has not paid his debts in full; or (c) he has been convicted of any offence involving dishonesty in any country.
- 109 (5) A person shall not enter upon the duties of the office of Secretary until he has taken and subscribed to the oath of allegiance and such oath for the due execution of his office as may be prescribed by an Act of Parliament. (6) For the purposes of the exercise of his functions under subsection (3) of this section, the Secretary may give such directions as he considers necessary or expedient to any registering officer, presiding officer or returning officer relating to the exercise by that officer of his functions under any law regulating the registration of voters or the conduct of elections, and any officer to whom directions are given under this subsection shall comply with those directions. (7) Subject to the provisions of this section, a person holding office as Secretary shall vacate that office on attaining the age of 65 years or such other age as may be prescribed by an Act of Parliament. (8) A holder of the office of Secretary may be removed from office only for inability to perform the functions of his office (whether arising from infirmity of body or mind or from any other cause) or for misbehaviour, and shall not be so removed except in accordance with the provisions of this section. (9) If the President considers that the question of removing the Secretary ought to be investigated then (a) he shall appoint a tribunal which shall consist of a Chairman and not less than two members who hold or have held high judicial office; (b) the tribunal shall enquire into and report on the facts thereof to the President and advise the President whether the Secretary ought to be removed from office under this section for inability to perform the functions of his office or for misbehaviour. (10) Where a tribunal appointed under subsection (9) advises the President that the Secretary ought to be removed for inability to perform the functions of his office or for misbehaviour, the President shall remove him from office. (11) If the question of removing the Secretary from office has been referred to a tribunal under subsection (9) of this section, the President may suspend him from performing the functions of his office, and any such suspension may at any time be revoked by the President and shall cease to have effect if the tribunal advises the President that the Secretary ought not to be removed from office. 67. The franchise (1) A person who (a) is a citizen of Botswana or of any other country to which this section is applied by Parliament; 18 of 1997, s. 4(a). (b) has attained the age of 18 years; and (c) has either resided in Botswana for a continuous period of at least 12 months immediately preceding the date on which he applies for registration as a voter or was born in Botswana and is domiciled in Botswana on the date on which he applies for registration as a voter, shall, unless he is disqualified for registration as a voter under any law, be entitled, upon his making application in that behalf at such time and in such manner as may be prescribed by any law, to be registered as a voter for the purposes of elections of Elected Members of the National Assembly, and no other person may be so registered. (2) A person who has not continuously resided in Botswana for the period mentioned in paragraph (c) of subsection (1) of this section but has during the whole period retained his residence (or if he has more than one residence, his principal residence) in Botswana and has been absent therefrom for some temporary purpose only shall be deemed for the purposes of the said paragraph (c) to have been resident in Botswana during such absence. (3) A person shall be entitled to be registered as a voter (a) in the constituency in which he has his residence, or if he has more than one residence in Botswana in the constituency in which he has his principal residence; or
- 110 18 of 1997, s. 4(b). (b) in the case of a person who does not have a residence in Botswana but is able to register in person, in the constituency in which he last resided, or in which he was born; or 18 of 1997, s. 4(b). (c) in the case of a person who is not resident in Botswana and is unable to register in person, at such place as may be prescribed by Parliament and registration at such place shall be treated as registration in the constituency in which he last resided, or in which he was born in Botswana. (4) A person shall be entitled to be registered as a voter in one constituency only. (5) Every person who is registered in any constituency as a voter for the purposes of elections of the Elected Members of the National Assembly shall, unless he is disqualified by Parliament from voting in such elections on the grounds of his having been convicted of an offence in connection with the elections or on the grounds of his having been reported guilty of such an offence by the court trying an election petition or on the grounds of his being in lawful custody at the date of the election, be entitled so to vote in that constituency in accordance with the provisions made by or under a law in that behalf; and no other person may so vote. 68. Tenure of office of Members (1) The seat of an Elected Member or a Specially Elected Member of the National Assembly shall become vacant (a) upon the dissolution of Parliament; (b) if he is absent from the sittings of the Assembly for such period and in such circumstances as may be prescribed in the rules of procedure of the Assembly; (c) subject to the provisions of subsections (2) to (3) of this section, if any circumstances arise that, if he were not a Member of the Assembly, would cause him to be disqualified for election thereto. (2) If circumstances such as are referred to in paragraph (c) of the preceding subsection arise in relation to a Member of the Assembly by virtue of the fact that he is declared insolvent, adjudged to be of unsound mind, sentenced to death or imprisonment, or convicted of an election offence and it is open to the Member to appeal against the decision (either with the leave of the court or other authority or without such leave), he shall forthwith cease to perform his functions as a Member of the Assembly but, subject to the next following subsection, he shall not vacate his seat until the expiration of a period of 30 days thereafter: Provided that the Speaker may, at the request of the Member, from time to time extend that period for further periods of 30 days to enable the Member to pursue an appeal against the decision, so, however, that extensions of time exceeding in the aggregate 150 days shall not be given without the approval of the Assembly signified by resolution. (3) If, on the determination of any appeal, such circumstances continue to exist and no further appeal is open to the Member of the Assembly, or if, by reason of the expiration of any period for entering an appeal or notice thereof or the refusal of leave to appeal or for any other reason, it ceases to be open to the Member to appeal, he shall forthwith vacate his seat. (4) If at any time before the Member of the Assembly vacates his seat such circumstances as aforesaid cease to exist, his seat shall not become vacant by reason of those circumstances, and he may resume the performance of his functions as a Member of the Assembly. 69. Determination of questions as to membership of National Assembly (1) The High Court shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine any question whether (a) any person has been validly elected as an Elected Member of the National Assembly or the seat of any such Member has become vacant; (b) any person has been validly elected as Speaker of the Assembly or, having been so elected, has vacated the office of Speaker.
- 111 (2) Any question whether any person has been validly elected as a Specially Elected Member of the National Assembly or whether the seat of any such Member has become vacant shall be determined by the Speaker. (3) Parliament may make provision with respect to (a) the persons who may apply to the High Court for the determination of any question under this section; (b) the circumstances and manner in which the conditions upon which any such application may be made; and (c) the powers, practice and procedure of the High Court in relation to any such application. 70. Clerk of the Assembly (1) There shall be a Clerk of the National Assembly and an Assistant Clerk of the National Assembly and their offices shall be offices in the public service. (2) There shall be such other offices in the department of the Clerk of the Assembly as may be prescribed by resolution of the National Assembly and such offices shall be offices in the public service. PART II General Provisions Relating to Procedure in National Assembly (ss 71-76) 71. Oaths to be taken by Speaker and Members The Speaker, before assuming the duties of his office, and every Member of the National Assembly before taking his seat therein, shall take and subscribe before the Assembly the oath of allegiance. 72. Presiding in Assembly There shall preside at any sitting of the National Assembly (a) the Speaker; (b) in the absence of the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker; or (c) in the absence of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker, such Member of the Assembly (not being the President or Vice-President or a Minister or Assistant Minister) as the Assembly may elect for that sitting. [Ch0000s73] 73. Quorum in Assembly 1 of 1999, s. 2(a) and (b). If objection is taken by any Member of the National Assembly present that there are present in the Assembly (besides the person presiding) less than one third of the Members of the Assembly and, after such interval as may be prescribed in the rules of procedure of the Assembly, the person presiding ascertains that the number of Members present is less than one third, he shall thereupon adjourn the Assembly. Voting in Assembly (1) Save as otherwise provided in this Constitution, any question proposed for decision in the National Assembly shall be determined by a majority of the votes of the Members present and voting. (2) The Attorney-General shall have no vote. (3) The person presiding in the National Assembly shall have neither an original vote nor a casting vote and if upon any question before the Assembly the votes are equally divided the motion shall be lost. 75. Unqualified persons sitting or voting Any person who sits or votes in the National Assembly knowing or having reasonable grounds for knowing that he is not entitled to do so shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding P50 or such other sum as may be prescribed by Parliament for each day on which he so sits or votes 74.
- 112 in the Assembly, which shall be recoverable by action in the High Court at the suit of the AttorneyGeneral. 76. Regulation of procedure in Assembly (1) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the National Assembly may regulate its own procedure. (2) The National Assembly may act notwithstanding any vacancy in its membership (including any vacancy not filled when the Assembly first meets after any dissolution) and the presence or participation of any person not entitled to be present or to participate in the proceedings of the Assembly shall not invalidate those proceedings. PART III The House of Chiefs (ss 77-85) 77. Composition of House of Chiefs (1) There shall be a House of Chiefs for Botswana. (2) The House of Chiefs shall consist of (a) eight ex-officio Members; (b) four Elected Members; and (c) three Specially Elected Members.
78.
Ex-officio Members of the House of Chiefs The ex-officio Members of the House of Chiefs shall be such persons as are for the time being performing the functions of the office of Chief in respect of the Bakgatla, Bakwena, Bamalete, Bamangwato, Bangwaketse, Barolong, Batawana and Batlokwa Tribes, respectively. [Ch0000s79] 79. Elected and Specially Elected Members of House of Chiefs (1) The Elected Members of the House of Chiefs shall be elected from among their own number by the persons for the time being performing the functions of the office of Sub-Chief in the Chobe, North East, Ghanzi and Kgalagadi districts, respectively. (2) The Specially Elected Members of the House of Chiefs shall be elected by the exofficio and Elected Members of the House of Chiefs in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution from among persons who are not and have not been within the preceding five years actively engaged in politics. (3) A person shall be deemed to be or to have been actively engaged in politics for the purposes of subsection (2) of this section in any circumstances in which he would be deemed to be or to have been so engaged for the purposes of section 64(4)(b) of this Constitution. (4) Subject to the provisions of subsections (5) and (6) of this section a person shall be qualified to be elected as a Specially Elected Member of the House of Chiefs if, and shall not be qualified to be so elected unless, he (a) is a citizen of Botswana; (b) has attained the age of 21 years; (c) is able to speak and, unless incapacitated by blindness or other physical cause, to read English well enough to take an active part in the proceedings of the House; and (d) is qualified for registration as a voter for the purposes of the election of the Elected Members of the National Assembly and is so registered. (5) No person shall be qualified to be elected as a Specially Elected Member of the House of Chiefs who (a) is, by virtue of his own act, under any acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state; (b) has been declared insolvent or adjudged or otherwise declared bankrupt under any law in force in any part of the Commonwealth and has not been discharged, or has made a composition with his creditors and has not paid his debts in full; (c) is certified insane or otherwise adjudged or declared to be of unsound mind under any law for the time being in force in Botswana;
- 113 (d) subject to such exceptions as may be prescribed by Parliament, holds any public office, or is acting in any public office by virtue of a contract of service expressed to continue for a period exceeding six months; (e) is under sentence of death imposed on him by a court in any part of the Commonwealth, or is under a sentence of imprisonment (by whatever name called) exceeding six months imposed on him by such a court or substituted by competent authority for some other sentence imposed on him by such a court; (f) holds, or is acting in, any office the functions of which involve any responsibility for, or in connection with, the conduct of any elections to the National Assembly or the compilation or revision of any electoral register for the purposes of such elections; or (g) is disqualified for election to the National Assembly by virtue of provision made in pursuance of section 62(2) of this Constitution. (6) For the purposes of this section two or more terms of imprisonment that are required to be served consecutively shall be regarded as a single term of imprisonment for the aggregate period of those terms, and no account shall be taken of a sentence of imprisonment imposed as an alternative to or in default of the payment of a fine. 80. Oath of allegiance Every Member of the House of Chiefs shall, before taking his seat therein, take and subscribe before the House of Chiefs the oath of allegiance. 81. Secretary to House of Chiefs There shall be a Secretary to the House of Chiefs whose office shall be an office in the public service. 82. Tenure of office of Elected Members and Specially Elected Members (1) An Elected Member of the House of Chiefs shall vacate his seat in the House (a) on a dissolution of Parliament; or (b) if he ceases to be a person for the time being performing the functions of an office of Sub-Chief in the district from which he has been elected. (2) A Specially Elected Member of the House of Chiefs shall vacate his seat in the House (a) on the dissolution of Parliament; (b) if he is absent from the sittings of the House for such period and in such circumstances as may be prescribed in the rules of procedure of the House; or (c) subject to the provisions of subsection (3) of this section, if any circumstances arise that, if he were not a Specially Elected Member of the House of Chiefs, would disqualify him for election as such. (3) If circumstances such as are referred to in paragraph (c) of the preceding subsection arise in relation to a Member of the House by virtue of the fact that he is declared insolvent, adjudged to be of unsound mind, sentenced to death or imprisonment or convicted of an election offence and it is open to the Member to appeal against the decision (either with leave of the court or other authority or without such leave), he shall forthwith cease to perform his functions as a Member of the House but, subject to the next following subsection, he shall not vacate his seat until the expiration of a period of 30 days thereafter: Provided that the Chairman of the House may, at the request of the Member, from time to time extend that period for further periods of 30 days to enable the Member to pursue an appeal against the decision, so, however, that extensions of time exceeding in the aggregate 150 days shall not be given without the approval of the House signified by resolution. (4) If, on the determination of any appeal, such circumstances continue to exist and no further appeal is open to the Member of the House, or if by reason of the expiration of any period for entering an appeal or notice thereof or the refusal of leave to appeal or for any other reason, it ceases to be open to a Member to appeal, he shall forthwith vacate his seat.
- 114 (5) If at any time before the Member of the House vacates his seat such circumstances as aforesaid cease to exist, his seat shall not become vacant by reason of those circumstances, and he may resume the performance of his functions as a Member of the House. 83. Rules of Procedure of House of Chiefs Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the House of Chiefs may, subject to the approval of the President, make rules regulating its own procedure and in particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, make rules for all or any of the following matter (a) the appointment or election and tenure of office of a Chairman of the House; (b) the time and place at which the House shall meet; (c) the manner in which the views of the House shall be recorded and, if necessary, expressed to a Minister, the National Assembly, or to any other person or body; (d) the regulation and orderly conduct of the proceedings of the House; (e) the manner in which the Elected Members and Specially Elected Members of the House shall be elected. House of Chiefs may transact business notwithstanding vacancies The House of Chiefs shall not be disqualified for the transaction of business by reason of any vacancy among the Members thereof including any vacancy not filled when the House is first constituted or is reconstituted at any time; and any proceedings therein shall be valid notwithstanding that some person who was not entitled to do so sat or voted in the House or otherwise took part in the proceedings. [Ch0000s85] 85. Functions of House of Chiefs (1) The House of Chiefs shall consider the copy of any Bill which has been referred to it under the provisions of section 88(2) of this Constitution and the House shall be entitled to submit resolutions thereon to the National Assembly. (2) Any resolution which has been submitted to the National Assembly in accordance with the last foregoing subsection shall forthwith be laid before the Assembly by the Clerk of the Assembly. (3) Any Minister who is responsible for a Bill such as is referred to in subsection (1) of this section, or his representative, may attend the proceedings of the House when the copy of the Bill is being considered. (4) Any Minister may consult the House of Chiefs in respect of any matter on which he desires to obtain the opinion of the House, and for that purpose the Minister or his representative may attend the proceedings of the House. (5) The House of Chiefs shall be entitled to discuss any matter within the executive or legislative authority of Botswana of which it considers it is desirable to take cognizance in the interests of the tribes and tribal organizations it represents and to make representations thereon to the President, or to send messages thereon to the National Assembly. (6) A person attending the proceedings of the House of Chiefs by virtue of the provisions of subsection (3) or (4) of this section shall be entitled to take part in the proceedings of the House relating to the matter in respect of which he attends as if he were a Member of the House: Provided that he shall not be entitled to vote in the House. PART IV Powers of Parliament (ss 86-89) 86. Legislative powers Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, Parliament shall have power to make laws for the peace, order and good government of Botswana. 87. Mode of exercising legislative powers
84.
- 115 (1) Subject to the provisions of section 89(4) of this Constitution the power of Parliament to make laws shall be exercised by Bills passed by the National Assembly, after reference in the cases specified in section 88(2) of this Constitution to the House of Chiefs, and assented to by the President. (2) When a Bill is presented to the President for assent he shall either assent or withhold his assent. (3) Where the President withholds his assent to a Bill, the Bill shall be returned to the National Assembly. (4) If where the President withholds his assent to a Bill the Assembly resolves within six months of the Bill being returned to it that the Bill should again be presented for assent, the President shall assent to the Bill within 21 days of its being again presented to him, unless he sooner dissolves Parliament. (5) When a Bill that has been duly passed and presented for assent is assented to in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution it shall become law and the President shall thereupon cause it to be published in the Gazette as a law. (6) No law made by Parliament shall come into operation until it has been published in the Gazette, but Parliament may postpone the coming into operation of any such law and may make laws with retrospective effect. (7) All laws made by Parliament shall be styled "Acts" and the words of enactment shall be "enacted by the Parliament of Botswana". 88. Introduction of Bills (1) Except upon the recommendation of the President, which recommendation may be signified by the Vice-President or a Minister, the National Assembly shall not (a) proceed upon any Bill (including any amendment to a Bill) that, in the opinion of the person presiding, makes provision for any of the following purposes (i) for the imposition of taxation or the alteration of taxation otherwise than by reduction; (ii) for the imposition of any charge upon the revenues or other funds of Botswana or the alteration of any such charge otherwise than by reduction; (iii) for the payment, issue or withdrawal from any public fund of Botswana of any moneys not charged thereon or any increase in the amount of such payment, issue or withdrawal; or (iv) for the composition or remission of any debt to the Government of Botswana; (b) proceed upon any motion (including any amendment to a motion) the effect of which, in the opinion of the person presiding, would be to make provision for any of those purposes. (2) The National Assembly shall not proceed upon any Bill (including any amendment to a Bill) that, in the opinion of the person presiding, would, if enacted, alter any of the provisions of this Constitution or affect (a) the designation, recognition, removal of powers of Chiefs, Sub-Chiefs or Headmen; (b) the organization, powers or administration of customary courts; (c) customary law, or the ascertainment or recording of customary law; or (d) tribal organization or tribal property, unless (i) a copy of the Bill has been referred to the House of Chiefs after it has been introduced in the National Assembly; and (ii) a period of 30 days has elapsed from the date when the copy of the Bill was referred to the House of Chiefs. 89. Alteration of Constitution
- 116 (1) Subject to the provisions of this section Parliament may alter this Constitution. (2) A Bill for an Act of Parliament under this section shall not be introduced into the National Assembly unless the text of the Bill has been published in the Gazette not less than 30 days before it is so introduced. (3) In so far as it alters any of the provisions of (a) Chapter II; sections 30 to 44 inclusive, 47 to 51 inclusive, and 56; sections 77 to 79 inclusive and section 85; Chapter VII; or sections 117 to 120 inclusive and section 127 in its application to any of the provisions mentioned in this paragraph; (b) sections 57, 63 to 66 inclusive, 86 to 89 inclusive, 90(2) and (3), 91(2), (3), (4) and (5), and 92; Chapter VI; and section 127 in its application to any of the provisions mentioned in this paragraph, a Bill for an Act of Parliament under this section shall not be passed by the National Assembly unless (i) the final voting on the Bill in the Assembly takes place not less than three months after the previous voting thereon in the Assembly; and (ii) at such final voting the Bill is supported by the votes of not less than two-thirds of all the Members of the Assembly. (4) In so far as it alters any of the provisions mentioned in subsection (3)(b) of this section no Bill shall be presented to the President for his assent unless after its passage by the Assembly it has been submitted to the electors qualified to vote in the election of the Elected Members of the National Assembly, and, on a vote taken in such manner as Parliament may prescribe, the majority of the electors voting have approved the Bill. (5) In this section (a) references to any provision of this Constitution include references to any provision of a law that alters that provision; and (b) references to the alteration of any provision of this Constitution include references to the amendment, modification or re-enactment, with or without modification, of that provision, the suspension or repeal of that provision and the making of a different provision in lieu thereof. PART V Summoning, Prorogation and Dissolution (ss 90-93) 90. Sessions of Parliament (1) Each session of Parliament shall be held at such place within Botswana and shall commence at such time as the President may appoint. (2) There shall be a session of Parliament at least once in every year so that a period of six months shall not intervene between the last sitting of Parliament in one session and the first sitting thereof in the next session. (3) Whenever Parliament is dissolved a general election of the Elected Members of the Assembly shall be held within 60 days of the date of the dissolution and a session of Parliament shall be appointed to commence within 30 days of the date of that general election. 91. Prorogation and dissolution of Parliament (1) The President may at any time prorogue Parliament. (2) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the President may at any time dissolve Parliament. (3) Subject to the provisions of subsection (4) of this section, Parliament, unless sooner dissolved, shall continue for five years from the date of the first sitting of the National Assembly after any dissolution and shall then stand dissolved. (4) At any time when Botswana is at war, Parliament may from time to time extend the period of five years specified in subsection (3) of this section for not more than 12 months at a time:
- 117 Provided that the life of Parliament shall not be extended under this subsection for more than five years. (5) If, after a dissolution of Parliament and before the holding of the general election of the Elected Members of the National Assembly, the President considers that, owing to the existence of a state of war or of a state of emergency in Botswana or any part thereof, it is necessary to recall Parliament, the President may summon the Parliament that has been dissolved to meet and that Parliament shall be deemed to be the Parliament for the time being, but the general election of the Elected Members of the National Assembly shall proceed and the Parliament that has been recalled shall, if not sooner dissolved, again stand dissolved on the day before the day on which the election is held. 92. Vote of no confidence in the Government If the National Assembly at any time passes a resolution supported by a majority of all the Members of the Assembly who are entitled to vote declaring that it has no confidence in the Government of Botswana, Parliament shall stand dissolved on the fourth day following the day on which such resolution was passed, unless the President earlier resigns his office or dissolves Parliament. 93. Sittings of National Assembly (1) The President may at any time summon a meeting of the National Assembly. (2) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the sittings of the National Assembly in any session of Parliament after the commencement of that session shall be commenced at such times and on such days as the Assembly shall appoint. PART VI Interpretation (s 94) 94. Votes of two-thirds of the Assembly Any reference in this Constitution to the votes of two-thirds of the Members of the Assembly shall be construed as a reference to the votes of two-thirds of the Members of the Assembly excluding the person presiding and the Attorney-General. CHAPTER VI THE JUDICATURE PART I The High Court (ss 95-98) Jurisdiction and composition (1) There shall be for Botswana a High Court which shall have unlimited original jurisdiction to hear and determine any civil or criminal proceedings under any law and such other jurisdiction and powers as may be conferred on it by this Constitution or any other law. 2 of 2002, s. 2(a)(i). (2) The judges of the High Court shall be the Chief Justice and such number of other judges of the Court as may be prescribed by Parliament: 2 of 2002, s. 2(a)(ii). Provided that the office of a judge of the High Court shall not be abolished while there is a substantive holder thereof. (3) The High Court shall be a superior court of record and, save as otherwise provided by Parliament, shall have all the powers of such a court. (4) The High Court shall sit in such places as the Chief Justice may appoint. (5) The High Court shall have jurisdiction to supervise any civil or criminal proceedings before any subordinate court or any court martial and may make such orders, issue such writs and give such directions as it may consider appropriate for the purpose of ensuring that justice is duly administered by any such court. (6) The Chief Justice may make rules with respect to the practice and procedure of the High Court in relation to the jurisdiction and powers conferred on it by subsection (5) of this section.
95.
- 118 2 of 2002, s. 2(b). (7) The Chief Justice may appoint a Rules of Court Advisory Committee to assist him in reviewing and overhauling the rules made under subsection (6) and to advise on proposals to update and amend such rules. Appointment of judges of High Court (1) The Chief Justice shall be appointed by the President. 2 of 2002, s. 3(a). (2) The other judges of the High Court shall be appointed by the President, acting in accordance with the advice of the Judicial Service Commission. (3) A person shall not be qualified to be appointed as a judge of the High Court unless (a) he holds, or has held office, as a judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in Botswana, in a Commonwealth country or in any country outside the Commonwealth that may be prescribed by Parliament or a court having jurisdiction in appeals from such a court; or 2 of 2002, s. 3(b). (b) he is qualified to practise as an advocate or attorney in such a court and has been qualified for not less than ten years to practise as an advocate or attorney in such a court; 2 of 2002, s. 3(b). (c) he is qualified to practise as an advocate or attorney and he has had the experience in the teaching of law in a recognised university for not less than ten years; or 2 of 2002, s. 3(b). (d) he is a Chief Magistrate who has held that office for not less than five years. (4) In computing, for the purposes of subsection (3) of this section, the period during which any person has been qualified to practise as an advocate or attorney any period during which he has held judicial office after becoming so qualified shall be included. 2 of 2002, s. 3(c)(i). (5) If the office of Chief Justice is vacant or if the Chief Justice is for any reason unable to perform the functions of his office, then, until a person has been appointed to and has assumed the functions of that office or until the Chief Justice has resumed those functions, as the case may be, those functions shall be performed by such one of the judges of the High Court or such other person qualified for appointment as a judge of the High Court as the President may appoint for that purpose: Provided that 2 of 2002, s. 3(e). (i) a person may be appointed under this subsection notwithstanding that he has attained the age of 70 years or such other age as may be prescribed for the purposes of section 97 of this Constitution; 2 of 2002, s. 3(c)(ii). (ii) a person appointed under this subsection, who is not a judge of the High Court, may, notwithstanding the assumption or resumption of the functions of the office of Chief Justice by the holder of that office, continue to act as a judge of the High Court for so long thereafter and to such extent as may be necessary to enable him to deliver judgment or to do any other thing in relation to proceedings that were commenced before him previously thereto. 2 of 2002, s. 3(d). (6) If the office of any judge of the High Court is vacant, or if any such judge is appointed to act as Chief Justice, or is for any reason unable to perform the functions of his office, or if the President, acting after consultation with the Chief Justice, is satisfied that the state of business in the High Court requires that the number of judges of the court should be temporarily increased, the President, acting in accordance with the advice of the Judicial Service Commission, may appoint a person qualified for appointment as a judge of the High Court to act as a judge of that court: 2 of 2002, s. 3(e). Provided that a person may be so appointed notwithstanding that he has attained the age of 70 years or such other age as may be prescribed for the purposes of section 88 of this Constitution. 2 of 2002, s. 3(d). (7) Any person appointed under subsection (6) of this section to act as a judge of the High Court shall, subject to the provisions of section 97(4) and (5) of this Constitution, continue to act for the period of his appointment or, if no such period is specified, until his appointment is revoked by the President, acting in accordance with the advice of the Judicial Service Commission:
96.
- 119 Provided that the President, acting in accordance with the advice of the Judicial Service Commission, may permit a person whose appointment to act as a judge of the High Court has expired or been revoked to continue to act as such a judge for such period as may be necessary to enable him to deliver judgment or to do any other thing in relation to proceedings that were commenced before him previously thereto. 97. Tenure of office of judges of High Court 2 of 2002, s. 4. (1) Subject to the provisions of this section, a person holding the office of a judge of the High Court shall vacate that office on attaining the age of 70 years or such other age as may be prescribed by Parliament: Provided that the President, acting in accordance with the advice of the Judicial Service Commission, may permit a judge who has attained that age to continue in office for such period as may be necessary to enable him to deliver judgment or to do any other thing in relation to proceedings that were commenced before him before he attained that age. (2) A judge of the High Court may be removed from office only for inability to perform the functions of his office (whether arising from infirmity of body or mind or from any other cause) or for misbehaviour, and shall not be so removed except in accordance with the provisions of this section. (3) If the President considers that the question of removing a judge of the High Court under this section ought to be investigated then (a) he shall appoint a tribunal which shall consist of a Chairman and not less than two other members, who hold or have held high judicial office; (b) the tribunal shall enquire into the matter and report on the facts thereof to the President and advise the President whether the judge ought to be removed from office under this section for inability as aforesaid or for misbehaviour. (4) Where a tribunal appointed under subsection (3) of this section advises the President that a judge of the High Court ought to be removed from office for inability as aforesaid or for misbehaviour, the President shall remove such judge from office. (5) If the question of removing a judge of the High Court from office has been referred to a tribunal under subsection (3) of this section, the President may suspend the judge from performing the functions of his office, and any such suspension may at any time be revoked by the President and shall in any case cease to have effect if the tribunal advises the President that the judge ought not to be removed from office. 98. Oaths to be taken by judges of High Court A judge of the High Court shall not enter upon the duties of his office unless he has taken and subscribed such oath for the due execution of his office as may be prescribed by Parliament. PART II Court of Appeal (ss 99-102) 99. Composition and jurisdiction (1) There shall be a Court of Appeal for Botswana which shall have such jurisdiction and powers as may be conferred on it by this Constitution or any other law. (2) The judges of the Court of Appeal shall be (a) the President of the Court of Appeal; (b) such number, if any, of Justices of Appeal as may be prescribed by Parliament; and 2 of 2002, s. 5. (c) the Chief Justice and the other judges of the High Court: Provided that Parliament may make provision for the office of President of the Court of Appeal to be held by the Chief Justice ex-officio. (3) The office of a Justice of Appeal shall not be abolished while there is a substantive holder thereof.
- 120 (4) The Court of Appeal shall be a superior court of record and save as otherwise provided by Parliament shall have all the powers of such a court. 100. Appointment of judges of Court of Appeal (1) The President of the Court of Appeal shall, unless that office is held ex-officio by the Chief Justice, be appointed by the President. (2) The Justices of Appeal, if any, shall be appointed by the President, acting in accordance with the advice of the Judicial Service Commission. (3) A person shall not be qualified to be appointed as a judge of the Court of Appeal unless (a) he holds, or has held office as, a judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in Botswana, in a Commonwealth country or in any country outside the Commonwealth that may be prescribed by Parliament or a court having jurisdiction in appeals from such a court; or 2 of 2002, s. 6(a). (b) he is qualified to practise as an advocate or attorney in such a court and has been qualified for not less than ten years to practise as an advocate or attorney in such a court; or 2 of 2002, s. 6(a). (c) he is qualified to practise as an advocate or attorney and he has had experience in the teaching of law in a recognised university for not less than ten years. (4) In computing, for the purposes of subsection (3) of this section, the period during which any person has been qualified to practise as an advocate or attorney any period during which he has held judicial office after becoming so qualified shall be included. (5) If the office of President of the Court of Appeal is vacant or if the President of the Court of Appeal is for any reason unable to perform the functions of his office, then, until a person has been appointed to and has assumed the functions of that office or until the President of the Court of Appeal has resumed those functions, as the case may be, those functions shall be performed by such one of the other judges of the Court of Appeal or such other person qualified for appointment as a judge of the Court of Appeal as the President may appoint for that purpose: Provided that 2 of 2002, s. 6(b). (i) a person may be appointed under this subsection notwithstanding that he has attained the age of 70 years or such other age as may be prescribed for the purposes of section 101 of this Constitution; (ii) a person appointed under this subsection, who is not a judge of the Court of Appeal, may, notwithstanding the assumption or resumption of the functions of the office of President of the Court of Appeal by the holder of that office, continue to act as a judge of the Court of Appeal for so long thereafter and to such extent as may be necessary to enable him to deliver judgment or to do any other thing in relation to proceedings that were commenced before him previously thereto. (6) If the office of a Justice of Appeal is vacant or if any Justice of Appeal is appointed to act as Chief Justice or President of the Court of Appeal or is for any reason unable to perform the functions of his office, the President, acting in accordance with the advice of the Judicial Service Commission, may appoint a person qualified for appointment as a Justice of Appeal to act as a Justice of Appeal: 2 of 2002, s. 6(b). Provided that a person may be so appointed notwithstanding that he has attained the age of 70 years or such other age as may be prescribed for the purposes of section 101 of this Constitution. (7) Any person appointed under subsection (6) of this section to act as a Justice of Appeal, shall subject to the provisions of section 101(4) and (5) of this Constitution, continue to act for the period of his appointment or, if no such period is specified, until his appointment is revoked by the President, acting in accordance with the advice of the Judicial Service Commission: Provided that the President, acting in accordance with the advice of the Judicial Service Commission, may permit a person whose appointment to act as a Justice of Appeal has expired
- 121 or been revoked to continue to act as such a judge for such period as may be necessary to enable him to deliver judgment or to do any other thing in relation to proceedings that were commenced before him previously thereto. 101. Tenure of office of judges of Court of Appeal 2 of 2002, s. 7. (1) Subject to the provisions of this section, a person holding the office of a judge of the Court of Appeal shall vacate that office on attaining the age of 70 years or such other age as may be prescribed by Parliament: Provided that (i) the President, acting in accordance with the advice of the Judicial Service Commission, may permit a judge who has attained that age to continue in office for such period as may be necessary to enable him to deliver judgment or to do any other thing in relation to proceedings that were commenced before him before he attained that age; (ii) a person may be appointed as President of the Court of Appeal or as a Justice of Appeal for a fixed period of three years notwithstanding that he has attained the age referred to in this subsection or that he will before the expiry of his appointment have attained that age; and (iii) the appointment as President of the Court of Appeal or as Justice of Appeal serving for a fixed period under paragraph (ii) above shall not affect the date at which he is due to retire. (2) A judge of the Court of Appeal may be removed from office only for inability to perform the functions of his office (whether arising from infirmity of body or mind or from any other cause) or for misbehaviour, and shall not be so removed except in accordance with the provisions of this section. (3) If the President considers that the question of removing a judge of the Court of Appeal under this section ought to be investigated then (a) he shall appoint a tribunal which shall consist of a Chairman and not less than two other members, who hold or have held high judicial office; (b) the tribunal shall enquire into the matter and report on the facts thereof to the President and advise the President whether the judge ought to be removed from office under this section for inability as aforesaid or for misbehaviour. (4) Where a tribunal, appointed under subsection (3) of this section, advises the President that a judge of the Court of Appeal ought to be removed from office for inability as aforesaid or for misbehaviour, the President shall remove such judge from office. (5) If the question of removing a judge of the Court of Appeal from office has been referred to a tribunal under subsection (3) of this section, the President may suspend the judge from performing the functions of his office, and any such suspension may at any time be revoked by the President and shall in any case cease to have effect if the tribunal advises the President that the judge ought not to be removed from office. 102. Oaths to be taken by judges of Court of Appeal A judge of the Court of Appeal shall not enter upon the duties of his office unless he has taken and subscribed such oath for the due execution of his office as may be prescribed by Parliament. PART III Judicial Service Commission (ss 103-104) 103. Composition and procedure 2 of 2002, s. 8(a). (1) There shall be a Judicial Service Commission for Botswana which shall consist of (a) the Chief Justice who shall be Chairman; (b) the President of the Court of Appeal (not being the Chief Justice or the most Senior Justice of the Court of Appeal);
- 122 (c) the Attorney-General; (d) the Chairman of the Public Service Commission; (e) a member of the Law Society nominated by the Law Society; and (f) a person of intergrity and experience not being a legal practitioner appointed by the President. 2 of 2002, s. 8(a). (2) A member nominated under paragraph (e) or appointed under paragraph (f) of subsection (1) shall hold office for a period of two years, but shall be eligible for re-nomination or re-appointment, as the case may be, for another term of office for two years: Provided that (i) a member nominated under paragraph (e) may be removed from office by the rest of the members of the Commission acting together only for inability of the member to discharge the functions of his office whether arising from infirmity of mind or body or any other cause or for gross misbehaviour; or (ii) a member appointed under paragraph (f) may be removed from office by the President only for inability of the member to discharge the functions of his office whether arising from infirmity of mind or body or any other cause or for gross misbehaviour. (3) A member of the Commission shall not enter upon the duties of his office until he has taken and subscribed such oath for the due execution of his office as may be prescribed by Parliament. (4) The Judicial Service Commission shall not be subject to the direction or control of any other person or authority in the exercise of its functions under this Constitution. 2 of 2002, s. 8(b). (5) The Commission may regulate its own procedure and, subject to that procedure, may act notwithstanding any vacancy in its membership or the absence of any member and its proceedings shall not be invalidated by the presence or participation of any person not entitled to be present at or to participate in those proceedings. 2 of 2002, s. 8(b). (6) The decisions of the Commission shall be by the vote of a majority of the members present, and in the event of an equality of votes, the Chairman shall have a casting vote. 104. Appointment, etc., of judicial officers (1) Power to appoint persons to hold or act in offices to which this section applies, to exercise disciplinary control over persons holding or acting in such offices and to remove such persons from office shall vest in the President acting in accordance with the advice of the Judicial Service Commission. (2) The offices to which this section applies are (a) the office of Registrar of the Court of Appeal and High Court; (b) all offices of magistrate; (c) such other offices of President or member of any court or connected with any court as may be prescribed by or under an Act of Parliament. (3) In this section references to a court do not include references to a court martial. PART IV Interpretation of the Constitution (ss 105-106) 105. Reference to High Court of cases involving interpretation of Constitution (1) Where any question as to the interpretation of this Constitution arises in any proceedings in any subordinate court and the court is of the opinion that the question involves a substantial question of law, the court may, and shall, if any party to the proceedings so requests, refer the question to the High Court. (2) Where any question is referred to the High Court in pursuance of this section, the High Court shall give its decision upon the question and the court in which the question arose shall, subject to any appeal, dispose of the case in accordance with that decision.
- 123 [Ch0000s106] 106. Appeal to Court of Appeal An appeal shall lie as of right to the Court of Appeal from any decision of the High Court which involves the interpretation of this Constitution, other than a decision of the High Court under section 69(1) of this Constitution: Provided that no appeal shall lie from a determination of the High Court under this section dismissing an application on the ground that it is frivolous or vexatious. PART V Judicial Committee (s 107: repealed) 107. [Repealed.] CHAPTER VII THE PUBLIC SERVICE [Ch0000s108] 108. Power to specify qualifications for certain offices Subject to the provisions of this Constitution and of any Act of Parliament, power to specify the qualifications and disqualifications for holding such public offices as he may constitute shall vest in the President. [Ch0000s109] 109. Public Service Commission (1) There shall be a Public Service Commission for Botswana which shall consist of a Chairman and not less than two nor more than four other members. (2) The members of the Public Service Commission shall be appointed by the President. (3) A person shall not be qualified for appointment as a member of the Public Service Commission if he is a Member of the National Assembly or a public officer, or is or has within the two years immediately preceding his appointment been actively engaged in politics. (4) For the purposes of this section a person shall be deemed to be or to have been actively engaged in politics in circumstances in which he would be deemed to be or to have been so engaged for the purposes of section 64(4)(b) of this Constitution. (5) Subject to the provisions of this section, the office of a member of the Public Service Commission shall become vacant (a) at the expiration of three years from the date of his appointment; (b) if any circumstances arise that, if he were not a member of the Commission, would cause him to be disqualified for appointment as such; or (c) if he is removed from office in accordance with the provisions of subsection (6) of this section. (6) Subject to subsection (7) of this section a member of the Public Service Commission may be removed from office by the President for inability to discharge the functions of his office (whether arising from infirmity of body or mind or any other cause) or for misbehaviour. (7) If the President considers that the question of removing a member of the Public Service Commission under subsection (6) of this section ought to be investigated, then (a) the President shall appoint a tribunal which shall consist of a Chairman and not less than two other members selected by the Chief Justice from among persons who hold or have held high judicial office; and (b) the tribunal shall enquire into the matter and report on the facts thereof to the President and recommend to him whether the member ought to be removed under subsection (6) of this section, and the President shall act in accordance with that recommendation. (8) A member of the Public Service Commission shall not be removed from office except in accordance with the provisions of this section. (9) If the office of Chairman of the Public Service Commission is vacant or if the person holding that office is for any reason unable to perform the functions of his office, then, until a person has been appointed to and has assumed the functions of that office or until the person holding that office has resumed those functions, as the case may be, those functions shall be performed by such one of the other members of the Commission as may be designated in that behalf by the President.
- 124 (10) If at any time there are less than two members of the Public Service Commission besides the Chairman or if any such member is appointed to act as Chairman or is for any reason unable to perform the functions of his office, the President may appoint a person who is qualified for appointment as a member of the Commission to act as a member, and any person so appointed shall, subject to the provisions of subsection (5)(b) of this section, continue to act until the office in which he is acting is filled, or as the case may be, until the holder thereof resumes his functions or until his appointment to act is revoked by the President. (11) Except as provided in subsection (13) of this section the Public Service Commission shall not be subject to the direction or control of any other person or authority in the exercise of its functions under this Constitution. (12) A member of the Commission shall not enter upon the duties of his office until he has taken and subscribed the oath of allegiance and such oath for the due execution of his office as may be prescribed by Parliament. (13) Provision may be made by or under an Act of Parliament prescribing the procedure of the Commission and, subject thereto, the Commission may regulate its own procedure. (14) Except as may be otherwise provided in its rules or procedure, the Commission may act notwithstanding any vacancy in its membership or the absence of any member and its proceedings shall not be invalidated by the presence or participation of any person not entitled to be present at or to participate in those proceedings. (15) Any decision of the Commission shall require the concurrence of a majority of all the members thereof. (16) A member of the Commission shall not, during the tenure of his office or during the three years immediately following such tenure, be eligible for appointment to any public office other than that of Ambassador, High Commissioner or other principal representative of Botswana in any other country or accredited to any international organization. 110. Appointment, etc., of public officers (1) Subject to the provisions of this section and of sections 111, 113 and 114 of this Constitution, power to appoint persons to hold or to act in any office in the public service, to exercise disciplinary control over persons holding or acting in such offices and to remove from such offices shall vest in such person or persons as may be prescribed by Act of Parliament. (2) The provisions of this section shall not apply in relation to the following offices, that is to say (a) the office of judge of the Court of Appeal or of the High Court; (b) any office to which section 104 or 112 of the Constitution applies. (3) Before any person or persons as may have been prescribed under the provisions of subsection (1) exercise power to appoint to or to act in any public office any person who holds or is acting in any office the power to make appointments to which is vested by this Constitution in the President acting in accordance with the advice of the Judicial Service Commission such person shall consult with the Judicial Service Commission. 111. Appeals to President (1) Any person other than a member of the Botswana Police Force or the Prison Service who has been removed from office or subjected to any other punishment by the exercise of any powers conferred on any person under the provisions of section 110 of this Constitution may appeal to the Public Service Commission who may dismiss such appeal or allow it wholly or in part. (2) Subject to the provisions of subsection (3) every decision of the Public Service Commission under the provisions of this section shall be final. (3) Notwithstanding anything contained in subsection (2) if the Public Service Commission dismisses an appeal or allows it in part only the person who appealed may appeal to the President.
- 125 (4) If any person appeals to the President in accordance with the provisions of subsection (3) of this section the President shall either dismiss the appeal or shall order that it be heard by a tribunal appointed by the President, the Chairman of which shall be a person who holds or has held high judicial office or is qualified to be appointed as a judge of the High Court. (5) If the President appoints a tribunal to hear an appeal in accordance with subsection (4) of this section the tribunal shall hear the appeal and shall advise the President whether or not the appeal should be allowed either wholly or in part, and the President shall act in accordance with that advice. [ 112. Powers of President in relation to certain public offices (1) The power to appoint a person to hold or act in offices to which this section applies and to remove from office and to exercise disciplinary control over persons holding or acting in such offices shall, subject to the provisions of sections 113 and 114 of this Constitution, vest in the President. (2) The offices to which this section applies are (a) Ambassador, High Commissioner or other principal representative of Botswana in any other country or accredited to any international organisation; (b) Secretary to the Cabinet; (c) Attorney-General; (d) Permanent Secretary; (e) Commissioner of Police; and (f) any other superscale office (other than an office to which this Constitution makes specific provision for appointment or an office to which appointment is made under the provisions of section 104 of this Constitution) which may be prescribed by Act of Parliament. 113. Tenure of office of Attorney-General (1) Subject to the provisions of this section, a person holding the office of AttorneyGeneral shall vacate his office when he attains the age of 60 years or such other age as may be prescribed by Parliament. (2) A person holding the office of Attorney-General may be removed from office only for inability to perform the functions of his office (whether arising from infirmity of body or mind or any other cause) or for misbehaviour and shall not be so removed except in accordance with the provisions of this section. (3) If the President considers that the question of removing a person holding the office of Attorney-General from office ought to be investigated then (a) he shall appoint a tribunal which shall consist of a Chairman and not less than two other members, who hold or have held high judicial office; and (b) the tribunal shall enquire into the matter and report on the facts thereof to the President and advise the President whether the person holding the office of Attorney-General ought to be removed from office under this section for inability as aforesaid or for misbehaviour. (4) Where a tribunal appointed under subsection (3) of this section advises the President that a person holding the office of Attorney-General ought to be removed from office for inability as aforesaid or for misbehaviour, the President shall remove such person from office. (5) If the question of removing a person holding the office of Attorney-General from office has been referred to a tribunal under this section, the President may suspend that person from performing the functions of his office, and any such suspension may at any time be revoked by the President and shall in any case cease to have effect if the tribunal advises the President that the person ought not to be removed from office. 114. Tenure of office of Auditor-General (1) Subject to the provisions of this section, a person holding the office of Auditor-General shall vacate his office when he attains the age of 60 years or such other age as may be prescribed by Parliament.
- 126 (2) A person holding the office of Auditor-General may be removed from office only for inability to perform the functions of his office (whether arising from infirmity of body or mind or any other cause) or for misbehaviour and shall not be so removed except in accordance with the provisions of this section. (3) If the National Assembly resolves that the question of removing a person holding the office of Auditor-General from office under this section ought to be investigated then (a) the Assembly shall, by resolution, appoint a tribunal which shall consist of a Chairman and not less than two other members, who hold or have held high judicial office; (b) the tribunal shall enquire into the matter and report on the facts thereof to the Assembly; (c) the Assembly shall consider the report of the tribunal at the first convenient sitting of the Assembly after it is received and may, upon such consideration, by resolution, remove the Auditor-General from office. (4) If the question of removing a person holding the office of Auditor-General from office has been referred to a tribunal under this section, the National Assembly may, by resolution, suspend that person from performing the functions of his office, and any such suspension may at any time be revoked by the Assembly by resolution and shall in any case cease to have effect if, upon consideration of the report of the tribunal in accordance with the provisions of this section, the Assembly does not remove the Auditor-General from office. 115. Pensions laws and protection of pensions rights (1) The law to be applied with respect to any pensions benefits that were granted to any person before the coming into operation of this Constitution shall be the law that was in force at the date on which those benefits were granted or any law in force at a later date that is not less favourable to that person. (2) The law to be applied with respect to any pensions benefits (not being benefits to which subsection (1) of this section applies) shall (a) in so far as those benefits are wholly in respect of a period of service as a public officer that commenced before the date on which this Constitution comes into operation, be the law that was in force immediately before that date; and (b) in so far as those benefits are wholly or partly in respect of a period of service as a public officer that commenced after the date on which this Constitution comes into operation, be the law in force on the date on which that period of service commenced, or any law in force at a later date that is not less favourable to that person. (3) Where a person is entitled to exercise an option as to which of two or more laws shall apply in his case, the law for which he opts shall, for the purposes of this section, be deemed to be more favourable to him than the other law or laws. (4) All pensions benefits shall (except to the extent to which under any law providing for the funding of pensions benefits they are a charge on a fund established by that law and have been duly paid out of that fund to the person or authority to whom payment is due) be a charge on the Consolidated Fund. (5) In this section "pensions benefits" means any pensions, compensation, gratuities or other like allowances for persons in respect of their service as public officers or as members of the armed forces or for the widows, children, dependants or personal representatives of such persons in respect of such service. (6) References in this section to the law with respect to pensions benefits include (without prejudice to their generality) references to the law regulating the circumstances in which such benefits may be granted or in which the grant of such benefits may be refused, the law regulating the circumstances in which any such benefits that have been granted may be withheld, reduced in amount or suspended and the law regulating the amount of any such benefits. (7) In this section references to service as a public officer include references to service as a public officer of the former Protectorate of Bechuanaland.
- 127 116. Power of Commissions in relation to pensions, etc. (1) Where under any law any person or authority has a discretion (a) to decide whether or not any pensions benefits shall be granted; or (b) to withhold, reduce in amount or suspend any such benefits that have been granted, those benefits shall be granted and may not be withheld, reduced in amount or suspended unless the appropriate Commission concurs in the refusal to grant the benefits or, as the case may be, in the decision to withhold them, reduce them in amount or suspend them. (2) Where the amount of any pensions benefits that may be granted to any person is not fixed by law, the amount of the benefits to be granted to him shall be the greatest amount for which he is eligible unless the appropriate Commission concurs in his being granted benefits of a smaller amount. (3) The appropriate Commission shall not concur under subsection (1) or subsection (2) of this section in action taken on the ground that any person who holds or has held the office of a judge of the Court of Appeal or of the High Court or the Auditor-General or Attorney-General has been guilty of misbehaviour unless he has been removed from office by reason of such misbehaviour. (4) In this section "the appropriate Commission" means (a) in the case of benefits for which any person may be eligible in respect of the service in the public service of a person who, immediately before he ceased to be a public officer, was subject to the disciplinary control of the Judicial Service Commission or that have been granted in respect of such service, the Judicial Service Commission; (b) in any other case, the Public Service Commission. (5) In this section "pensions benefits" means any pensions, compensation, gratuities or other like allowances for persons in respect of their service as public officers (including service as public officers of the former Protectorate of Bechuanaland) or for the widows, children, dependants or personal representatives of such persons in respect of such service. CHAPTER VIII FINANCE 117. Consolidated Fund All revenues or other moneys raised or received for the purposes of the Government of Botswana (not being revenues or other moneys that are payable by or under any law into some other fund established for a specific purpose or that may by or under any law be retained by the department of Government that received them for the purposes of defraying the expenses of that department) shall be paid into and form one Consolidated Fund. 118. Withdrawals from Consolidated Fund or other public funds (1) No moneys shall be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund except (a) to meet expenditure that is charged upon the Fund by this Constitution or by any Act of Parliament; (b) where the issue of those moneys has been authorized by an Appropriation Act, by a supplementary estimate approved by resolution of the National Assembly or by a law enacted in pursuance of section 120 of this Constitution. (2) No moneys shall be withdrawn from any public fund of Botswana other than the Consolidated Fund unless the issue of those moneys has been authorized by or under a law. (3) No moneys shall be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund except in the manner prescribed by Parliament. (4) The deposit of any moneys forming part of the Consolidated Fund with a bank or with the Crown Agents for Overseas Governments and Administrations or the investment of any such moneys in securities in which, under the law for the time being in force in Botswana, trustees are authorized to invest, or the making of advances to such extent and in such circumstances as may
- 128 be prescribed by Parliament, shall not be regarded as a withdrawal of those moneys from the Fund for the purposes of this section. 119. Authorization of expenditure (1) The Minister for the time being responsible for finance shall cause to be prepared and laid before the National Assembly, before or not later than 30 days after the commencement of each financial year, estimates of the revenues and expenditure of Botswana for that year. (2) The heads of expenditure contained in the estimates for a financial year (other than expenditure charged upon the Consolidated Fund by this Constitution or any other law) shall be included in a Bill to be known as an Appropriation Bill which shall be introduced into the Assembly to provide for the issue from the Consolidated Fund of the sums necessary to meet that expenditure and the appropriation of those sums for the purposes specified in the said Bill. (3) If in any financial year it is found (a) that the amount appropriated by the Appropriation Act for the purposes included in any head of expenditure is insufficient or that a need has arisen for expenditure for a purpose for which no amount has been appropriated by the Appropriation Act; or (b) that any moneys have been expended on any head of expenditure in excess of the amount appropriated for the purposes included in that head by the Appropriation Act or for a purpose for which no amount has been appropriated by the Appropriation Act, a supplementary estimate showing the sums required or spent shall be laid before the National Assembly and the heads of expenditure shall be included in a supplementary Appropriation Bill, or in a motion or motions approving such expenditure, which shall be introduced or moved in the Assembly. (4) Where any supplementary expenditure has been approved in a financial year by a resolution of the National Assembly in accordance with the provisions of subsection (3) of this section, a supplementary Appropriation Bill shall be introduced in the National Assembly, not later than the end of the financial year next following, providing for the appropriation of the sums so approved. 120. Authorization of expenditure in advance of appropriation Parliament may make provision under which, if the Appropriation Act in respect of any financial year has not come into operation by the beginning of that financial year, the President may authorize the withdrawal of moneys from the Consolidated Fund for the purpose of meeting expenditure necessary to carry on the services of the Government until the expiration of four months from the beginning of that financial year or the coming into operation of the Appropriation Act, whichever is the earlier. [Ch0000s121] 121. Contingencies Fund (1) Parliament may make provision for the establishment of a Contingencies Fund and for authorizing the President, if satisfied that there has arisen an urgent and unforeseen need for expenditure for which no other provision exists, to make advances from that Fund to meet that need. (2) Where any advance is made from the Contingencies Fund, a supplementary estimate shall be laid before the National Assembly as soon as possible for the purpose of replacing the amount so advanced. 122. Remuneration of certain officers (1) There shall be paid to the holders of the offices to which this section applies such salaries and such allowances as may be prescribed by Parliament. (2) The salaries and any allowances payable to the holders of the offices to which this section applies shall be a charge on the Consolidated Fund. (3) The salary payable to the holder of any office to which this section applies and his terms of office, other than allowances, shall not be altered to his disadvantage after his appointment.
- 129 (4) Where a person's salary or terms of office depend upon his option, the salary or terms for which he opts shall, for the purposes of subsection (3) of this section, be deemed to be more advantageous to him than any others for which he might have opted. (5) This section applies to the offices of judge of the Court of Appeal, judge of the High Court, member of the Public Service Commission, member of the Judicial Service Commission, member of the Delimitation Commission, Auditor-General and Attorney-General. 123. Public debt (1) There shall be charged on the Consolidated Fund all debt charges for which Botswana is liable. (2) For the purposes of this section debt charges include interest, sinking fund charges, the repayment or amortization of debt, and all expenditure in connection with the raising of loans on the security of the revenues or the Consolidated Fund of the former Protectorate of Bechuanaland or Botswana, and the service and redemption of debt thereby created. [Ch0000s124] 124. Auditor-General (1) There shall be an Auditor-General, whose office shall be a public office. (2) The public accounts of Botswana and of all officers, courts and authorities of the Government of Botswana shall be audited and reported on by the Auditor-General and for that purpose the Auditor-General or any person authorized by him in that behalf shall have access to all books, records, reports and other documents relating to those accounts: Provided that, if it is so provided by Parliament in the case of any body corporate directly established by law, the accounts of that body corporate shall be audited and reported on by such person as may be specified by or under that law. (3) The Auditor-General shall submit his reports to the Minister responsible for finance, who shall cause them to be laid before the National Assembly. (4) The Auditor-General shall perform such other duties and exercise such other powers in relation to the accounts of the Government or the accounts of other public authorities or other bodies as may be prescribed by or under any Act of Parliament. (5) In the exercise of his functions the Auditor-General shall not be subject to the direction or control of any other person or authority. CHAPTER IX MISCELLANEOUS Resignations (1) Any person who is appointed or elected to any office established by this Constitution may resign from that office by writing under his hand addressed to the person or authority by whom he was appointed or elected: Provided that in the case of a person who holds office as President his resignation from that office shall be addressed to the Chief Justice, in the case of a person who holds office as Speaker or Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly his resignation from that office shall be addressed to the Assembly, in the case of an Elected or Specially Elected Member of the Assembly his resignation shall be addressed to the Speaker, and in the case of a Member of the House of Chiefs his resignation from that office shall be addressed to the Chairman of the House. (2) The resignation of any person from any office established by this Constitution shall take effect on the date or at the time indicated in the writing signifying the resignation or, if no such date or time is so indicated, at the time the writing is received by the person or authority to whom it is addressed or by any person authorized by that person or authority to receive it. 126. Reappointments and concurrent appointments 125.
- 130 (1) Where any person has vacated any office established by this Constitution, he may, if qualified, again be appointed or elected to hold that office in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution. (2) Where a power is conferred by this Constitution upon any person to make any appointment to any office, a person may be appointed to that office notwithstanding that some other person may be holding that office, when that other person is on leave of absence pending the relinquishment of the office; and where two or more persons are holding the same office by reason of an appointment made in pursuance of this subsection, then, for the purposes of any function conferred upon the holder of that office, the person last appointed shall be deemed to be the sole holder of the office. [Ch0000s127] 127. Interpretation (1) In this Constitution unless the context otherwise requires "the Assembly" means the National Assembly; "Botswana" means the territory that, on 29th September, 1966, was comprised in the former Protectorate of Bechuanaland; "Chief" and "Sub-Chief" have the meanings assigned to those expressions in the Chieftainship Act; "financial year" means the period of 12 months ending on 31st March in any year or on such other day as Parliament may prescribe; "the Gazette" means the Botswana Government Gazette; "high judicial office" means the office of a judge of a court of unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in Botswana, a Commonwealth country or in any country outside the Commonwealth that may be prescribed by Parliament or the office of judge of a court having jurisdiction in appeals from such a court; "the House" means the House of Chiefs; "oath" includes affirmation; "the oath of allegiance" means such oath of allegiance as may be prescribed by law; "public office" means, subject to the provisions of subsections (2) and (3) of this section, an office of emolument in the public service; "public officer" means a person holding or acting in any public office; "the public service" means the civil service of the Government; "session" means the sittings of the National Assembly beginning when it first sits after the coming into operation of this Constitution or after Parliament is prorogued or dissolved at any time and ending when Parliament is prorogued or is dissolved without having been prorogued; "sitting" means a period during which the National Assembly is sitting without adjournment and includes any period during which it is in committee; "subordinate court" means any court established for Botswana other than (a) the Court of Appeal; 2 of 2002, s. 9(a). (b) the High Court; 2 of 2002, s. 9(b). (c) a court martial; or 2 of 2002, s. 9(c). (d) the Industrial Court. (2) In this Constitution, unless the context otherwise requires, references to offices in the public service shall be construed as including references to the offices of judges of the Court of Appeal and judges of the High Court and the offices of members of all subordinate courts (being offices the emoluments attaching to which, or any part of the emoluments attaching to which, are paid directly out of moneys provided by Parliament). (3) For the purposes of this Constitution a person shall not be considered to be a public officer by reason only that he is in receipt of any remuneration or allowance as the President, Vice-President, a Minister or Assistant Minister, Speaker, Deputy Speaker or Member of the Assembly, a Member of the House of Chiefs or a member of any Commission established by this Constitution.
- 131 (4) For the purposes of this Constitution, a person shall not be considered as holding a public office by reason only of the fact that he is in receipt of a pension or other like allowance in respect of service under the Government of Botswana or the former Protectorate of Bechuanaland. (5) In this Constitution, unless the context otherwise requires, a reference to the holder of an office by the term designating his office shall be construed as including a reference to any person for the time being lawfully acting in or performing the functions of that office: Provided that nothing in this subsection shall apply to references to the President or VicePresident in section 35, 36 or 39 of this Constitution. (6) In this Constitution, unless it is otherwise provided or required by the context, a reference to the power to make appointments to any office shall be construed as including a reference to the power to make appointments on promotion and transfer and to confirm appointments and to the power to appoint a person to act in or perform the functions of that office at any time when the office is vacant or the holder thereof is unable (whether by reason of absence or infirmity of mind or body or any other cause) to perform the functions of that office. (7) References in this Constitution to the power to remove a public officer from his office shall be construed as including references to any power conferred by any law to require or permit that officer to retire from the public service: Provided that nothing in this subsection shall be construed as conferring on any person or authority power to require a judge of the Court of Appeal or the High Court, the AuditorGeneral or the Attorney-General to retire from the public service. (8) Any provision in this Constitution that vests in any person or authority power to remove any public officer from his office shall be without prejudice to the power of any person or authority to abolish any office or to any law providing for the compulsory retirement of public officers generally or in any class of public officer on attaining an age specified therein. (9) Where power is vested by this Constitution in any person or authority to appoint any person to act in or perform the functions of any office if the holder thereof is himself unable to perform those functions, no such appointment shall be called in question on the ground that the holder of the office was not unable to perform those functions. (10) No provision of this Constitution that any person or authority shall not be subject to the direction or control of any other person or authority in the exercise of any functions under this Constitution shall be construed as precluding a court of law from exercising jurisdiction in relation to any question whether that person or authority has performed those functions in accordance with this Constitution or any other law. (11) Where any power is conferred by this Constitution to make any Act, order, regulation or rule, or to give any direction or instruction, the power shall be construed as including the power, exercisable in like manner to amend or revoke any such Act, order, regulation, rule, direction or instruction. (12) Any reference in this Constitution to a law made before 30th September, 1966 shall be construed as a reference to that law as it had effect on 29th September, 1966. S.I. 51/1993. (13) The Cap. 01:04 Interpretation Act, 1889 shall apply, with the necessary adaptations, for the purpose of interpreting this Constitution and otherwise in relation thereto as it applies for the purpose of interpreting and in relation to Acts of the Parliament of the United Kingdom.
- 132 SCHEDULE TO THE CONSTITUTION ELECTION OF SPECIALLY ELECTED MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (Section 58(2)(b)) 1. (1) In this Schedule "by-election" means an election to fill a vacancy among the Specially Elected Members occurring otherwise than upon a dissolution of Parliament; "general election" means an election to fill the vacancies among the Specially Elected Members occurring upon a dissolution of Parliament; "the Speaker" means the Speaker of the National Assembly; and "prescribed" means prescribed by rules made under paragraph 2 of this Schedule. (2) At any time when the office of Speaker is vacant or the holder of that office is unable by reason of absence or illness to exercise the functions vested in him by this Schedule those functions may be exercised by the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly or, if there is no Deputy Speaker or the Deputy Speaker is unable by reason of absence or illness to exercise those functions, by such Member of the Assembly (not being the President or Vice-President or a Minister or Assistant Minister) as the Assembly may elect for that purpose. 2. Subject to the provisions of this Schedule the National Assembly may make rules for the election of its Specially Elected Members. 3. Elections of Specially Elected Members shall be conducted by the Speaker and, subject to the provisions of this Schedule and of any rules made under paragraph 2 thereof, shall be conducted in such manner as he may direct. 4. (1) The President shall nominate four candidates for election in the case of a general election and he shall nominate one candidate for election in the case of a by-election. (2) The names of the four candidates or, as the case may be, the name of the one candidate nominated for election by the President under the foregoing subparagraph shall be presented to the National Assembly in such manner as may be prescribed, and any Elected Member of the Assembly (other than the President if he is an Elected Member) shall thereupon be entitled to nominate four candidates for election in the case of a general election and one candidate for election in the case of a by-election. (3) A list of the candidates nominated for election by the President and the Elected Members of the National Assembly under the foregoing provisions of this paragraph shall be prepared, and each Elected Member of the Assembly shall be entitled to vote (a) in the case of a general election, for four candidates; and (b) in the case of a by-election, for one candidate, on the list so constituted. (4) The vote of every Elected Member of the National Assembly shall be given by ballot in such a manner as not to disclose how he has voted. (5) An Elected Member of the National Assembly shall not cast more than one vote for any one candidate. 5. (1) The Speaker shall cause elections of Specially Elected Members to be held (a) in the case of a general election, as soon as practicable after the holding of a general election of the Elected Members of the National Assembly and before the Assembly first meets after that general election; and (b) in the case of a by-election, as soon as practicable after a vacancy has occurred among the Specially Elected Members. (2) A meeting of the Elected Members of the National Assembly that is held for the purpose of a general election shall be summoned by the Speaker. (3) No other business than the holding of a general election may be transacted at any meeting of the Elected Members of the National Assembly summoned under subparagraph (2) of
- 133 this paragraph and such a meeting shall not be regarded as a meeting of the Assembly for the purposes of any other provision of this Constitution. 6. When the votes have been cast, whether at a general election or at a by-election, a list shall be prepared showing the persons for whom votes have been cast in order according to the number of votes received by each of them, the person or persons who received the highest number of votes being placed first and those who received any lower number of votes being placed in descending order. 7. In the case of a general election, and subject to the provisions of paragraph 9 of this Schedule, those persons shall be deemed to have been elected as Specially Elected Members who stand in the first and each succeeding place on the list until the number of persons to be elected as Specially Elected Members has been completed. 8. In the case of a by-election, and subject to the provisions of paragraph 10 of this Schedule, the person who stands in the first place on the list shall be deemed to have been elected. 9. Where, by reason of an equality of votes between them, the number of candidates in any place on the list who would otherwise be deemed to have been elected under paragraph 7 of this Schedule exceeds the number of persons remaining to be elected as Specially Elected Members after the persons in the preceding places have been elected, none of the candidates in that place or in any succeeding place shall be deemed to have been elected and a further election shall be held to fill the vacancies still remaining among the Specially Elected Members; and the provisions of this Schedule shall apply in relation to that further election as if it were a general election where the total number of Specially Elected Members was equal to the number of vacancies still remaining to be filled. 10. Where, in a by-election, two or more candidates equally receive the highest number of votes, no candidates shall be deemed to have been elected and a further by-election shall be held, in accordance with the provisions of this Schedule, at which only those candidates who received the highest number of votes in the original by-election may again stand as candidates.
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DEMOCRACY & NUMAN RIGHTS IN BOTSWANA

Botswana is a longstanding, multiparty democracy. Constitutional power is shared between the President and the 44-member, popularly elected Lower House of Parliament. In March former President Sir Ketumile Masire retired and was succeeded by Vice President Festus Mogae, in accordance with constitutional procedures. The ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) continued to dominate the National Assembly, holding 31 of 44 seats. The opposition Botswana Congress Party (BCP), a group that broke away from the Botswana National Front, holds 11 seats, while the BNF holds the remaining 2 seats. The Government respects the constitutional provisions for an independent judiciary. The civilian Government exercises effective control over the security forces. The military, the Botswana Defense Force (BDF), is responsible for external security. The Botswana National Police (BNP) are responsible for internal security. Members of the security forces occasionally committed human rights abuses. The economy is market oriented with strong encouragement for private enterprise. Despite effective economic and fiscal policies, Botswana suffered economic losses due to the Asian financial crisis in 1997-98, which led to a significant reduction in the world demand for diamonds, the source of over two-thirds of the country's export income. Linkage of the national currency, the pula, to the South African rand, caused a 30 percent devaluation of the pula. Consequently, the per capita gross domestic product fell to $2,500 in 2003 from $2,800 in 1997. Over 50 percent of the population is employed in the informal sector, largely subsistence farming and animal husbandry. Rural poverty remains a serious problem, as does a widely skewed income distribution. The Constitution provides for citizens' human rights, and the Government generally respects those rights in practice, although there were some continuing problems. There were credible reports that the police sometimes mistreated criminal suspects in order to obtain evidence or coerce confessions. The authorities have taken action in some cases against persons responsible for abuses. In many instances, the judicial system did not provide timely fair trials due to a serious backlog of cases. Opposition leaders have claimed that the Government limits their ability to broadcast freely on the radio. The Government's response has been that prominent coverage of the activities of important officials is more newsworthy. Women continued to face legal and societal discrimination, and violence against women is a serious problem. The Government and nongovernmental organizations (NGO's) continued to work to formulate a longterm plan of action to implement a national policy on women designed to address these problems. Some citizens, including groups not numbered among the eight "principal tribes" identified in the Constitution because they live in remote areas, still do not enjoy full access to social services and, in practice, are marginalized in the political process. Trade unions continued to face some legal restrictions, and the Government did not always ensure that labor laws were observed in practice. The Government's 1995 plan to construct a separate detention facility for asylum seekers whose refugee claims have been rejected continued to be delayed by a dispute between two government ministries over development of the property. The Government refers to the facility as the Center for Illegal Immigrants. Until the center is completed, refused asylum seekers continue to be detained in prison. Refugees and asylum seekers refused under Botswana's "first country of asylum" policy are housed at Dukwe Refugee Camp.
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RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

RESPECT FOR THE INTEGRITY OF THE PERSON
A. POLITICAL AND OTHER EXTRAJUDICIAL KILLING
There were no reports of political or other extrajudicial killings. Police charged six members of the BDF military intelligence unit implicated in the 2002 suffocation death of a burglary suspect in police custody. Their trial, scheduled to begin in September, was delayed when their attorney was appointed to become an acting circuit court judge. In September troops from the BDF, as part of a Southern African Development Community (SADC) military task force, intervened in Lesotho to quell an army mutiny and opposition protests. Over 40 opposition-allied civilians died as a result of fighting with the SADC troops.
B. DISAPPEARANCE
There were no reports of politically motivated disappearances. c. Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment The Constitution explicitly forbids torture, inhuman, and degrading treatment or punishment, and the authorities generally respect this prohibition in practice, although instances of abuse occur. In some cases, the authorities have taken disciplinary or judicial action against persons responsible for abuses. While coerced confessions are inadmissible in court, evidence gathered through coercion or abuse may be used in prosecution. There were credible reports that police sometimes used intimidation techniques in order to obtain evidence or elicit confessions. In the past, police sometimes suffocated criminal suspects with a plastic bag. In general, however, beatings and other forms of extreme physical abuse remained rare. Customary courts continued to impose corporal punishment sentences in the form of lashings on the buttocks. There were periodic press reports of floggings, particularly of young offenders in villages, imposed by customary courts for vandalism, theft, hooliganism, and other infractions. The Government has refused to adopt a motion submitted by the House of Chiefs to reinstate flogging across the back rather than the buttocks. The House of Chiefs is an advisory body only. Prison conditions meet minimum international standards, although overcrowding is a problem. Women in custody are placed in the charge of female officers. Women prisoners are treated the same as men. Women's facilities are separate but mostly colocated with men. There are no reports of sexual abuse of women prisoners. The Government permits prison visits by human rights monitors after a detailed inquiry procedure.
D. ARBITRARY ARREST,
DETENTION, OR EXILE
Under the Constitution, "every person in Botswana" is entitled to due process, the presumption of innocence, and freedom from arbitrary arrest. The authorities respected these provisions in practice. Suspects must be informed of their legal rights upon arrest, including the right to remain silent, to be allowed to contact a person of their choice, and generally to be charged before a magistrate within 48 hours. A magistrate may order a suspect held for 14 days through a writ of detention, which may be renewed every 14 days. Most citizens charged with noncapital offenses are released on their own recognizance; some are released with minimal bail. Detention without bail is highly unusual, except in murder cases, where it is mandated.
- 136 Detainees have the right to hire attorneys of their choice, but in practice most are unable to afford legal counsel. However, poor police training and poor communications in rural villages make it difficult for detainees to obtain legal assistance, and authorities do not always follow judicial safeguards. The Government does not provide counsel for the indigent, except in capital cases. One NGO, the Botswana Center for Human Rights, provides free legal services, but its capacity is limited. Another NGO, the University of Botswana Legal Assistance Center, provides free legal services in civil, but not criminal, matters. Constitutional protections are not applied to illegal immigrants, although the constitutionality of denying them due process has not been tested in court. The Government neither forcibly repatriates nor deports failed asylum seekers, but it detains and incarcerates them with convicted felons (see Section 2.d.). The Government does not use forced exile.
E. DENIAL OF FAIR PUBLIC TRIAL
The Constitution provides for an independent judiciary, and the Government respects this provision in practice. The judiciary consists of both a civil court (including magistrates' courts, a High Court, and a Court of Appeal) and a customary (traditional) court system. The law provides for the right to a fair trial. However, the civil courts remained unable to provide for timely, fair trials in many cases due to severe staffing shortages and a backlog of pending cases. From September through the first week in November, the Government suspended all civil cases and ordered all circuit court judges to try criminal cases only. Of the 80 backlogged cases, 48 were set for trial and 39 completed as of year's end. Most trials in the regular courts are public, although trials under the National Security Act (NSA) may be held in secret. Those charged with noncapital crimes are tried without legal representation if they cannot afford an attorney. As a result, many defendants may not be informed of their rights in pretrial or trial proceedings. Most citizens encounter the legal system through the customary courts, under the authority of a traditional leader. These courts handle minor offenses involving land, marital, and property disputes. In customary courts, the defendant does not have legal counsel and there are no precise rules of evidence. Tribal judges, appointed by the tribal leader or elected by the community, determine sentences, which may be appealed through the civil court system. The quality of decisions reached in the traditional courts varies considerably. In communities where chiefs and their decisions are respected, plaintiffs tend to take their cases to the customary court; otherwise, people seek justice in the civil courts. There were no reports of political prisoners.
F. ARBITRARY INTERFERENCE WITH PRIVACY,
FAMILY, HOME, OR CORRESPONDENCE
The Constitution provides for the protection of privacy and the security of the person, and the Government generally respects these rights.
RESPECT FOR CIVIL LIBERTIES

A. FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND THE PRESS The Constitution provides for freedom of expression, both individual and corporate, and the Government generally respects this right in practice. Botswana has a long tradition of vigorous, candid, and unimpeded public discourse. However, opposition leaders have claimed that the
- 137 Government limits their ability to broadcast freely on the radio. The Government contends that prominent coverage of senior officials is more newsworthy. The independent press is small, but lively and is frequently critical of the Government and the President. It reports without fear of closure or censorship. The Government adopted a new broadcast law in July in consultation with media representatives. This law replaced draft legislation offered in 1997, which included provisions for a government-dominated press council, restrictive domestic ownership requirements, and mandatory government accreditation of journalists. The new law creates a national broadcast board and provides for issuance of broadcast licenses and copyright protection of broadcast material. None of the controversial provisions of the 1997 draft legislation were retained. The Government subsidizes a free daily newspaper, which depends heavily on the official Botswana Press Agency (BOPA) for its material. The broadcast media remain a government monopoly with radio the most important medium of information in this highly dispersed society. Radio Botswana follows government policies and draws most of its stories from BOPA. Opposition leaders have access to the radio, but they complain--with some justification--that their broadcast time is limited significantly, and that Radio Botswana's editing of their press releases constitutes a form of censorship. The only television station is privately owned and broadcasts to viewers in the capital city. Independent radio and television from neighboring South Africa are received easily. On occasion the Government has taken steps, under loosely defined provisions of the NSA, to limit publication of national security information. Academic freedom is not restricted. B. FREEDOM OF PEACEFUL ASSEMBLY AND ASSOCIATION The Constitution provides for these rights, and the Government respects them in practice. C. FREEDOM OF RELIGION The Constitution provides for freedom of religion, and the Government respects this right in practice. D. FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT WITHIN THE COUNTRY, FOREIGN TRAVEL, EMIGRATION, AND REPATRIATION There are no formal barriers to domestic and international travel or migration. Some human rights organizations claimed that the Government has pressured several Basarwa (Bushmen) communities within the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) into relocating to partially built settlements outside of the Reserve. Government officials maintained that the "voluntary" resettlement was necessary in order to provide the Basarwa with better public services and to avoid conflicts between wildlife and humans within the CKGR. When the Basarwa arrived at the new settlements, services and facilities were substandard or nonexistent. Although conditions later improved, they remain very basic. The Government permits relocated Basarwa to return to the CKGR, but does not provide services within the reserve. The Government cooperates with the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other humanitarian organizations in assisting refugees. Botswana has maintained a policy of considering resettlement requests only from refugees from bordering countries. However, the Government has permitted failed asylum seekers to remain in the country but they must stay either at the Dukwe Refugee Camp or in jail.
- 138 There were no confirmed reports of the forced return of persons to a country where they feared persecution. Refugees and asylum seekers refused under Botswana's "first country of asylum" policy are housed at Dukwe Refugee Camp until they are resettled or repatriated. Botswana received more than 1,300 Namibian refugees from late October through midDecember. Many were armed and linked to the Democratic Turnhalle Alliance (DTA), a rebel movement based in the Caprivi Strip of Namibia. Male refugees linked to the DTA requested asylum based on their claim that they were being forced into the Namibian army to fight in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Although the UNHCR screened these persons, at year's end the Government had not decided whether to deport them, grant asylum, or try them for importation of illegal arms.
RESPECT FOR POLITICAL RIGHTS: THE RIGHT OF CITIZENS TO CHANGE THEIR GOVERNMENT
The Constitution provides citizens with the right to change their government peacefully, and citizens exercise this right in practice through periodic, free, and fair elections held on the basis of universal adult (18 years of age) suffrage. The President is elected by Parliament and is limited to two 5-year terms in office. The BDP continued to dominate Parliament following the October 1994 elections, ensuring the election of its presidential candidate, then incumbent President Sir Ketumile Masire. Masire stepped down in March and was succeeded by Vice President Mogae, in accordance with the Constitution. The BNF was the only opposition party to win seats in the last elections. However, a split within the party during the year led to the creation of the BCP, which holds 11 of the opposition seats in Parliament, while the BNF retained only 2 seats. A measure to force MPs who change parties to stand for reelection in a by-election was stalled in Parliament at year's end. The House of Chiefs, an advisory upper chamber of Parliament with limited powers, is restricted constitutionally to the eight "principal tribes" of the Tswana nation. Consequently, other groups, for example, the Basarwa "bushmen," Herero, Kalanga, Humbukush, Baloi, or Lozi are not represented there. Given the limited authority of the House of Chiefs, the impact of excluding other groups of citizens is largely symbolic, but some non-Setswana speakers view it as important in principle. Members of the National Assembly are required to speak English. In practice women are underrepresented in the political process. Although women constitute just over 50 percent of the population, there are only 4 women among the 44 members of the National Assembly, and only 2 female ministers and 1 deputy minister in the Cabinet. GOVERNMENTAL ATTITUDE REGARDING INTERNATIONAL AND NONGOVERNMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF ALLEGED VIOLATIONS OF HUMAN RIGHTS Domestic and international human rights groups operate without government restriction, investigating and publishing their findings on human rights cases. Government officials are generally cooperative and responsive to such inquiries.
DISCRIMINATION BASED ON RACE, SEX, RELIGION, DISABILITY, LANGUAGE, OR SOCIAL STATUS

The Constitution forbids discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, race, nationality, creed, sex, or social status. These provisions are implemented in practice by government authorities.
- 139 WOMEN Violence against women remains a serious problem. Domestic abuse is one area of concern. Under customary law and in common rural practice, men have the right to "chastise" their wives. Police rarely are called to intervene in cases of domestic violence. Reports of sexual exploitation, abuse, and criminal sexual assault are increasing, and public awareness of the problem generally is growing. The national police force has begun training in handling domestic violence problems for police officers to make them more responsive in such cases. Rape is another grave national problem, and the Government acknowledged in April that, given the high incidence of HIV/AIDS, sexual assault has become an even more serious offense. In response Parliament on April 16 passed legislation effective April 30, which increased penalties for rape, incest, and other forms of sexual assault by imposing minimum sentencing requirements where none existed previously. The minimum sentence for rape is now 10 years, with the minimum increasing to 15 years with corporal punishment if the offender is HIV positive and to 20 years with corporal punishment if the offender knew of his HIV status. The maximum sentence remains life imprisonment. However, although the Government has become far tougher in dealing with criminal sexual assault, societal attitudes toward other forms of domestic violence remain lax. There were 1,183 rapes reported in 1997 with 239 individuals convicted. One of two pending cases of domestic homicide went on trial in November. The defendant, accused of murdering her husband, claims to be the victim of battered woman syndrome and not criminally liable for her actions. The case was pending at year's end. Sexual exploitation and harassment continue to be problems as well, with men in positions of authority pressuring women to provide sexual favors. Greater public awareness and improved legal protection have led more victims of domestic violence and sexual assault to report incidents to the authorities. Women legally enjoy the same civil rights as men; however, in practice discrimination persists. A number of laws, many of which are attributed to traditional practices, restrict civil and economic opportunities for women. A woman married under traditional law or in "common property" is held to be a legal minor, requiring her husband's consent to buy or sell property, apply for credit, and enter into legally binding contracts. Under a law adopted by Parliament in 2002, women married under an intermediate system referred to as in "community of property? are permitted to own immovable property in their own names; however, their husbands still retain considerable control over jointly-held assets of the marriage. In community of property, the couple jointly owns property, but the right to manage it is reserved almost exclusively to the husband. The law was a step toward equalizing a husband's and a wife's legal control over property held in community of property. Women have, and increasingly are exercising, the right to marriage "out of common property," in which case they retain their full legal rights as adults. Polygyny is still legal under traditional law with the consent of the first wife, but it rarely is practiced. Consultants have been reviewing existing laws to identify provisions that may discriminate against women and plan to submit a report to the Ministry of Labor and Home Affairs in 1999. Well-trained urban women enjoy growing entry level access to the white-collar job market, but the number of opportunities decreases sharply as they rise in seniority. Discrimination against women is most acute in rural areas where women work primarily in subsistence agriculture. The Government and interested NGO's meet regularly to implement the long-term plan of action described in the National Policy on Women adopted in 2002. The plan identifies 6 critical areas of concern, prioritized as follows: (1) women and poverty, (2) women, and powersharing and
- 140 decisionmaking, (3) education and training of women, (4) women and health, (5) the girl child, and (6) violence against women. The Women's Affairs Department of the Ministry of Labor and Home Affairs, in conjunction with the United Nations Development Program, is implementing a "market plan" to ensure that the gender program and overall policy on women are incorporated into policymaking, budgeting, and planning decisions. A number of women's organizations has emerged to promote the status of women. The Government has entered into a dialog with many of these groups. While some women's rights groups reportedly felt that the Government has been slow to respond concretely to their concerns, women's NGO's state that they are encouraged by the direction of change and by the increasingly collaborative relationship with government authorities. Major women's NGO's include the Emang Basadi Women's Association, which promotes the social, economic and legal status of women; the Metlhaetsile Women's Information Centre, which provides legal assistance to poor women; and the Botswana Council of Women. CHILDREN The Government provides 7 years of primary education for children, although it is not compulsory. The national literacy rate is 69 percent: 70 percent for females and 67 percent for males. However, in some cases, girls are denied schooling because of religious or customary beliefs. For the past 2 years, the Government has allocated the largest portion of its recurrent budget to the Ministry of Education, in large part for the construction of primary and secondary schools so that children have ready access to education. The rights of children are addressed in the Constitution and the 1981 Children's Act. Under the act Botswana has a court system and social service apparatus designed solely for juveniles. The Government launched a 10-year program of action for children in 1997, incorporating the seven major global goals identified at the 1990 U.N. World Summit for Children. In 2002 the Ministry of Labor and Home Affairs transferred responsibility for children to the Social Welfare Department in the Ministry of Local Government, Lands and Housing. Laws pertaining to children are under review to align them with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Adoption Act also is being reviewed to ensure that adopted children are provided for and not exploited as cheap labor. There is no societal pattern of abuse against children, although incest and other forms of child abuse have received increased attention from the media and from local human rights groups. In August a peaceful protest at a senior secondary school in northeastern Botswana turned violent when 500 students rioted over allegations of sexual misconduct by male teachers with female students. In the aftermath, 10 students were expelled and 12 others were suspended. Separate committees were appointed to investigate both the riots and the students' claims of teachers' sexual misconduct. However, in the interim, 60 students were ordered to pay over $7,000 in fines or face prosecution for "malicious damage to government property." The parents of the expelled and suspended students vowed not to pay the fines and appeared prepared to fight the school administration in court, shifting the focus of public attention to the students' conduct from that of the teachers. The problem of sexual harassment among teachers is not limited to northeastern Botswana, but is reportedly a national concern. Reports of rape and sexual assault of young women, particularly those doing their national service in remote regions of the nation are common, and cases of incest and "defilement" of young girls appear with greater frequency in the news.
- 141 PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES The Government does not discriminate on the basis of physical or mental disability, although employment opportunities for the disabled remain limited. The Government does not require accessibility to public buildings and public conveyances for people with disabilities, and the NGO community only recently has begun to address the needs of the disabled. In 1997 Parliament adopted a national policy that provides for integrating the needs of disabled persons into all aspects of government policymaking. The Government funded NGO's that provide rehabilitation services and supported small-scale work projects by disabled workers. NATIONAL/RACIAL/ETHNIC MINORITIES The Tswana majority, of which the Constitution recognizes eight principal tribes, has a tradition of peacefully coexisting with "minor" tribes. Each of the eight principal tribes is represented in the advisory House of Chiefs, while the other groups are permitted only a subchief, who is not a member of the House. Other than the lack of schooling in their own language and representation in the House of Chiefs, Botswana's Bantu minorities and nonindigenous minorities, such as the white and Asian communities, are not subject to discrimination. However, the nomadic Basarwa remain marginalized; they have lost access to their traditional land and are vulnerable to exploitation. Their isolation, ignorance of civil rights, and lack of representation in local or national government have stymied their progress.
WORKER RIGHTS
A. THE RIGHT OF ASSOCIATION The Constitution provides for the right of association. In practice all workers, with the exception of government employees, are free to join or organize unions of their own choosing. Government workers may form associations that function as quasi-unions but without the right to negotiate wages. The industrial or wage economy is small, and unions are concentrated largely in mineral extraction and to a lesser extent in the railway and banking sectors. There is only one major confederation, the Botswana Federation of Trade Unions (BFTU), but there are no obstacles to the formation of other labor federations. Unions are independent of the Government and are not closely allied with any political party or movement. Unions may employ administrative staff, but the law requires elected union officials to work full time in the industry that the union represents. This rule severely limits union leaders' professionalism and effectiveness, and has been criticized by the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU). The law also severely restricts the right to strike. Legal strikes are theoretically possible after an exhaustive arbitration process, but in practice none of the country's strikes has been legal. Unions may join international organizations, and the BFTU is affiliated with the ICFTU. The Minister of Labor must approve any affiliation with an outside labor movement, but unions may appeal to the courts if an application for affiliation is refused. B. THE RIGHT TO ORGANIZE AND BARGAIN COLLECTIVELY The Constitution provides for collective bargaining for unions that have enrolled 25 percent of a labor force. In reality only the mineworker unions have the organizational strength to engage in collective bargaining.
- 142 Workers may not be fired for union-related activities. Dismissals may be appealed to labor officers or civil courts, but labor offices rarely do more than order 2-months' severance pay. Botswana has only one export processing zone, located in the town of Selebi-Phikwe, and it is subject to the same labor laws as the rest of the country. C. PROHIBITION OF FORCED OR COMPULSORY LABOR The constitutional provision prohibiting forced or bonded labor applies to all citizens, although its application to children is not specified. There were no reports of forced or bonded labor. D. STATUS OF CHILD LABOR PRACTICES AND MINIMUM AGE FOR EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN Although education is not compulsory, the Government provides 7 years of free primary education to every child, and most children take advantage of this opportunity. Only an immediate family member may employ a child age 13 or younger, and no juvenile under age 15 may be employed in any industry. Only persons over age 16 may be hired to perform night work, and no person under age 16 is allowed to perform hazardous labor, including mining. District and municipal councils have child welfare divisions, which are responsible for enforcing child labor laws. The constitutional provision prohibiting forced or bonded labor applies to all citizens, although its application to children is not specified (see Section 6.c.). Because research on the issue of child labor is limited, it is difficult to state whether child labor laws are enforced effectively. However, there is general agreement among the Labor Commissioner, officials of the Ministry of Local Government, Lands, and Housing, and UNICEF that the child labor problem is limited to young children in remote areas who work as cattle tenders, maids, or babysitters. E. ACCEPTABLE CONDITIONS OF WORK The minimum daily wage for full time labor is $3.00 (14 pula), which is less than 50 percent of what the Government calculates is necessary to meet the basic needs of a family of five. The Ministry of Labor is responsible for enforcing the minimum wage, and each of the country's districts has at least one labor inspector. The Ministry of Labor referred trade disputes to the Industrial Court during the year. Formal sector jobs almost always pay well above minimum wage levels. Informal sector employment, particularly in the agricultural and domestic service sectors where housing and food are included, frequently pay below the minimum wage. The Ministry of Labor recommends a monthly minimum wage of $53 (250 pula) for domestics, but this is not mandatory. Illegal immigrants, primarily Zambians and Zimbabweans, are exploited easily, as they would be subject to deportation if they filed grievances against their employers. The law permits a maximum 48-hour workweek, exclusive of overtime, which is payable at time and a half for each additional hour. Most modern private and public sector jobs are on the 40hour workweek. Workers who complain about hazardous conditions cannot be fired. However, the Government's institutional ability to enforce its workplace safety legislation remains limited by inadequate staffing and unclear jurisdictions between different ministries. Nevertheless, employers generally provide for worker safety, with the occasionally notable exception of the construction industry.
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STATUS OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

LEGAL/POLICY FRAMEWORK The Constitution provides for freedom of religion, and the Government generally respects this right in practice. The Government at all levels generally protects this right in full, and does not tolerate its abuse, either by governmental or private actors. There is no state religion. The Constitution also provides for the protection of the rights and freedoms of other persons, including the right to observe and practice any religion without the unsolicited intervention of members of any other religion. All religious organizations must register with the Government. To register, a group submits its constitution to the Ministry of Home Affairs. After a generally simple bureaucratic process, the organization is registered. There are no legal benefits for registered organizations. Unregistered groups potentially are liable to penalties including fines up to $178 (1,000 Pula), up to 7 years in jail, or both. Except for the case of the Unification Church, there is no indication that any religious organization has ever been denied registration. The Constitution provides that every religious community may establish places for religious instruction at the community's expense. The Constitution prohibits forced religious instruction, forced participation in religious ceremonies, or taking oaths that run counter to an individual's religious beliefs.There are no laws against proselytizing. RESTRICTIONS ON RELIGIOUS FREEDOM The Constitution provides for the suspension of religious freedom in the interests of national defense, public safety, public order, public morality, or public health; however, any suspension of religious freedom by the Government must be deemed "reasonably justifiable in a democratic society." In 1984 the Unification Church was denied registration by the Ministry of Home Affairs on the public order grounds stipulated in the Constitution. The Government also perceived the Unification Church to be anti-Semitic and denied it registration because of another constitutional provision that protects the rights and freedoms of individuals to practice their religion without intervention. In the intervening 17 years, the Unification Church has petitioned the offices of the President and Vice President without success, but has made no move to challenge the Ministry's decision in the courts. It is unclear whether the Unification Church maintained a presence in the country during the period covered by this report.There were no reports of religious prisoners or detainees. FORCED RELIGIOUS CONVERSION There were no reports of forced religious conversion, including of minor U.S. citizens who had been abducted or illegally removed from the United States, or of the Government's refusal to allow such citizens to be returned to the United States. SOCIETAL ATTITUDES Relations between the country's religious communities generally are amicable. U.S. GOVERNMENT POLICY The U.S. Embassy discusses religious freedom issues with the Government in the context of its overall dialog and policy of promoting human rights.
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STRATEGIC ECONOMIC AND BUSINESS INFORMATION

ECONOMY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
With an economy growing annually between 12 and 13 percent, Botswana extended basic infrastructure for mining development and basic social services for its population. More diamond mines were opened, on relatively favorable terms of income to the state, and less economically successful nickel-copper mining commenced at Selebi-Phikwe. The BDP was consistently reelected with a large majority, though the Botswana National Front (BNF, founded 1965) became a significant threat after 1969, when "tribal" conservatives joined the socialists in BNF ranks attacking the "bourgeois" policies of government. The later 1970s saw civil war in Rhodesia, and urban insurrection in South Africa, from which refugees flowed into Botswana. When Botswana began to form its own army, the Botswana Defence Force, the Rhodesian army crossed the border and massacred 15 Botswana soldiers in a surprise attack at Leshoma (February 1978). Botswana played its part in the final settlement of the Rhodesian war, resulting in Zimbabwe independence in 1980. But its main contribution was in formulating the Southern African Development Coordination Conference, to look to the future of the region. The idea behind SADCC, as expounded by Seretse Khama, was to coordinate disparate economies rather than to create a unified market in southern Africa. All the states of southern Africa, except South Africa (and Namibia), formed SADCC in 1980, to work together in developing identified sectors of their economies particularly the transport network to the ports of Mozambique. At independence 30 years ago, Botswana's economy was one of the least developed in Africa. However, thanks to a flourishing diamond industry and judicious use of national income, it has been turned into one of Africa's wealthiest. Real growth rate in the GNP was 4.1% in 1994 giving a GNP per capita rate of $4,500 placing it into the World Bank's upper-middle-income category. The Botswana government has forecast a GDP rate of 4.9% for 2002 and 6.5% for 1997 and 2003, with an average of 6% (excluding mining) through to 2003. The mining sector has come to dominate the economy and its contribution to GDP is over 50%. The manufacturing sector has expanded from a very small base while the increase in export revenues from the diamond mining sector enabled the government to finance major infrastructure projects and improvements in education and welfare provision. Botswana's economy however, is relatively undiversified and remains heavily dependent on its diamond industry and to a lesser extent, copper-nickel mining and livestock production. The economy therefore remains essentially vulnerable to external factors such as continuing quotas on diamond sales imposed by the Central Selling Organization, depressed world prices for copper-nickel and a weak market for soda-ash, and adverse climatic conditions such as drought. While it is actively seeking foreign investment by offering attractive incentives and relatively simple procedures for the establishment of local operations, it is competing with equally attractive incentives from neighboring countries where infrastructure, available labour skills and size of the local market may be greater. The government's objectives for industrial development include the encouragement of the private sector and free enterprise system through the creation of a favourable business climate; diversification of the economy through growth in the manufacturing sector; and stimulation of export activities and encouragement of increased processing and value-added import substitution. The government
- 145 has effected a number of measures to encourage economic diversification which has resulted in the non-mining sector growing at 5% compared to the average of 3.3%. The need to reduce the high unemployment rate is a central concern of the government and measures to create sustainable employment growth will continue to dominate economic policies regarding investment. Programs such as the Financial Assistance Policy (FAP) which awards grants to manufacturing enterprises and some agricultural projects on the basis of employment created are likely to be retained. The manufacturing sector, largely seen as the main sector of the economy holding the most potential for job creation, remains small and heavily dependent on government grants under the Financial Assistance Program.
PRIVATIZATION
The Botswana Government is considering the privatization of major public enterprises and is instituting a two-pronged approach to this process. Firstly, the markets in which certain parastatals operate need to be opened to competition from the private sector. Secondly, after ensuring a competitive market, public corporations will be privatized. This approach has so far been used in the telecommunications sector. A schedule for the privatization of public corporations and some parts of the Government sector will be included in the next National Development Plan (NDP8) to commence in 1997/98. However, many of the parastatals need to be put on a more commercial footing in order to attract private sector investors.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Botswana ranks among the top countries in Africa in terms of total infrastructure. The increased national income received from its mining sector enabled Botswana to invest in roads and other infrastructure. Telecommunications, roads, railways and air transport are generally good although the western areas of the country remain relatively inaccessible. However, Botswana is poorly endowed with water resources. Its unfavorable topography, erratic rainfall, frequent severe droughts, and expanding population make the provision of affordable water a major challenge. Water tariffs for business enterprise are expensive.
AVAILABILITY OF FINANCE AND FUNDING SOURCES

The availability of finance should not pose any particular problem to the potential investor in Botswana. Sources of funding include the various bodies of the European Union and the United Nations, and direct aid from many foreign donors. Botswana is the only country in Africa to have received an EIU sovereign investment grade rating. The banking sector is geared to arrange finance for new businesses. There are a number of commercial banks offering sophisticated services, as well as development finance institutions which offer specialized services to specific economic sectors. The Botswana Development Corporation Ltd (BDC) is the government's main agency for commercial and industrial development having investments through subsidiary and associated companies in all sectors of the economy except large-scale mining. Its main function is to identify investment opportunities in Botswana for local and foreign investors and provide investment advice, loan financing and overdraft guarantees, share capital and provision of business premises to investors.
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INTERNATIONAL TRADE AGREEMENTS

Botswana is a member of the following international organizations, membership of which offers the country access to world trade markets or sources of funding : African Development Bank African-Caribbean-Pacific Group in association with the European Union (Lom Convention) Commonwealth World Trade Organization (GATT) International Bank for Reconstruction and Development International Labour Organization International Monetary Fund Organization of African Unity Southern African Customs Union Southern African Development Community (regional headquarters are located in Gaborone) United Nations and associate bodies In addition, Botswana is a signatory to special trade agreements with Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe that allow duty-free entry of certain goods between the countries. It also has bi-lateral agreements with China allowing preferential or limited duty free trade. Botswana is a signatory to the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Authority (MIGA) which protects investments from expropriation or nationalization.
MANUFACTURING
The manufacturing sector in Botswana is relatively small, accounting for an estimated 4.5% of Botswana's GDP, although employing more labour than the mining sector. This sector is seen as having the most growth potential and the government's objective is to diversify away from mining and cattle ranching to the development and processing of other raw material resources in order to increase its export trade. An example is the soda ash project which is expected to stimulate local manufacture of detergents, potash and fertilisers, while the production of copper and nickel could boost local production of electrical components. Apart from meat processing, Botswana had no manufacturing activity at its independence 30 years ago. By 1995 there were some 630 medium to large scale manufacturing enterprises registered in Botswana, 200 owned by citizens, 300 by non-citizens and the remainder being joint-ventures. The majority of manufacturing enterprises are located in the urban areas, specifically around Gaborone. Manufacturing activity includes textiles, building materials, household products, beverages and vehicle assembly operations. Botswana's motor industry is the second-largest net foreign exchange earner after minerals. The Korean automotive manufacturer, Hyundai Motor Distributors, currently assembles 2004 vehicles per month in semi-knocked down form mainly for export to neighboring South Africa. It adds 250 components in Botswana to qualify for duty-free export to South Africa. Hyundai is now the country's largest industrial exporter employing 425 people. Under pressure from South Africa's motor industry, it has been given 2 years by South Africa to transform its operations to full assembly using completely knocked-down kits. It has invested US$ 50 million in a new manufacturing facility that will produce
- 147 3000 vehicles a month with an automobile component manufacturing industry planned once production reaches 50,000 units per year. Other vehicle assembly operations are carried out by the Swedish Motor Corporation and Leading Auto Engineering which assembles Scania buses and trucks from completely knockeddown kits and is soon to commence production of a limited range of Chevrolet vehicles, chiefly for the South African market. Currently, by-products from the country's main economic activities of mining and livestock production have been little exploited. The manufacturing sector is open to foreign investors and currrently offers opportunities in the manufacture or assembly of garments, paper products, leather goods, jewelry, packed and processed meat, computer assembly, bottling facilities, household equipment, and office and household furniture. The motor industry sub-sector is one of the government's priority sectors through which it hopes to intensify its economic diversification efforts. This sector offers the following manufacturing opportunities : vehicle assembly, tire manufacturing, leather finishes, paint manufacturing, batteries, and spare parts manufacture. Botswana has access to regional and international markets through its membership of numerous international trade agreements. There is free movement of goods within the Southern Africa Customs Union (SACU). Customs and excise duty tariffs are set by South Africa and applied throughout the SACU although Botswana has the right to levy additional duties on imports to protect new industries. To qualify for a certificate of Botswana origin, at least 25% of the production cost must be represented by materials produced and labor performed in the country. Over the next decade there will be a reduction in protective tariffs and a dismantling of non-tariff barriers. South Africa has also agreed to abolish its export incentive schemes that subsidized exports outside the SACU. These changes will result in Botswana no longer having to face unfair competition from South Africa in exporting to non-SACU countries.
MINING
Botswana is Africa's third largest mining producer after South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire). Diamonds, copper-nickel, soda ash, coal and gold are exploited. It is Africa's largest and the world's third largest producer of diamonds and second largest producer of gem diamonds. The mining sector represents 34.2% of the country's GDP and 50% of its tax revenues. Diamond mining is dominated by Debswana Diamond Company (Pty) Ltd whose 3 mines produced a total of 14.76 million carats in 1993, marketed exclusively by the De Beer's Central Selling Organization. Recently, Russia and Botswana signed an a memorandum of understanding to exchange information to harmonise methods of selling diamonds to ensure equitable sharing of the market. Botswana has two diamond cutting and polishing factories. Botswana has vast proven reserves of bituminous coal which have not yet been fully exploited. Other known mineral deposits include asbestos, chromite, feldspar, graphite, gypsum, iron, kaolin, talc and uranium. OTHER METALS AND MINERALS Other metals and minerals produced in Botswana include gold, copper-nickel and cobalt, and soda ash while known mineral deposits include asbestos, chromite, feldspar, graphite, gypsum, iron, kaolin, talc and uranium. Copper/nickel exports amount to some US$ 99 million per annum.
- 148 The greenstone belt is currently being explored by Gallery Gold, an Australian company, the object being to discover one million ounces of gold by mid 2004. The area includes the Tati and Vumba belts near the Zimbabwe border. The greenstone belts also have the potential to host nickel sulphide deposits. Such deposits are currently being mined by Anglo American and Lionore. Selebi-Phikwe is the center of Botswana's copper-nickel-cobalt mining industry. It is dominated by Bamangwato Concessions Limited (BCL), jointly owned by the Botswana Government and Anglo American, one of the largest private sector employer with over 4850 employees. Some 40,000 tons per year of copper-nickel matte is produced for refining in Zimbabwe and Norway. Australia-based Gallery Resources began mining at its Golden Eagle project near Francistown in October 2002. However Gallery Gold has terminated underground operations at the mine due to the lower gold price.The heap-leach option will enable the carbon-in-leach plant at the Monarch mine to be held in reserve for treating Monarch ore and other ore that may be available at various sites on Gallery's leases. Gallery is continuing its exploration program near Francistown. Drilling has produced encouraging results, including an intersection of 8.2 g/t over 6.8 meters, on the Shashe lease that was once owned by Phelps Dodge. Other major Botswana mines include the Phoenix copper/nickel mine, and the Rainbow and Signal Hill gold mines. Soda ash is produced by Botswana Ash. Amalia's Signal Hill project area held in north eastern Botswana has a resource base of almost 200,000 indicatedounces of gold, 387,000 inferred ounces and 425,000 potential ounces. On the exploration front, the Canadian company, Falconbridge Exploration, has been evaluating the possible exploitation of copper deposits at Thakada and Makala. Trillion is involved in exploring the Kalahari Gold, Shashi and Sowa Pan properties. GOVERNANCE Previously all minerals were vested in the state while still in the ground, irrespective of land ownership. This meant that there was no guarantee of companies obtaining a mining lease once they had done the exploration. These conservative laws are under review, making the process more automatic and predictable, and therefore more attractive. A new type of concession, the Retention License, has also been introduced. This means that prospectors are not required to use their lease immediately. The mining industry is regulated by the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Water Affairs. DIAMOND MINING Diamond Mining is the major element of the Botswana mining industry and diamonds account for 80% of the country's export earnings ($1.74 billion in 1994). Diamond mining is dominated by Debswana Diamond Company Ltd, owned by De Beers Centenary AG and the Botswana government. Debswana is the country's biggest employer with 6000 employees. The Three Botswana diamond mines - Orapa, Letlhakane and Jwaneng - between them produced 15,54 million carats of diamonds in the year to December 1994, which is considerably more than the output from the other southern African operations. In August 2002, the CSO signed a further five year sales contract with Botswana.
- 149 Discovered in 1967, the Orapa deposit came into production in 1971 and has yielded 118m carats of diamond. The Orapa pipe, about 250km west of Francistown in northern Botswana, is the world's second largest kimberlite pipe being mined in terms of area, covering 117 ha. The pit bottom is now 110 meters below the surface. Current proven reserves extend to 260 meters below surface and an exploration drilling program is underway to define the shape of the pipe down to 500 meters 600 meters. At a depth of 210 meters the pipe splits into two lobes, each measuring about 20 ha. Orapa production increased to 6.74 million carats in 1997 from 5.64m in 2002. To date the mine has shifted a total of 170 Mt of material, of which just 2.4 Mt has been waste. By 2004, Orapa will be mining 60 Mt/year, of which 20 Mt will be ore and 40 Mt waste. Once mining operations in the open pit reach their maximum economic depth, Orapa will become an underground mining operation working through twin vertical shafts to get at the bottom sections of the kimberlite pipe. The underground mine would have a life of around 25 years. Debswana Diamond Company Ltd was first registered in 1969 after discovery of diamonds at Orapa. The Letlhakane mine near Orapa was founded in 1973, as was the much larger Jwaneng mine in the south of the country but, while Letlhakane came into production by 1977, Jwaneng did not start mining operations until 1982. Jwaneng is by far the richest and the largest of the three mines and one of the largest diamond mines in the world, and during 1994 produced 9.1 million carats at grade of 137 carats per hundred metric tons of ore. Debswana became a 50/50 partnership in 1975 after the Botswana government's shareholding was raised from 15% to 50%. Appointment of directors to the board, is split equally between De Beers Centenary and the Botswana government. Debswana is the largest private sector employer in Botswana, currently employing over 6000 workers of whom 90% are Botswana citizens. The Orapa, Letlhakane and Jwaneng mines are operated by the Debswana Diamond Company. These three mines currently have a total annual production of more than 20 million carats. It is hoped to double the capacity of the Orapa mine by the year 2004, which would raise total production by more than 25 million carats per year. All diamonds are sorted and valued by Botswana Diamond Valuing Company, which is a subsidiary of the Debswana Diamond Company. Debswana's mining lease at Orapa has been renewed for a further period to June 2017. Debswana will spend $288 million to double the treatment capacity of Orapa mine. This will raise Debswana's total production by 6 million carats to 23 million in 2004 from the year 2004. The 117 ha Orapa craterfacies kimberlite is on of the lowest-cost major diamond producers in the world. The mine's labour requirements will rise by less than 10% while its overhead costs should increase by only 20%. The mine life will be reduced from 60 years to 30 years. Ashton Mining has an option to earn 50% interest on the Ngami diamond exploration project. This recently expanded 26 000 square kilometer project will require an investment of USD 5.15 over the next three years. There are potential new mines at Martin's Drift and Gope and a short term mining lease has been awarded by the Botswana Government to a new subsidiary of De Beers Prospecting Botswana, Tswapong Mining, in which the Government holds 15 per cent, to exploit five small kimberlites at Martins Drift in eastern Botswana on the Botswana-South African border about 400 kilometres east of Gaberone. The contract gives the right to exploit the deposit for a period of four years. The Botswana Diamondfields company is focusing on three license blocks, covering some 9 400 square km of highly prospective precious stones prospecting licenses. These are the Deception Pan Block; the Mopipi Block; and the Tswapong Block.
- 150 Ashton Mining of Australia has agreed to finance the first $U.S.5.5 million of exploration costs at Reunion Mining's Tsodilo diamond project in north-west Botswana in return for a 50% stake in the 22,000 square kilometers concession. The Debswana subsidiary, Teemane Manufacturing Company, in Serowe, is involved in cutting and polishing diamonds. The local subsidiary of American company, Lazare Kaplan, is also active in diamond cutting and polishing. COAL MINING Botswana has vast proven reserves of bituminous coal, most of which have yet to be fully exploited. The Morupule and Mmamadula coalfields in eastern Botswana have known reserves totaling 17 billion tons. There is however only one coal mine currently in operation at Palapye owned by the Morupule Colliery, a subsidiary of Anglo American, which produced 816,725 tons of coal in 1995 (890,000 tons in 1993) for use in the Selebi-Phikwe and Morupule power stations. The Morupule coalfield is estimated to have reserves of between six and nine billion tons of coal. The mine is an underground operation with six entry points. OIL INDUSTRY Botswana is a landlocked state located in Southern African and occupies an area of 600 372 sq km (231 804 sq miles). It shares its borders with South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe. The country has no known hydrocarbon reserves although it does have considerable coal mining operations. All petroleum products are imported in their refined form from neighbouring South Africa. Oil-derived products supply 57% of Botswana's commercial energy needs with coal and electricity supplying 28.5% and 15% respectively. Consumption of liquid fuel products is currently in the order of 407,000 tonnes per annum all of which is imported from South Africa. Over the past five years consumption has shown a 16% growth rate. Distribution and marketing of fuels and lubricants products is carried out by BP Botswana, Shell , Engen Botswana, Caltex Oil and Total Botswana with BP and Shell holding the major market shares. Engen Botswana is the only oil company listed on the Botswana stock exchange. As Botswana is located on a major trucking route from South Africa to Zimbabwe, Zambia and other countries to the north and from Namibia in the east, importation and distribution of petroleum products is mainly via road. The transport infrastructure is advanced and the rail system is in good condition. There are some 8 petroleum products storage depots in Botswana with a total capacity of 53,000 cu.m. There is a single pricing formula for all products. The wholesale margin is not sufficient to encourage companies to invest in new facilities. The tax of petroleum products is about 13% and annual petroleum tax revenue is approximately $33 million per annum representing 13% of government indirect taxes. The formula for determining the pump price tends to be very similar to that used in South Africa.
CHEMICAL INDUSTRY
The chemicals industry in Botswana has experienced a high rate of expansion over the last ten to fifteen years. This has been due mainly to a number of government policies providing financial assistance to entrepreneurs and small
- 151 scale businesses, while offering a highly attractive foreign investment code. Despite the growth in this sector, chemical and rubber products still formed 8.2% of imports during 1992. Attempts have been made to exploit brine deposits at Sua Pan, in central Botswana, and in 1991 a soda ash/salt plant (soda ash is an important chemical used in the steel-, glass-, paper- and detergent manufacturing industries) began production. This project, funded by both the Botswanan government and private South African interests, fell some 80% short of the expected production level, managing only 62,000 tons of soda ash in its initial year of production, owing mainly to technical problems. The Soda Ash Botswana plant has a capacity to produce 300,000 tons of soda ash and 650,000 tons of salt, but has seldom, if ever, operated beyond 60% of its capacity - well below profitable operation. During 1995, the company went into liquidation. An offer by the Botswanan government and Anglo American Corporation was accepted by the company's creditors, and the company, renamed Botswana Ash (Bot Ash) has once more resumed operations.
ENERGY & POWER GENERATION

Botswana has no hydro-electric power resources and all power is from thermal generation. Installed electricity capacity is 220,000 kW and domestic production totalled 901 million kW hours. An additional 228 million kWh were imported mainly from South Africa. Consumption per capita is estimated at 874 kWh. Almost all of Botswana's power comes from the coal-powered Morupule Power Station. The country is undertaking a rural electrification program and a 15 year planning program is being developed to cater for the expected increase in supply of electricity across the Botswana grid. To this end, a new 400/220 kV sub-station is to be built at Phokoje near Selebi-Phikwe with power to be supplied from Eskom's Mathimba power station in neighboring South Africa. The contract for a new sub-station at has been awarded to GEC Alsthom and the completion date is December 1997. Electricity tariffs in Botswana are the highest in the southern African region and its high tariffs have been blamed for the re-location of certain energy-intensive industries to neighboring countries. Although Botswana is ideally suited for solar energy applications, enjoying over 3,200 hours of sunshine per year, its contribution to the national energy balance is insignificant. Solar energy is currently used for home lighting and water heating, electricity production for telecommunications equipment, and in the rural areas where access to conventional electricity is difficult. Significant business opportunities lie in the manufacture or assembly of solar energy equipment.
AGRICULTURE
The Government of Botswana launched the Arable Land Development Program (ALDEP) in 1980. This Program, which has now gone through a number of phases, goes a long way to address the agricultural concerns cited in Agenda 21. It has assisted resource poor farmers to enable them to participate in agriculture, attain food security at the household level, and earn income from the sale of surplus produce. The assistance includes seeds and fencing of fields to protect crops. There are also a number of complementary program, such as strengthening the extension system through training of manpower and extension facilities (offices, transport, etc.). The 1991 National Policy on Agricultural Development focused on agrarian reform, which included replacing the food self sufficiency goal with the concept of food security, promoting
- 152 diversification of agricultural production, and incorporating the element of sustainable food production primarily through improved management of production resources. Agriculture was diversified through the adoption of non-traditional production systems and products. The Government has, for example, encouraged farmers to engage in horticulture production where conditions allow, and in harvesting and processing wild products. However, the transition to new forms of production is slow, but efforts are being made through targeted subsidies, such as the Financial Assistance Policy (FAP) to encourage people to participate. With this reform, Botswana has exceeded the 1995 target for this program area. A number of projects and programs, some of which pre-date Agenda 21, have been launched to address agricultural and rural development concerns. The survey and mapping of soils at the national level started in 1981 and was completed in 1990. Information derived from this program has been used to determine land suitability for various uses. It will be further applied in the inventory of degraded lands, through the on-going Soil Conservation Project, launched in 1992 and the Range Inventory and Monitoring Project launched in 1993. The former funded by the Government of Botswana, and the latter partially funded by the British Government. The Government of Botswana established a program on agricultural water development under the Ministry of Agriculture in 1967. Through this program agricultural reservoirs are constructed for watering livestock and for the irrigation of horticultural crops. This program continues to receive support and will be strengthened in the National Development Plan 8 (NDP 8). The potential use of crop residues, their nutritional status, and management methods for livestock feed are being studied, together with the identification of locally available feed resources. The development of breeds adapted to local environmental conditions, production systems, and farmer preference is an on-going process involving emphasis on efficient input utilization, productivity, and competitiveness under marginal conditions. The development of a composite breed with some of the above attributes is in its final stages. In the future, breeding work will be expanded to include non-conventional but adapted animals, such as ostriches. Work on tillage systems has shown that double plugging improves infiltration and enhances soil moisture conservation properties, with increased total moisture available to the crop. On-going research seeks to identify grazing systems that would encourage forage rehabilitation and good maintenance in terms of quality and quantity. Preliminary results indicate that continuous grazing during the dry period is less destructive to range than grazing during the growing periods. The conservation and sustainable utilization of plant and animal genetic resources for food and sustainable agriculture is being implemented in line with the Convention on Biological Diversity. In the future, the establishment and persistence of legume forage under range conditions will be studied. Botswana recognizes that reliance on chemicals for the control of pests is dangerous in the long term and unsustainable. Integrated Pest Management is currently promoted through initiatives by the agricultural research system and others. These initiatives include breeding and selecting crops resistant to major pests and diseases. Capacity has been enhanced by the establishment of a Plant Protection Division within the Ministry of Agriculture. The Division is responsible for the control of migratory and economically important pests, development of procedures for safe handling and disposal of pesticides, and for promoting sustainable pest control technologies.
- 153 Most of the land farmed in Botswana is marginal. Soil fertility management is, therefore, extremely important in the maintenance of soil productivity and sustainable use of the land to avoid degradation. Botswana does not produce chemical fertilizers. Research on crop rotation of cereals and legumes has shown positive benefits in the improvement of soil fertility and increased yields. Current research activities seek to establish a system that will give maximum benefit to the farmer. Inter-cropping experiments have begun recently with the aim of improving mixed cropping as a manageable system that will maximize the benefits of both row planting and mixed cropping. Such a system is also beneficial to the soil. In addition, soil fertility management has also become an important part of the implementation of soil conservation. Research programs on cereals, oilseeds, and legumes are evaluating genotypes for drought tolerance and escape. Breeding activities also concentrate on associated traits such as early flowering and maturity which are considered to be escape mechanisms for drought. Research is now beginning on indigenous crops, such as watermelons, traditionally recognized as drought tolerant. Other exotic crops of dry regions, such as cassava, pigeon peas, and sweet potatoes, are being studied for potential adaptation to Botswana's conditions.
POLITICAL, INVESTMENT AND LEGAL CLIMATE

A. POLITICAL SYSTEM Botswana's constitution provides for a Parliament consisting of a President and a National Assembly. The National Assembly has a Speaker, Attorney General, 34 members elected in general elections and four members elected by the elected members. The executive functions of the state are carried out by the President. While the Parliament is unicameral, there is a House of Chiefs which serves as an advisory body only on proposed legislation which could have a bearing or impact on tradition and custom but otherwise has no legislative functions. Botswana is one of the few multi-party democracies in Africa. There have been six peaceful elections since its independence from Great Britain in 1966, the most recent election occurred in 1989. Elections are on the basis of universal suffrage and one man one vote. In the most recent election, the Botswana Democratic Party received 31 seats in the National Assembly. The Botswana National Front received 3 seats and also control of the Gaborone municipal council. The Botswana People's Party received one seat. B. LEGAL SYSTEM The Botswana legal system is based upon common law borrowing from the English and RomanDutch law systems, and the judiciary is independent from the executive. The High Court of Justice, located in Lobatse, is the highest court in Botswana with magistrates located in all townships and district capitals. The local tribal courts adjudicate such traditional matters as domestic relations. Tribal Land Boards rule on land use matters in tribal lands and traditional villages. Town councils rule on land use matters in urban areas. C. ECONOMIC SYSTEM The economic system of Botswana can be described as free market in its orientation although the Government plays a large role in the development of indigenous resources. The Government, however, plays little role in the pricing of goods and is supportive of foreign investment.
- 154 The Gross Domestic Product of the country has expanded an average of 12.2% per annum over the past 10 years and is one of the world's fastest growing economies. External foreign debt is low ($300 million) and foreign reserves approach $3 billion or 30 months of foreign export cover. Botswana is the largest producer (in value) of diamonds in the world, and they are the major source of national income. Other sources of foreign exchange are beef, nickel and copper. General inflation rates for the region are moderate averaging 11.3% in 1989, with the exception of the construction sector which has a sectoral inflation rate of between 23% and 42% per annum. The Government has an extensive national development program and is a major source of development loans. D. FINANCIAL SYSTEM The financial sector in Botswana is rapidly expanding. The money stock (M-3) has averaged 28% expansion per annum over the period 1980-1989. The majority of financial resources are deposited in the central bank, the Bank of Botswana ("BOB"), which has over $2.3 billion in assets. Domestic capacity to provide equity for large-scale development is limited; most largescale development involves parastatals (state-owned enterprises) alone in conjunction with private enterprise due to the Government's policy to encourage private sector solutions to providing for financing requirements and to fill gaps not satisfied by private sector institutions. The primary private sector institutions are the four commercial banks, with over two-thirds of all assets, exclusive of the BOB. Commercial banks are traditionally short-term lenders. A few major corporations and pension funds have capital for investment; however, no financial mechanisms such as mutual funds (unit trusts) exist to amalgamate investor capital for development. The currency unit of Botswana is the Pula which is comprised of 100 thebe. The rates of exchange to the U.S. dollar in 1987, 1988 and 1989, respectively were $0.60, $0.44 and $0.54.
LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR INVESTMENT AND BUSINESS ACTIVITY

A. SECTOR EXCEPTIONS Industries reserved for citizens are the manufacture of school uniforms and school furniture; protective clothing; burglar bars; cement and baked bricks; and the milling of sorghum and the baking of bread. The following trading activities are limited to Botswana citizens: butchery and fresh produce, general trading, petrol stations, non-specialized restaurants, supermarkets (excluding chain stores and franchise operations), non-hotel bars and bottle stores, and certain simple specialized trades, such as clothing boutiques and footwear. B. SECTOR INCENTIVES AND RESTRICTIONS ON FOREIGN INVESTMENT In 1982, the Financial Assistance Policy (FAP) was established to provide financial assistance to productive businesses, defined as business activities which produce or process goods for import substitution or for export. Large-scale mining and the cattle industry are excluded from FAP. "Linking" Industries which provide a marketing or collection function for productive activities, including associated repair and maintenance facilities, are also eligible for FAP. Service industries do not qualify, nor do brewing and distilling operations. New ventures and existing productive businesses which qualify for assistance have been categorized into three groups:
- 155 Small-Scale Projects: having fixed capital investment of less than P25,000. FAP assistance for small-scale projects is restricted to citizens. Assistance is in the form of grants, with amounts determined by location, gender ownership, job creation and owner management. Medium-Scale Projects: having fixed capital investment of between P25,000 and P900,000. Large-Scale Projects: having fixed capital in excess of P900,000. For medium- and large-scale projects, two packages of financial assistance are offered. These are the Automatic and Financial Assistance (AFA) scheme and the Case-by-Case Financial Assistance (CFA) scheme awarded on the basis of merit to new ventures and existing productive activities which expand operations. Under the AFA for medium-scale projects, the following grants are awarded on a reimbursement basis: (i) Five-year step down tax involving reimbursement of company tax paid. In each of the first two years, the reimbursement is 100% of income tax liability. The reimbursements decline to 75%, 50% and 25% for the third, forth and fifth years, respectively. (ii) A reimbursement of unskilled labor costs for citizens earning less than P11.92 per day of 80% in the first two years of operation and 60%, 40% and 20% in the third, fourth and fifth years, respectively. C. COSTS Training costs of 50% of citizens off-the-job training costs are reimbursed during the first five years of the project. The grants cover tuition, lodging and board, travel, material and wages. Under the CFA, a project must yield a real economic rate of at least 6% per annum to be eligible for assistance. Capital and sales augmentation grants are made in addition to unskilled labor and training grants. A special incentive package was introduced in 1989 for promoters of manufacturing projects which meet the following conditions: (i) the project is located in the township of Selibi-Pikwe; (ii) 100% of the project's output will be exported outside the southern Africa region; (iii) the project will employ 400 Botswana citizens within two years of start-up; and (iv) the project will be promoted by an established international company which has been in existence for at least 10 years and investing at least 25% of the project's combined fixed and permanent working capital as equity. In addition to the CFA scheme described above, the promoter would also be entitled to a reduced nominal tax rate of 15% for the first 20 years of the project and an exemption from withholding tax dividends paid from after-tax profits for the first ten years of the project. Last, the Local Preference Scheme provides incentives to Botswana manufacturers which sell to the Government, local authorities and parastatal companies. The incentive is in the form of a price advantage of up to 40% over goods of foreign manufacture. While there is some agricultural land which can be owned by non-Botswana citizens, most industrial and commercial land is available to foreign investors on a long-term lease basis only.
- 156 While there is no discrimination against majority foreign-owned financial institutions in Botswana, a degree of citizen ownership is encouraged. D. DE FACTO RESTRICTIONS There are no de facto restrictions on foreign investment in Botswana regarding the granting of industrial or commercial licenses or the imposition of taxation. However, due to acute shortages of trained manpower, some delays are to be anticipated in dealing with Government institutions, especially at the local level.
STRATEGIC LEGAL & BUSINESS INFORMATION

While each topic will be discussed in depth later in this paper, this section will examine some of the constraints facing the foreign investor in Botswana. A. TAXATION Botswana's Income Tax Act and Exchange Control Act regulations need to be carefully analyzed to assess their impact on business operations and profitability. The maximum tax rate for corporate income in Botswana is 40%. The Government maintains very liberal policies on repatriation of earnings and profits by non-residents, although there is a 15% withholding tax on all repatriated profits and interest payments on foreign debt. While there are no restrictions on the ability to repatriate after-tax profits upon the payment of the withholding tax, approval must be obtained from the Exchange Control for: (1) resident company issuance of shares to foreign investors; (2) terms and conditions of foreign borrowing; and (3) remittance of director's fees to non-residents. B. COMPANY REGISTRATION A company registration is usually arranged by a local attorney or a company secretary and is usually effected within seven days. C. LABOR Qualified labor is in short supply in Botswana, despite the country's impressive record of economic growth. To remedy the shortage of qualified labor and to encourage labor intensive activities, the Government offers attractive training incentives to companies on behalf of its employees. Industrial relations have generally been calm and peaceful, with small and sporadic incidents of labor unrest. With the exception of non-resident consultants, supervising engineers and non-resident directors, all non-citizens employed or otherwise engaged in any occupation for reward are required to obtain a work permit. In general, foreign investors in need of expatriate expertise have been able to obtain requisite work permits, though there are increasing complaints of excessive bureaucratic delays. When submitting an application for a work permit, the employer must indicate arrangements made, or to be made, to train a citizen to replace the non-citizen.
- 157 D. EXPORT AND IMPORT PERMITS Export permits are not required except for gameskins and exotic leathers, precious stones, and hides and skins. To import goods, a manufacturing or trading license is required as is an import permit. Importers which expect to sell to the Government should be aware that a price advantage is given to Botswana manufacturers. Importers should also be aware of exclusive licenses, given by the Government to protect infant industries, and Botswana's right to levy additional duties to meet competition from other countries of the Custom Union Agreement with Malawi, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Swaziland. E. PRICE CONTROLS There are no price controls in Botswana. F. CONSUMER PROTECTION The Public Health Act established health regulations to protect the population from unhealthy or medically dangerous situations. They include minimum standards for the food industry and approval by the Chief Health Inspector. Health inspectors also visit new factories and make periodic inspections of operating facilities. G. ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS The Atmospheric Pollution Act is concerned with Air Pollution and establishes acceptable pollution limits. Investors must apply for a registration certificate by supplying such information as type of industrial process, raw materials, finished products, plant location and site plan.
EXPORT-IMPORT AND TRADE REGULATIONS

A. GENERAL IMPORT POLICIES Major imports to Botswana include virtually all its fuel, chemicals, machinery, clothing and food (due to the arid climate and small percentage of arable land). About 75% of the country's imports arrive via South Africa, and well over half of these are actually made there. Imports from the United States increased in value from about $5.1 million to about $28.4 million in 1987. Botswana's manufacturing sector was almost non-existent prior to independence. Despite relatively heavy investment in social and physical infrastructure by the Government since independence in 1966, Botswana still has no heavy industry of any kind, but light industry has seen a gradual expansion, especially in import substitution areas. Because of Botswana's foreign exchange resources, imports generally are freely permitted. Importers, however, should be aware of exclusive licenses given by the Government to protect infant industries, and Botswana's right to levy additional duties to meet competition from other countries in the Common Customs area (Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland and South Africa). As a member of the Common Customs area, Botswana may seek tariff protection for up to eight years for infant industries. However, in 15 years, the Government has sought such protection only twice. Tariffs for goods entering Botswana are set according to standards of the Customs Union at the port of entry, usually South Africa. No further duties are levied by individual members of the Customs Union. Botswana is currently considering upgrading its associate status to become a Contracting Party to GATT and is a member of the British Commonwealth and a signatory of the Lome III Convention.
- 158 To import goods, a manufacturing or trading license and trading permits are required from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Horticultural and agricultural products require an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture. Customs duties are governed by the Harmonized Customs Tariff (formerly the Brussels Tariff Nomenclature). On imported products which are re-exported, the Department of Customs and Excise administers a duty drawback scheme. B. PARTICULAR IMPORT REGULATIONS A shipper's commercial invoice which shows the actual price charged to the importer, in addition to the cost of placing goods on board ship for export, and the goods' commission is required for all shipments to southern Africa. At least three copies of the Certified Standard Invoice should be forwarded under separate cover to the consignee, preferably by airmail to ensure their receipt prior to the arrival of the goods. Goods entering the Customs Union may be declared for consumption, warehousing, removal to another approved port, or transshipment. There are no insurance requirements particular to Botswana. Letters of credit and other financial instruments can be obtained with the three commercial banks in Botswana: Barclays Bank, Bank of Credit and Commerce and Standard Credit. Each bank has branches in all towns and major villages. All companies are required to have a registered office in Botswana to which all communications and notices may be addressed. There are no special agent regulations in Botswana. There are no export controls or boycott regulations applicable to Botswana although the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986 does severely restrict trade between the U.S. and with Botswana's neighbor and main trading partner, South Africa. Apart from GATT and the British Commonwealth conventions, Botswana has a trade agreement with Zimbabwe where goods grown, produced or manufactured in either country qualify for dutyfree entry into the other country and are generally exempt from imposition of quantitative import restrictions. There is no sales tax upon direct sales in Botswana; however, an additional branch profits tax of 15% is imposed on a non-resident company's after-tax profit, less deductions for reinvestment in the company during the tax year and an amount approved by the Commissioner of Taxes as expenditures to be incurred in the development of the company in Botswana within one year from the end of the tax year. Botswana has no current trade dispute with the U.S. or any other country, including South Africa. EXPORTS FROM BOTSWANA Normal expert documentation is required for all exports from Botswana. There is no tax on exports. Licensing is not required for exports except for gameskins and exotic leathers, precious stones and hides and skins. The majority of exports from Botswana include diamonds, cooper, nickel, coal and beef. The Financial Assistance Policy (FAP) described in earlier sections of this report applies to all investments, export oriented or not. However, given the small size of the Botswana economy, any medium- or large-scale fixed capital investment will necessarily contemplate export earnings. Under the FAP, investment incentives include a tax holiday, labor grant, training grant, and, possibly, a sales augmentation grant.
- 159 Apart from the sales conventions mentioned above, Botswana participates in the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), which grants beneficiary developing countries dutyfree treatment into the U.S. on a wide range of manufactured and semi-manufactured goods. Botswana has also signed bilateral trade agreements, based on Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) treatment with China, Czechoslovakia, Korea, Romania, USSR, Yugoslavia and Zambia. AGENTS & REPRESENTATIVES Appointing a local sales agent, establishing a selling branch and incorporating a sales subsidiary are all permitted. Except for exporters of large volumes or highly specialized goods, appointment of a local sales agent is the general procedure and avoids tax complications. The mere appointment of an agent does not typically require a company to register under the Companies Act unless the agent both has and habitually exercises a general authority to negotiate and conclude contracts or holds a stock of merchandise on consignment which he regularly fulfills orders as a major part of the agent's overall business activities. Goods are generally consigned to the agent, and this procedure usually minimizes formalities, tariff classification disputes and demurrage charges. Agents do not acquire additional rights as an employee under local law, and there are no specific regulations governing nor superseding the agency relationship. Additionally, there are no regulations governing the payment of commissions nor the conduct of anti-competitive practices. Obviously, the threat of new direct competition can lead to protests by an entity directly affected, but objections of this nature are rarely upheld except in the case of where an infant industry is protected or considerations of national security arise. All companies in Botswana are charged a 40% tax rate payable on taxable income. The income tax year is from July 1 to June 30. While some franchisers may establish a local subsidiary, most deal through an agent or in response to direct orders. Other than normal notice and arrangements for existing inventory, distributors acquire no additional rights.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND LICENSING REGULATIONS

Botswana does not have intellectual property legislation and does not grant patents. However, under industrial property legislation, an inventor or trader, whether a Botswana citizen or not, is obliged first to apply for and be issued a patent or industrial design or trademark registration in the United Kingdom or South Africa, and only then may they be registered in Botswana. The Office of the Registrar of Companies protects owners of United Kingdom patents by registering them automatically, without any fee arrangement. Owners of South African patents may receive automatic registration in Botswana upon application and payment of a fee of P20. Botswana is a member of the Industrial Property Organization for the English Speaking Union (EWAWIPO), which acts in liaison with European/American patenting organizations (including WIPO) and member countries in Africa. No prior approvals are required by national investment boards. An Industrial Property Act is now being drafted with the assistance of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The act should be enacted next year. The Copyright Act provides copyright protection to qualified owners of original literary, dramatic or musical works. All non-citizen enterprises require an industrial license issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Legislation governing licensing is contained in the Industrial Development Act of 1988. In special circumstances, an exclusive license may be granted for a maximum of four years, with a possible extension of four years. Industries reserved for citizens are the manufacturers of
- 160 school uniforms and school furniture; burglar bars; protective clothing; cement and bricks; milled sorghum; and baked bread. There are no restrictions on the amount of royalties which can be agreed upon by the parties nor are there competition laws which restrict licenses. Non-resident parent corporations may enter into agreements with locally incorporated whollyowned subsidiaries. However, if the agreement contemplates remittances from Botswana, it is advisable to obtain prior approval from the Bank of Botswana.
DIRECT INVESTMENT
Although not per se illegal, due to the relatively underdeveloped nature of the capital markets and stock exchange in Botswana, rarely would a foreign parent consider an outright purchase of the stock or asset of an existing public company. While privatizations are an increasingly common vehicle in other African countries, para-statal or state-owned enterprises are not prevalent in Botswana. A more frequent form of foreign investment would be the establishment of a sales office, branch office or subsidiary company. Except for exporters of large volumes or highly specialized goods, appointment of a sales agent is the general procedure and avoids possible tax complications. A branch office would qualify as an external company which is defined by the Companies Act as "a body corporate other than a corporation sole, which is registered or incorporated in an external country under the laws of that country." Unlike a sales agent, a branch office would incur tax liability for all profits earned in Botswana. A subsidiary having more than 20 employees must register as a company under the Companies Act. Although expanding rapidly, Botswana is a small market area for any multinational corporation. Adding a proliferation of special purpose institutions or services independent of existing institutions or not integrated under a holding group structure may prove inefficient and unsustainable in the long term. A preferred strategy would be to involve several domestic institutions in joint ventures especially in the field of financial services and optimally in conjunction with international and regional entities for capital and technical infusion. There is no requirement forcing a joint venture with a local company. General partnerships carry on business with unlimited liability and do not have a formal legal existence separate from their partners, each of which carries joint and several liability for the partnership's total debts so far as the public is concerned. Corporate entities can be partners. Apart from external companies which are described above, the Companies Act distinguishes between private and public companies. A private company is an entity of less than 50 "members" where the transfer of shares is restricted to subscribe for any shares or debentures is prohibited. A public company may either be limited by shares or guarantee. In respect of externally held shares, application must be made to the Bank of Botswana. Beneficial shareholders must be nonresidents of Botswana for authority to be given. A new company's memorandum and articles of association, if any, must be submitted to the Registrar of Companies, who ensures that they are in accordance with the provisions of the Company Act. A company registration is usually arranged by a local attorney or company secretary and is usually effected within seven days. Registration costs are P50 for companies whose authorized capital does not exceed P3,000 and are greater for larger companies. The cost for the issue of the certificate of incorporation is P10. A company name may not be registered which is identical with that by which an existing company is already registered, or so nearly resembling that name as calculated to deceive. Official consent is required for the use of certain names which import or suggest that the company enjoys the patronage of the President, the
- 161 Government of Botswana or any other government or international organization. A name may be reserved for 30 days. All companies are required to have a registered office in Botswana to which all communications and notices may be addressed. The location of this office must be given to the Registrar of Companies within 21 days after incorporation or any change of address. All companies with more than 20 employees must register as a company. Unregistered companies can enter into government contracts, hire local labor, open a bank account, import equipment, import and export materials and obtain work permits. While consultants, supervising engineers and non-resident directors are exempted from work permit requirements, this exception only applies to companies registered or incorporated in Botswana. There are no financing restrictions imposed on foreign companies, and intercompany agreements of all types are permitted.
FOREIGN CORPORATION ACQUISITIONS

There is no prohibition against the outright acquisition of a Botswana corporation or its assets by a foreign corporation. Other than certain retail activities and simple specialty businesses previously discussed, there are no sector exceptions barring foreign investment in Botswana. There are no antitrust laws which limit acquisitions, but the Ministry of Commerce has an obligation to assure that an existing firm, especially if citizen-owned, will not be displaced. There is a transfer duty rate of 30% for the sale of freehold land to non-citizens. The rate of capital transfer tax for all companies, resident and non-resident, is 35%. BRANCHES The establishment of a branch operation in Botswana is very straightforward. The maximum tax rate on taxable income (including capital gains) is 40% for both resident and non-resident companies. An additional branch profits tax of 15% is imposed on a non-resident company's after- tax profit, less deductions for reinvestment in the company during the tax year and an amount approved by the Commissioner of Taxes as expenditure to be incurred in the development of the business of the company in Botswana within one year from the end of the tax year. Branches are not subject to any special exchange restrictions or approvals. All companies are required to have a registered office in Botswana to which all communications and notices may be addressed, and this must be established before a business has begun.
INCORPORATION A BUSINESS
Legislation governing company formation is contained in Companies Act Cap 42.01 of the Laws of Botswana. The law distinguishes between private, public and external companies, the most common being the private company. A private company is defined as a company which by its Articles of Association: a) restricts the right to transfer its shares; b) limits the number of its members to fifty; and c) prohibits any invitation to the public to subscribe for any shares or debentures of the company. The Act defines an external company as a "body corporate other than a corporation sole, which is registered or incorporated in an external country under the laws of that country."
- 162 Companies, associations, syndicates and partnerships having more than 20 persons must register as a company under the Companies Act. The Companies Act acknowledges two forms of incorporated companies: a) A company limited by shares, i.e., a company having the liability of its members limited by the memorandum of association to the amount, if any, unpaid on the shares respectively held by them; and b) A company limited by guarantee, i.e., a company having no share capital but having the liability of its members limited by the memorandum to such an amount as the members may respectively undertake to contribute to the assets of the company in the event of its being wound up. Such an association requires a special license which permits it to be registered as a company without the addition of the word "limited". In the case of a company limited by shares, the memorandum of association must be in the English language and state: a) the name of the company with "Limited" as the last word in its name. In the case of a private company, the term "Proprietary" must be added before "limited"; b) the objects of the company; c) that the liability of the members is limited; and d) the amount of share capital with which the company proposes to be registered, and division thereof into share of a fixed amount. The authorized share capital most commonly used is P3,000, the amount at which the minimum capital duty is payable. There must be a minimum of two members in respect of a private company, thus the most common issued share capital is P2. A minimum of seven shareholders is required for a public company. The Companies Act further states that there may, in the case of a company limited by shares, and there shall, in the case of a company limited by guarantee, be registered with the memorandum, articles of association signed by the subscribers to the memorandum and prescribing regulations for the company. The memorandum and the articles must be submitted to the Registrar of Companies, who ensures that they comply with the Companies Act. One copy of the memorandum and articles must be lodged with the Commissioner of Taxes. A company registration must be attended by a local attorney or by the subscribers themselves. In respect of externally held shares, application must be made to the Bank of Botswana. Beneficial shareholders must be non-residents of Botswana for authority to be given. There is no legal requirement that Botswana citizens be appointed as directors of locally registered companies. Every company must have a secretary who is responsible for the statutory affairs of the company and attends to the formalities on incorporation as well as a Public Officer who is responsible for the tax affairs of the company. While it is not necessary for the secretary to be a resident of Botswana, the Public Officer must be a resident. The Act makes no mention of where shareholders or board meetings shall be held. If meetings are to be held outside Botswana, it is advisable that a clause to this effect be included in the articles of association. Investment and tax incentives are discussed in Section III. B. above.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE REGULATIONS

Botswana's exchange control regulations are administered by the Bank of Botswana. Authorized dealers are appointed by the Bank of Botswana and are normally commercial banks.
- 163 Temporary residents may maintain bank accounts without reference to and free of restriction from the Bank of Botswana. Temporary residents are able to remit, to foreign bank accounts, up to 50% of their gross local earnings. Per annum private and business foreign travel allowances are P5,000 and P10,000, respectively. All persons leaving Botswana are permitted to carry with them P200 in notes and coin, plus the foreign currency equivalent of P300 in foreign currency notes and coin. If there is an agreement between a locally incorporated company and a non-resident company that may involve a remittance from Botswana, it is advisable to obtain prior approval of the agreement from the Bank of Botswana. Dividends and profits due to non-residents up to an amount of P30,000 per annum may be approved by authorized dealers, provided that the latest audited balance sheet and accounts are submitted. Approvals in excess of P30,000 have to be referred to the Bank of Botswana for approval. There is a 15% withholding tax on dividends, which is deducted before payment. Authorized dealers may approve the remittance of interest payments due to non-residents on Pula, and foreign currency loans received by Botswana residents prior to August 23, 1976 must be approved by the Bank of Botswana. Directors' fees to a maximum of P10,000 per company are allowable provided that the beneficiary is permanently domiciled outside Botswana. Applications for remittances in excess of these figures must be referred to the Bank of Botswana. Payments to non-residents in respect to fees due from the use of patents, trade marks, copyrights and other such remittances are allowable. Where such fees are part of an agreement, it is advisable to show the agreement to the Bank of Botswana, who will normally approve payments made under the agreement. Residents of Botswana may lend up to an aggregate of P100,000 to bodies corporate and branches resident in Botswana and controlled (directly on indirectly) by non-residents. Amounts in excess of this figure require Bank of Botswana approval. The Bank of Botswana has indicated that they will consider approving Pula loans of at least three times shareholder's equity. Any loan to a locally incorporated company by a non-resident requires the approval of the Bank of Botswana. This loan is normally forthcoming provided that the loan is not repayable until after a period of three months and that the interest rate is regarded as reasonable. Interest on loans is freely transferrable subject to the deduction of non-residents tax on interest of 15%. Loans to individuals by non-residents require the prior approval of the Bank of Botswana. Share capital may only be repatriated upon disposal of the shareholding or on the liquidation of the company and is subject to Bank of Botswana approval, which is usually given. Provided that the goods to be imported are covered by an import permit (where applicable) by the Department of Customs and Excise, a local importer may freely obtain foreign currency for payment to a foreign supplier, subject to the production of evidence that the goods have been received in Botswana (Customs Form E) and evidence of the amount due. Import permits are not normally required for goods from the Common Customs area, Zimbabwe or Malawi. Payment may be made in any foreign currency or in local currency for the credit of a non-resident account. Upon exportation, a declaration covering exports from Botswana must be completed in triplicate in respect to all goods exceeding P300 in value.
- 164 Payment for exports must be received in Botswana within six months from the date of exportation. Any extension requires Bank of Botswana approval. Payment may be made in any foreign currency or in Pula from a non-resident account.
TAXATION IN BOTSWANA
Legislation governing taxation is contained in the Income Tax Act of 1973, as amended. Income tax is chargeable on all amounts accrued or deemed accrued from sources in or deemed to be in Botswana, but is limited to "income" accruals save where the law specifies that "capital" amounts are to be included. The tax is payable annually on income for the tax year ending June 30. In the case of a business, where proper accounts are kept, the business accounting year may be substituted.
Gross Income less equals less equals less equals any amounts exempt from tax assessable income cost of producing the assessable income chargeable income a) house purchase interest allowance, b) limited contributions to pension and retirement annuity funds c) dividends paid by resident company to resident shareholders taxable income for external companies, chargeable income is taxable income. A. COMPANY INCOME TAX 1. TAX RATE The tax rate on taxable income is 40% for both resident and non-resident companies. The rate for capital gains is also 40%, since capital gains are included in taxable income. 2. BRANCH PROFITS TAX An additional branch profits tax of 15% is imposed on a non-resident company's after-tax profit, less deductions for reinvestment in the company during the tax year and an amount approved by the Commissioner of Taxes as expenditure to be incurred in the development of the business of the company in Botswana within one year from the end of the tax year. 3. CAPITAL TRANSFER TAX A capital transfer tax is levied on the aggregate taxable value of a) the gratuitous disposal of property, and b) the distribution of property by way of inheritance. The rate of tax for all companies, resident and non-resident, is 40%.
- 165 4. INCOME FROM A CLOSE COMPANY "A close company is a resident private company having one or more participators." A participator is a person having, or having control of, 5% or more of the shares or votes in a company, or who has lent money to the company or who is a creditor for borrowing, acquisitions or rights. Certain payments received by a participator or his relatives or nominees are to be charged to the participator as dividends from the close company. 5. ALLOWANCES Allowances are granted for various types of capital expenditure up to a maximum claim of 100%. There is an initial allowance of 25% for improvements to industrial buildings, and annual allowances of 10% to 25% for plants and machinery, and 2.5% for 40 years for industrial and commercial buildings. 6. TRAINING Business entities may receive a special deduction of 200% of the cost of training its employees. Approved training is described by the Commissioner of Taxes as: a) post-secondary education or training at an educational, professional or vocational training establishment, and b) the employment of an approved, full-time, training officer. 7. EMPLOYEE HOUSING An allowance of P5,000 is permitted for each house built to accommodate employees in all industries except mining. 8. WITHHOLDING TAXES Dividends: 15% on dividends paid to residents and nonresidents. Interest: 15% on interest paid to non-residents. Residents receiving interest are subject to income tax. Commercial Royalties: 15% to non-residents for use of or rights to patents; trademarks; copyrights; secret formulas; and industrial, commercial or scientific equipment or information. Management or Consultant Fees: 15% on payments to non-residents. Entertainment Fees: 10% on payments to non-resident entertainers. Construction Contracts: The Commissioner of Taxes must be advised of all non-resident contracts relating to construction contracts which are in excess of P5,000. Payments under such contracts are subject to a withholding tax if so directed by the Commissioner. The rate is usually 25% of the payment after deduction of the direct cost of materials charged to the contract to date, but this is not by way of a final charge.
- 166 9. DOUBLE TAXATION AGREEMENTS The Government of Botswana has double taxation agreements with the United Kingdom and South Africa. The deduction of withholding tax from payments of management or consulting fees may be subject to the intervention of one of these agreements. 10. RESIDENT Persons earning less than P6,000 annually are exempt from tax, and persons earning more than P6,000 annually are not taxed on the first P6,000. Unmarried individuals and married individuals whose spouse is employed are taxed at rates of 2.5% to 50% on income amount from P6,000 to over P60,000. 11. NON-RESIDENT Individuals are taxed at graduated rates of 20% to 50% on all income, with the 50% rate applying to income in excess of P54,000. 12. TAX ON BENEFITS Tax is levied on benefits provided to an employee. Benefits which are taxable include housing, automobile, furniture and utilities. The amount of benefit added to an employee's taxable income for provided housing is computed on a rent/income basis. 13. CAPITAL GAINS AND NET AGGREGATE GAINS The tax on net aggregate gains by any person other than a company is based on taxable income, and is graduated from 5% of taxable income over P5,000 and up to P10,000, to 50% of taxable income over P50,000. 14. CAPITAL TRANSFERTAX A capital transfer tax is levied on the aggregate taxable value of a) the gratuitous disposal of property and b) the distribution of property by way of inheritance. The rate of tax for all persons, other than companies, ranges from 3% to 7%. 15. ALLOWANCES Residents may deduct from chargeable income a) an allowance for house purchase interest and b) contributions to an approved pension or retirement annuity fund or scheme, provided they do not exceed 15% of chargeable income or P6,000, whichever is less. 16. TAX COLLECTION Persons earning under P6,000 per annum and persons whose sole income is income from employment which is subject to the deduction of withholding tax by his employer, are not required to submit a tax return. Where employees receive any other benefits or any other income, they are required to submit tax returns.
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LABOR REGULATIONS
Botswana has a readily available labor force that is young and adaptable to work in any type of industry. The majority of Botswana's labor force is unskilled, but there is a gradual buildup of semi-skilled and skilled labor. The Employment Act of 1982 established labor policy and conditions, which are reviewed regularly. The summary sections below relate to wage earners, not professionals and managers. A. MINIMUM WAGES The Regulation of Wages (Amendment) Order, 1989, sets out the following minimum wage rates: Wage Rate per Hour Unskilled Night Watchman
Retail Trades Wholesale Trade
P0.73 0.77
P0.65 0.65
Others* 0.83 0.65 * Manufacturing services; repair trades, hotel, catering; entertainment; building construction, exploration; quarrying; garage, motor trade, and road transport. B. WORKING HOURS If the working week is more than 5 days, then the working day cannot be more than 8 hours; the working week 48 hours. If the working week is 5 days, then the working day may be 9 hours. A break of 30 minutes, minimum, must be given following more than 5 hours of continuous work. C. REST PERIOD A rest period of 24 hours minimum, normally to include Sunday, must be given in each period of seven consecutive days, except in cases of shift work, where the rest period is 30 consecutive hours in a period of seven consecutive days. D. OVERTIME For normal working days, the overtime rate is calculated at time and a half. The rate for work done on rest days and public holidays is double time. For shift work, the overtime rate is time and a half for work in excess of 48 hours, averaged over a 3-week period. Overtime in excess of 10 hours in any one week requires special permission from the Minister of Labor and Home Affairs. E. PAID PUBLIC HOLIDAYS The Employment Act provides for 8 public holidays, but 12 holidays are gazetted each year.
- 168 F. ANNUAL LEAVE A minimum of 15 working days of leave for five-day employment, and 18 days for six-day employment, is given after 12 months of continuous employment. Leave of a minimum of 8 days must be taken within 6 months after the leave is earned. Leave days remaining may be accumulated for 3 years after which it must be taken. Accumulated leave can be encashed where contract of employment is terminated by either party to the contract. G. SICK LEAVE A provision of 14 working days sick leave is made after 12 months of continuous employment. If hospitalization is required, an agreement of 30 working days paid sick is provided. To claim sick leave, the employee must inform the employer and, if absent from work for more than 24 hours, provide a doctor's certificate. H. EMPLOYEE RECORD Records should be kept by employers on each employee, including basic personal information, wage details, allowances, leave data, etc. I. MATERNITY LEAVE Maternity leave totalling 12 weeks, 6 weeks before and 6 weeks after confinement, is allowed after the employer receives a written certificate signed by a medical officer, nurse or midwife. An additional 2 weeks after confinement may be allowed if necessary. During maternity leave an employee will receive not less than 25% of basic wage or 50 thebe per hour, whichever is greater. J. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT An employer or employee may terminate the employment after giving notice of termination. The length of the notice period is tied to wage periods; one week for weekly paid employees and one month for monthly paid employees. After 2 years of continuous employment, the minimum notice period is two weeks; after 5 years, one month; after 10 years, six weeks. In lieu of notice, an employee may be given basic pay equal to the amount the employee would have received had notice been served. K. SEVERANCE BENEFITS The minimum qualifying period for severance benefits is five years of continuous service. Upon termination of employment, an employee is entitled to a severance benefit calculated at the rate of one day's basic pay for each of the first 60 months of continuous service and two days' basic pay for each additional month of continuous service. Dependents of an employee would be entitled to the severance benefit if the employee dies after completing a minimum of five years of continuous service. Irrespective of any form of deferred pension that an employee may be entitled to, a severance benefit must be paid when a qualified employee is terminated. L. WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION The Workmen's Compensation Act, 1980, provides for an employee to be given financial compensation for temporary or permanent disability resulting from injury or contraction of a
- 169 prescribed occupational disease while at work. All employers are legally required to be covered by workmen's compensation insurance. Where disablement is permanent, an employee is entitled to a lump sum payment based on 60 times the average monthly wages, with minimum compensation of P10,000 and a maximum, Pl00,000. Where incapacity is partial, but permanent, maximum compensation is P10,000. If death occurs, the employee's dependents may claim 48 times the average monthly wages, with a minimum of P5,000 and a maximum of P80,000. M. LABOR RELATIONS Employers in Botswana are represented nationally by the Botswana Confederation of Commerce, Industry and Manpower (BOCCIM). Originally an Employers Federation, BOCCIM's permanent secretariat in Gaborone coordinates private sector activities dealing with organized labor, government agencies, regional trade organizations and international development sources. Trade unions in Botswana are governed by the Trade Unions and Employers' Organizations Act of 1983, which requires all unions to be registered. The Botswana Federation of Trade Unions coordinates trade union activities and negotiates with the government on national issues. Recognition of a registered trade union by an employer for negotiation purposes is automatic once that trade union commands 25% of that employer's total workforce. Industrial relations have generally been calm and peaceful, with small and sporadic incidents of labor unrest. The collective bargaining process has been established. The Trade Disputes Act, 1982, lays statutory procedures for the settlement of disputes between employers and employees and between employees and employees. N. EMPLOYMENT OF NON-CITIZENS All non-citizens employed or otherwise engaged in any occupation for reward or profit are required to obtain a work permit. By statute, certain persons are declared not to be non-citizen and do not require work permits. These persons are: a) non-resident consultants; b) supervising engineers on works and projects; and c) non-resident directors of companies registered or incorporated in Botswana. In addition, in case of emergency, the Commissioner of Labor and Social Security is empowered to waive the work permit required. When submitting an application for a work permit, the employer must indicate arrangements made, or to be made, to train a citizen to replace the non-citizen. If a citizen has been identified, his name should be stated. The Commissioner of Labor and Social Security must be informed if a citizen cannot be identified or trained to replace the non-citizen.
COMPANY DISSOLUTION
A corporation can be wound up either voluntarily or compulsorily. A voluntary dissolution can be effected through either a declaration of solvency or with intervention by the corporations creditors when insolvent. Compulsory dissolution can be only through High Court order. Voluntary dissolution can occur by ordinary resolution on the occurrence of any event specified in its articles for the purpose, or by special resolution at any time, or if it cannot meet its liabilities.
- 170 As soon as such a resolution is passed, a corporation must cease trading except as is necessary to permit a beneficial liquidation. The claims of creditors must be met in full before any amounts due to shareholders for dividends, profitshares or other similar disbursements are made; and these, in turn, take precedence over return of capital and distribution of any surplus. Appointment of an independent liquidator is not essential where there is a declaration of solvency, but directors' authority largely ceases. A liquidator in most cases must call a creditors' conference at which creditors can resolve that application can be made to the court for his replacement, for an additional liquidator to act jointly, or for a committee of inspection to be created. At all times in the liquidation process, any interested party can petition the court for instructions, injunctions or directions. Costs relating to liquidation have an absolute priority over all other creditors. A voluntary liquidation may become subject to High Court supervision on application by an interested party, whereupon the court wholly or partly takes over the roles otherwise exercised by shareholders or creditors. A compulsory dissolution petition can be presented by the corporation with shareholder resolution, by interested parties or by the state if certain statutory requirements are not complied with or upon grounds of equity and justice, and by a creditor if a formal or judgement claim remains unsettled or if the corporation demonstrably is unable to pay its debts, including contingent or prospective debts. Share transfers during any liquidation require the liquidator's consent. All claims have to be proved in a liquidation. Claims specifically and validly secured are settled out of the charged assets. Certain unsecured claims have particular preferences, including taxes and limited payments to employees. There is no established formula for determining the line between solvency and insolvency, and no particular trigger point in terms of capital impairment for calling a special meeting of shareholders. However, if a corporation continues to trade when liabilities exceed assets, all those involved (not only directors and officers) can incur personal liability for any shortfall. In any dissolution, certain preliquidation transactions can be challenged and set aside, but in the absence of breach of trust or having raised credit recklessly, no special claims lie against the directors, or against shareholders beyond any amounts unpaid on their shares. At the conclusion of a liquidation, any unclaimed balances due to known creditors escheat to the state. An alternative to formal liquidation exists and can be initiated by either the Registrar if he believes a corporation to be defunct, or on sworn statement by the director that no liabilities exist.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Although it is currently considering becoming a Contracting Party, Botswana belongs to a group of 30 countries which have become "associated" with GATT thereby benefiting from the applications of its provisions to its trade. The primary GATT program effecting trade with Botswana is the Generalized System of Preferences ("GSP") which eliminates duties on a range of products imported into designated developing countries, including the U.S. Under the U.S. GSP program, 109 countries are eligible for duty-free treatment on about 4,100 products, but excluding such items as textiles, apparel, footwear, leather goods, and certain electronic, steel and glass products. To be considered as originating from Botswana, manufactured goods shall meet a 35% or more value added requirement. Added value is defined as the cost of direct materials and direct labor. Botswana has no ongoing trade dispute with the U.S. and has never expropriated a foreign business.
- 171 With respect to the EEC, GSP does not apply to developing countries entitled to preferences under the Lome Agreements. The Lome Convention is an agreement through which the European Community provides financial and technical assistance to 66 "Associated Countries of Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific ("the ACP countries"). Concerning trade, Botswana, as one of the ACP countries, has access to EEC markets, free of duties and quotas, for almost all of its products which conform to EEC rules of origin. In 1969, Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa and Swaziland signed the Southern Africa Customs Union Agreement (SACUA) forming the Common Customs Area (CCA). SACUA provides each country with free access to the others. With few exceptions, all trade between the countries is free from customs duties and sales taxes. Trade between Botswana, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Lesotho and Swaziland is governed by a 1956 Customs Agreement which confers duty-free status on goods grown, produced or manufactured in any country of the Contracting Parties to the Agreement. Trade with Zimbabwe has been modified through the Trade Agreement of 1988 between the two countries. This agreement did not reduce concessions already imbedded in the 1956 Agreement, but merely improved on the methods of implementation. Botswana has signed bilateral trade agreements, based upon most-favored-nation status with China, Czechoslovakia, Korea,Romania, USSR, Yugoslavia and Zambia. Botswana is a member of the Southern African Development Coordination Conference (SADCC), the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and is an observer to the Preferential Trade Area (PTA) among east African countries.
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PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR CONDUCTING BUSINESS

LEADING SECTORS FOR U.S. EXPORTS AND INVESTMENT
Botswana's major imports for 1999 were: - machinery and electrical equipment - vehicles and transport equipment - food and beverages - metal and metal products - chemicals and rubber products - wood and paper products - textile and footwear - fuel It is expected that the key industries for 2004 and 2001 will remain the same. Most large development projects are government sponsored and are funded from existing revenues. The supply of inputs for such projects generates export leads for U.S. firms. Construction activities, particularly for government office blocks, factory shells and primary schools; district council water and sewerage projects; and township services receive a good share of the development budget. The upgrading of hospitals and the provision of medical equipment also provide good U.S. export prospects. In addition, the Government plans continued investments in secondary road construction, bitumen road improvements, and rural roads. Educational projects and supplies are ongoing expenditures. Other planned projects with a potential to generate export orders include village water supply and sanitation development projects, rural power supply projects, and civil aviation infrastructure improvements. In general, government-funded infrastructure development programs are a consistent target for U.S. exporters. Current information on Botswana government tenders and reports on market insights are available from the World Wide Web address, www.usembassy.state.gov/botswana. The following additional areas are considered as potentially interesting to U.S. firms: 1 TRADE OPPORTUNITY: MINING EQUIPMENT According the 2001 Budget Speech, "the mining sector continues to be the main engine of economic growth, directly contributing about a third of the total GDP." Botswana has three diamond mines, Orapa, Jwaneng and Letlhakane, all with extensive reserves and mining expectancies well into the 21st century. Orapa has doubled production since the completion of the Orapa 2004 project. This project has further strengthened Botswana's position as the world's leading producer of diamonds by value with an 8% increase in sales from 1999 to 2004. A continuous operations system at all three mines involving a seven-day production week as opposed to a six -day production week was introduced in 1999. A new mine is now being developed in the vicinity of Orapa, at an estimated capital expenditure of Pula 223 million and production is scheduled to begin in 2002. The Government is also interested in diversification within the mining sector itself, through the
- 173 establishment of down stream industries; such as chemicals, detergent and glass products, including the provision of services and prospecting. Botswana also has base metal and soda ash mines, and the Tati Nickel Mining Company has plans to expand significantly at least one mine this year. Heavy Duty Machinery 2003 (actual) Total Market Size Total Local Production Total Exports Total Imports Imports from U.S. $64.745 million Negligible Negligible $64.745 million $ 1.92 million 1999 (actual) $39.029 million Negligible Negligible $39.029 million $ 1.0 million 2004 (estimated) $65 million Negligible Negligible $65 million $ 2 million
The above statistics are unofficial estimates. Figures cover heavy-duty equipment such as forklifts and bulldozers, but exclude dump trucks. Data are computed at an estimated annual growth rate of ten percent and at an average exchange rate of P1 = $0.2243 and $0.2159 for December 2003 and 1999, respectively. Source: Trade Statistics Unit, Ministry of Finance. Equipment of U.S. origin is not new in this field, with Caterpillar capturing a sizable portion (65%) of the market. Equipment is supplied by distributors, and recorded as imports from the country of supply and not as imports from the country of origin, hence the under stated value of imports from the U.S. All heavy equipment and machinery are imported, as there is no local production or assembly. 2 - TRADE AND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY: HOSPITAL EQUIPMENT/ PHARMACEUTICALS The Government of Botswana Ministry of Health is planning a series of infrastructure improvements and equipment upgrades, including improvements to several district medical facilities. The Ministry also plans the implementation of new performance standards, indicators, procedures and guidelines for the effective delivery of health care services. In the 2001 Budget the health sector was identified as a priority, with Pula 2 billion allocated for priority projects for 2004/1. Planned projects include upgrading several regional hospitals. The Botswana government would like to develop a local pharmaceutical production capacity. Given the growing regional demand, such a facility could be supported in the local market. U.S. and European firms have shown some interest in either expanding regional production capacity by opening new facilities in Botswana or by relocating existing regional production capacity from South Africa to Botswana. Pharmaceuticals
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2003 (actual) Total Market Size Total Local Production Total Exports Total Imports Imports from U.S. $26.13 million Negligible Negligible $ 26.12 million $ 0.143 million
1999 (actual) $27.01 million Negligible Negligible $27.01 million $ 0.2 million
2004 (estimated) $28.0 million Negligible Negligible $28.0 million $ 0.3 million
The above statistics are unofficial estimates. Data are computed at an estimated annual growth rate of 10% and at an average exchange rate of Pula 1 = $0.2243 and $0.2159 for December 2003 and 1999, respectively. Source: Trade Statistics Unit, Ministry of Finance. 3 - TRADE OPPORTUNITY: TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES Botswana's push for economic diversification demands the provision of reliable efficient and effective communication services which are necessary for private sector growth. Many of the new technologies associated with value-added services such as tele-medicine, e-commerce, telecenters, and the internet are developing throughout Botswana. Technology services are struggling to keep up with increasing demand. U.S. firms may tap into these areas as opportunities in the development of services and investments grow by pairing with Botswana partners in the provision of services. There are also extensive opportunities in supplying the large potential market for the purchase telecommunications products such as feature and cordless phones, car phones, and pocket service phones. U.S. businesses normally access the market through joint ventures with either the Botswana Telecommunication Corporation or local investors, although this route is by no means mandatory. Sales to the Botswana Telecommunications Corporation (BTC) have been dominated by European firms due to European Government assistance and Botswana's technical standards. Electrical Apparatus for Line Telephony and Telecommunications Equipment 2003 (actual) Total Market Size Total Local Production Total Exports Total Imports $ 46.56 million Negligible Negligible $ 46.56 million 1999 (actual) $ 50.66 million Negligible Negligible $50.66 million 2004 (estimated) $ 52.00 million Negligible Negligible $ 52.00 million
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Imports from U.S.
$ 0.18 million
$ 0.2 million
$ 0.25 million
The above statistics are unofficial estimates. Data are computed at an estimated annual growth rate of 7% and at an average exchange rate of Pula 1 = $0.2243 and $0.2159 for December 2003 and 1999, respectively. Source: Trade Statistics Unit, Ministry of Finance. 4 - TRADE OPPORTUNITY: COMPUTERS (HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE) There has been a significant increase in imports due to continuous invitations to tender for the supply of computers and accessories, and computerized business and accounting systems for government departments and local authorities. Computers (Hardware, Parts, Accessories and Software) 2003 (actual) Total Market Size Total Local Production Total Exports Total Imports Imports from U.S. $ 22.4 million Negligible Negligible $ 22.40 million $ 1.08 million 1999 (actual) $ 26.82 million Negligible Negligible $ 26.82 million $ 2.0 million 2004 (estimated) $28.0 million Negligible Negligible $ 28.0 million $ 2.2 million
The above statistics are unofficial estimates for word processing machines, calculating and accounting machines, automatic data processing machines, other office machines and parts and accessories only. Data are computed at an estimated annual growth rate of 10% and at an average exchange rate of Pula 1 = $0.2243 and $0.2159 for December 2003 and 1999, respectively. Source: Trade Statistics Unit, Ministry of Finance. The great majority of products in the computer industry sold in Botswana are of U.S. origin. Typically, the products are exported to a distributor in South Africa and then sent to an affiliate in Botswana for resale, and recorded as a South African export to Botswana. 5 - TRADE AND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY: SOLAR ENERGY EQUIPMENT Botswana has abundant renewable energy resources, mainly in the form of solar energy. The Government is looking into how to increase the contribution of solar energy to the national energy balance. The Government has developed the National Rural Photo-Voltaic Electrification Program to assist communities with loans repayable over four years, to purchase and install quality photovoltaic (PV) systems for household use. The demand for solar energy equipment including PV components is rising. Imports are mainly from the U.S., Europe and South Africa.
- 176 Electrification remains a priority with additional tenders for both village electrification programs and the construction of a 220 kV transmission line between Morupule and Thamaga available in FY2001/2002. Botswana is also seeking joint ventures or licensing agreements between U.S. and Botswana companies for the manufacture and or assembly of PV components. 6 - TRADE OPPORTUNITY: CONSULTING, RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND DESIGN ENGINEERING SERVICES Provision of design and consultancy services, including feasibility and impact studies, and the sale of follow-on project management skills, remains an area of great potential in Botswana for U.S. firms. Ongoing and planned infrastructure development projects in the areas of water resources, roads and power generation are reliable export targets. A reputation for quality, international experience, and cutting edge technology are the U.S. design and consulting firms' biggest advantages in bidding on major infrastructure development projects in Botswana. European, particularly British, and South African design and consulting firms with long established ties to the market through Botswana-based affiliate offices can have a strong advantage over U.S.-based competitors. A U.S. firm may find it useful to enter into partnership with a locally based firm. INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES The Government of the United States acknowledges the contribution that outward foreign direct investment makes to the U.S. economy. U.S. foreign direct investment is increasingly viewed as a complement or even a necessary component of trade. For example, roughly 60% of U.S. exports are sold by American firms that have operations abroad. Recognizing the benefits that outward investment brings to the U.S. economy, the Government of the United States undertakes initiatives, such as the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) programs, investment treaty negotiations, and Business Facilitation Programs that support U.S. investors. INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY: INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES Botswana launched the International Financial Services Center (IFSC) in June 2004. The IFSC in Botswana is expected to provide collective investment undertakings, corporate treasury operations, captive insurance business and international holding company administration. The project to develop Botswana as an International Financial Services Center has made substantial progress in the past year since its inception. Thus far five companies have been approved under the IFSC and accordingly issued with tax certificates. During the year, more projects, currently being processed are expected to be approved in areas of international banking, funds administration, corporate treasury management and captive insurance operations. IFSC operators will be granted a certificate from the Bank of Botswana, which has been appointed the regulator of the IFSC, entitling them to certain tax benefits, notably a 15% (as opposed to the normal 25%) corporate tax rate and relief from withholding tax. The IFSC offers access to Botswana's double taxation treaty network, and collective investment undertakings (CIUs) are tax exempt. To qualify for the special tax benefits, IFSC operators are required to obtain a tax certificate from a certification committee after being granted licenses by the regulator. New legislation to provide for the management and administration of CIUs has been enacted in line with best international practices. Botswana now presents a potentially lucrative business opportunity for U.S. companies interested in operating offshore banking, insurance and accounting facilities in Southern Africa.
- 177 INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY: TOURISM Tourism is a relatively new sector with considerable investment potential and is one of the Government's target sectors for economic diversification. The Government has adopted a policy of providing high-value, low-volume facilities for tourism. A recent study revealed that cultural, archeological and historical attractions can be important components of the tourism product, and an eco-tourism strategy is currently under development, with a view to opening up new tourism avenues involving rural communities. Completion of the strategy is expected in March 2002. Botswana affords many possibilities for tourism investment and, while there is a push for more ownership and investment by local people, foreigners are welcome, especially those with experience and the ability to provide employment and ecologically sustainable development of Botswana's natural resources. Providing facilities such as mobile safaris, elephant safaris, horseback safaris, hunting and fishing safaris and photographic safaris are areas with potential. From 1992 to 1997, the number of holiday visitors grew nearly 14% per annum. The National Development Plan 8 (NDP 8), the five-year plan for the economy (1997-2003), has identified wildlife and tourism as a key sector for economic growth. The Ministry of Trade, Industry, Wildlife and Tourism predicts tourism will be a one billion Pula ($250 million) industry by 2005. Growth in recent years has declined, however, as negative perceptions concerning the instability generated by Zimbabwe's political unrest steer tourists away from the area. At present, joint venture partners are being sought for hotel expansions and start-ups along the Trans-Kgalagadi Highway joining Botswana and Namibia. Dynamic growth sectors with unique multipurpose use are in areas such as the Kgalagadi Desert, the Nxai and Makgadikgadi Pans, the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park. LIGHT MANUFACTURING AND OTHER INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES Botswana welcomes investors who provide foreign direct investment for industries that offer prospects for import substitution and export potential. The following sectors as have strong potential for foreign investment: TECHNOLOGY: Electronics components supply and product manufacture; engineering plastics and packaging industry; food processing; water conservation, waste water rehabilitation and re-use; building materials and affordable housing; MANUFACTURING: Garments and textiles, consumer products, pharmaceutical, leather and leather related products and ostrich farming. Agro-industry: Opportunities in this sector include: (a) the processing of hides and skins into finished products. The annual stock of raw skins from the Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) is about 250,000. Skins are processed up to the wet blue stage and then exported for final processing; (b) processing of edible vegetable oil; (c) manufacturing of livestock feed for poultry and cattle. Botswana's cattle population is about 2.5 million; (d) cattle by-products from the BMC. Due to the small domestic size of the economy, export-led industries are a must. The southern Africa region constitutes an immediate export market. The move towards freer trade among the 14 member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) supports the ability of investors to utilize this wider market. Several firms have been successful in penetrating into the regional export market.
- 178 AGRICULTURAL TRADE 1 AGRICULTURE: TRADE OPPORTUNITY GRAINS Although agriculture contributes only 2.6% to Botswana's total GDP, it is an important source of income, employment and capital for the population. The Ministry of Agriculture has prepared a National Master Plan for Agricultural Development (NAMPAD) which will be used to guide investments and increase productivity. The pilot projects arising from NAMPAD, relating to demonstration farms on dairy and horticulture, will be implemented in the year 2002. Debswana, the 50/50 joint venture between the Government of Botswana and DeBeers, has run a successful pilot program of dry farming in the Kalahari itself. Opportunities to expand food production in the face of chronic water shortages could make Botswana a food exporter to the rest of the region. There is potential for diversification into horticultural production, forestry, bee keeping, veld products and game farming, to complement traditional arable and livestock farming. Despite the increase in area planted, crop yields have generally been low in most parts of the country. The total crop production forecast for both communal and commercial sectors indicate that most commercial farmers have shifted emphasis from the production of traditional cereals to cash crops. Cereals constituted only 14% of the total production. Local importers have expressed interest in diversifying supply and seeking U.S.-sourced products. Trade statistics show that for 1999, cereal imports (wheat, meslin and grain sorghum) from the U.S. amounted to $36.9 million. South African suppliers have traditionally dominated supply of foodstuffs to Botswana, either with South African produced goods or through re-exports of imported goods.
MARKETING PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

The Commercial Section at the U.S. Embassy working through the U.S. Department of Commerce provides a wide variety of services for firms interested in exporting goods and services to Botswana. Commercial programs to assist U.S. businesses in marketing U.S. products abroad include the Agent/Distributor Service (ADS), the International Company Profile (ICP) and the Gold Key Service (GKS). ADS is a customized overseas search for qualified agents, distributors and representatives for U.S. firms. ICP portrays the reliability of prospective trading partners, providing thorough background checks on potential clients. GKS is a custom tailored service that combines orientation briefings, market research, appointments with potential partners, interpreter service for meetings and assistance in developing follow-up strategies. U.S. companies looking for assistance in finding a Botswana agent/distributor may also wish to contact BOCCIM, the Botswana Confederation of Commerce, Industry and Manpower, an organization to which many local businesses belong. Botswana entrepreneurs and the government's investment arm, the Botswana Development Corporation (BDC), welcome joint venture opportunities, particularly where the foreign partner will bring production expertise, product design or marketing ties. Many U.S. goods marketed in Botswana enter as re-exports through South African agents and distributors. South Africa is Botswana's major trading partner, accounting for approximately 80% of total trade, for both imports and exports. Many goods imported from South Africa are not of South African origin. Some are re-exports of South African imports while others have undergone final processing within the country. Locally based wholesalers and retailers are increasingly looking to establish direct links with U.S. producers to avoid mark-ups or to diversify their supply away from dominant South African brands. Direct marketing is also feasible, particularly to local companies seeking to import goods to supply a government tender. The Commercial Section updates commercial activities on the US
- 179 Embassy web site, <www.usembassy.state.gov/botswana>, and provides business alerts on specific government tenders with prospects for U.S. firms. The commercial section will assist U.S. firms in obtaining further information and/or tender documentation for bids. There are a number of successful U.S. franchises and licensing agreements in Botswana. They include DHL, Federal Express, Coca-Cola, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and Avis. Company formation and registration in Botswana is relatively simple. Legislation governing company formation is contained in the Companies Act of 1959, Cap 42.01, as amended, and distinguishes between external, public, and private companies, the latter being predominant. All companies are registered with the registrar of companies, who certifies that the company is incorporated. The common practice is to engage a local attorney or a company secretary to arrange for a company registration, which can be completed within two weeks. There are several locally based international accounting firms, which also provide assistance to businesses establishing offices in the country. Documents required are primarily the new company's memorandum and articles of association. The Company Act requires that accounts be maintained in Botswana, that there is a resident auditor, and that certain reporting requirements are met. The Industrial Development Act of 1988 requires that all foreign-owned manufacturing enterprises obtain a license from the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Wildlife and Tourism. U.S. companies are advised to consult with the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Wildlife and Tourism or the Botswana Export Development and Investment Authority (BEDIA) to ensure that their proposal does not include one of a small number of commercial enterprises reserved for citizens of Botswana. Prices for most U.S. made consumer goods are relatively acceptable due to the favorable exchange rate between the Botswana Pula and the U.S. dollar. The current exchange rate (July 2001) is Pula 1 = $ 0.175 Service and after-sales support for imported products sold in Botswana are often deficient. Guaranteeing parts and service may be essential to marketing unfamiliar products. Newspapers and radio are the most common advertising mediums (South African television broadcasts reach the major cities and can provide a venue for products marketed region-wide). The newly opened national television station, Btv, and the Gaborone television station, GBC, may also prove useful means for advertisement. MAJOR NEWSPAPERS (a) The Botswana Guardian, P.O. Box 1641, Gaborone, Tel: (267) 300-302; Fax: (267) 374-381; (b) The Botswana Gazette, P.O. Box 1605, Gaborone, Tel: (267) 312-833, Fax: (267) 372-283; email: gazette@info.bw; (c) The Midweek Sun, P/Bag 00153, Gaborone, Tel: (267) 300-302; Fax: (267) 374-381; (d) The Reporter - Mmegi, Bag BR 50, Broadhurst, Gaborone, Tel: (267) 374-784, Fax: (267) 305-508, email: mmegi@global.bw; (e) The Daily News, Department of Information and Broadcasting P/Bag 0060, Gaborone, Tel: (267) 352-971, Fax: (267) 352-541; and (f) The Advertiser, (Printing and Publishing Services), P/Bag 0081, Gaborone, Tel: (267) 314-788, Fax: (267) 314-595, email: advertiser@info.bw Advertisers interested in wide, local and English language coverage may wish to contact Radio
- 180 Botswana at Department of Information and Broadcasting, P/Bag 0060, Gaborone, Tel: (267) 352-541; Fax: (267) 352-541. Two private radio stations began operations in 2004. They are: (a) Gabz FM 96.2, Bag B039, Gaborone, Tel: (267) 352-962 and (b) Yarona FM 106.6. Box 1607, Gaborone, Tel: (267) 311-066. The government-owned Botswana television station (Btv) launched its programming on July 29, 2004 and offers some advertising. Interested advertisers should contact the Department of Information and Broadcasting at the above address. The long-standing GBC television station, Box 921, Gaborone, Tel. (267) 357-654, Fax (267) 301-875, email: gbctv@info.bw, offers advertising for the Gaborone market. A few reputable marketing and advertising agencies are present in the country. These include: Horizon Saatchi & Saatchi Private Bag Bo 20, Bontleng, Gaborone Tel: (267) 322-655; Fax: (267) 322-684 Email: abrough@horizon.saatchi.bw Marketing Communications Private Bag Bo 27, Bontleng, Gaborone Tel: (267) 319-366; Fax: (267) 319-365 Email: marcom@info.bw Media Communications Private Bag BR 26, Broadhurst, Gaborone Tel: (267) 302-586; Fax: (267) 307-209 Email: vich@medcom.bw The Government of Botswana remains a major customer for U.S. goods and services, particularly for major infrastructure projects. A Central Tender Board (located in and controlled by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning) consists of senior officials from such ministries as Trade, Industry, Wildlife and Tourism; Finance and Development Planning; Works, Transport and Communications; and Minerals, Energy and Water Affairs. After a consultant and/or a technical review board evaluate the tenders, the concerned ministry will make a recommendation to the CTB. U.S. firms are encouraged to make contact with the relevant authorities in government ministries or parastatals, and if possible, provide input at the drafting stage of a tender for major projects and manage the account. A pre-bid trip to Botswana to speak to project officials may improve the understanding of the precise needs of the client and allow the U.S. firm to tailor its proposals to those needs. While bidding costs often escalate for U.S. firms due to transportation and logistics, the investment in a pre-bid trip can be useful. Alternatively, a U.S. company may level the field by forming a partnership with a Gaborone or Johannesburg based firm. Foreign firms, namely South African firms, often have a strong advantage over their competitors due to knowledge and name recognition. The U.S. Embassy can assist in identifying appropriate local associates and making initial business contacts. It is also necessary for U.S. firms to study Botswana's market as well as its existing technology and standards before submitting bids for government tenders. U.S. firms often fail to undertake adequate research on acceptable and compatible technical conditions for the southern Africa region. The lowest offer, though attractive, may not be the leading criteria for awarding a tender.
- 181 The U.S. Embassy has found the tendering process in Botswana to be generally fair and transparent. The Government of Botswana addresses intellectual property rights through the Copyright Act and the enacted Industrial Property Act of the Laws of Botswana. The Copyright Act, which was passed by Parliament in March 2004, provides adequate protection for the rights of creators of literary, artistic, dramatic, cinematography works, computer programs, and the related rights of broadcasting organizations. The Industrial Property Act provides internationally recognized standards of protection for patents, trademarks and industrial designs.
TRADE REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS

On the regional front Botswana is an active member of the Southern African Customs Union, (SACU), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Internationally Botswana stands as an Associate member of the European Union (Lome Convention), it is a member of the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). Botswana enforces a customs and excise legislation that is in conformity with that of the other members of SACU as well as the WCO convention of Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System. Opportunities for exports of manufacturing equipment in general have also been enhanced by the enactment of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in 2004. SOUTHERN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY (SADC) Botswana along with 13 other southern African states (Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DROC), Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, the Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe) is a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). SADC was established to promote closer economic, social and political integration in the region. At present, SADC sets policy through protocols which must be ratified by two-thirds of member states to bring them into effect. SADC's most ambitious protocol to date is its Trade Protocol, signed in August 2002 by eleven member states (Angola was absent, DROC and Seychelles joined SADC later). Angola and Seychelles have indicated they will accede to the trade protocol soon, but the intention of the DROC is unknown. The Trade Protocol calls for the reduction and elimination of tariff and non-tariff barriers between member states. As a progression of the Trade Protocol, SADC launched the SADC Free Trade Agreement on September 1, 2004. Under the SADC Free Trade Protocol, tariffs will be abolished on 85% of trade between 11 of the 14 states by 2008. The remaining tariffs are scheduled for elimination by 2010. Member states will later agree on a timetable for the elimination of non-tariff barriers to regional trade, such as export subsidies. The SADC Free Trade Agreement will also reduce barriers to imports into the SACU area, as well as provide improved access for exports to the SADC markets. A Trade Protocol Implementation Unit has been set up in Gaborone, where the SADC Secretariat is located, to assist member states to understand and implement the protocol and help them to cushion short term dislocations they might experience as a result of trade liberalization. SOUTHERN AFRICAN CUSTOMS UNION (SACU) The Southern African Customs Union (SACU) is an economic block composed of South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, and Swaziland. Historically, the most important trade agreement has been the SACU Agreement, which provides for duty-free trade with Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland and South Africa coupled with a relatively high degree of protection against imports from the rest of the world. SACU tariffs have been progressively reduced, partly in response to World Trade Organization (WTO) membership. This has increased competition from global imports in SACU countries. SACU acts as a pool for customs duties paid on imports into the SACU countries, and has been the subject of controversy for many years. The structure of SACU
- 182 is currently under renegotiation. While it is anticipated that the basic provisions ensuring free trade within the SACU area will be preserved, other aspects such as governance, and revenue distribution will be altered. The SACU states have eliminated duties on goods moving between members with certain strategic exceptions and have imposed a common external tariff on all goods entering the Union. With the exception of certain foodstuffs, import permits are not required for goods entering Botswana from SACU. Duties collected are placed in a common pot and split among member states. South Africa has proposed a formula which guarantees the other members' revenues remain the same for a year and then slowly taper off. Before agreeing to changes in the revenue sharing formula, all states except South Africa are demanding creation of an accountable SACU Secretariat. Currently, SACU is controlled by the South African Revenue Service (SARS), an arm of the South African government, which sets tariff rates and oversees disbursements. The other members are demanding that a secretariat with an elected president take over SARS' functions. An agreement on restructuring is probably some time away, but a formula whereby South Africa exchanges control over policy for more equitable revenue sharing seems likely. VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT) South Africa may have given new life to accusations of its non-collegial method of managing SACU when it unilaterally announced collection of its VAT at land borders with SACU partners. Previously, goods destined for export to SACU were zero rated, as were goods in transit through South Africa. Goods imported from SACU members had their VAT paid by the South African importer following arrival. SARS announced the cessation of all zero rating as of January 1, 1999, with the exception of those goods consigned for transport on VAT registered carriers. The remaining SACU members claimed the action was taken without adequate consultation, planning, or consideration for the move's effects on their economies. South Africa claimed the move was necessary to eliminate pervasive VAT evasion fraud. The effect has been that importers and exporters of goods to, from or through South Africa must pay 14.5% VAT upon the goods entry to or departure from South Africa. The VAT can be refunded on export minus a one-and-a-half percent processing fee. Implementation at Botswana's borders has been especially problematic with delayed refund checks, improperly collected processing fees, and long border delays especially at the main Botswana - South Africa border post. While refund issues have been addressed, border delays are likely to remain a serious and costly problem until SARS upgrades its facilities and trains additional personnel or until agreement on longer border operating hours can be reached between Botswana and South Africa. WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION Following its accession to GATT, Botswana became a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), which was launched as the official successor to GATT in January 1995. The WTO is responsible for the implementation of the Uruguay Round Trade Agreement. With regard to tariffs and quotas, WTO seeks to: (a) create a market-oriented agricultural trading system - (Botswana and its SACU partners will have to decrease tariffs by 24% over 10 years) and (b) phase out quota restrictions on developing countries' textile exports (which will ultimately benefit Botswana). Changes taking place under the WTO and the various rounds of international trade negotiations will have a major impact in the areas of trade in agricultural products and textiles, which have hitherto been subject to various protection agreements. All these developments will have to be taken into account as Botswana considers how to promote diversification. Botswana is hopeful,
- 183 however, that the stipulations of the WTO, coupled with the interest of some SACU members in seeing trade barriers reduced, should translate into a steady decline in tariff rates. LOME CONVENTION Botswana is an associate member of the Lome Convention under which many Africa, Carribbean and Pacific (ACP) states enjoy privileged access to the EU market. The duration of the Convention is coming to an end and is likely to be replaced by a new agreement under which access to the EU for ACP countries will be tied to reciprocal access to ACP markets for EU exporters. SALES TAX A 10% sales tax is imposed on items such as fuel, liquor, cigarettes, motor vehicles, computers, domestic electrical appliances and most consumer goods. Importers of such goods are responsible for the collection of the sales tax. Most items of food, construction materials, capital goods, medicines, books and stationery are exempted. Certain services such as hotels, drycleaning and hair dressing, also are subject to sales tax. In April 1997, sales tax coverage was extended to selected professional services. In FY2004 the Government increased sales tax for alcoholic beverages, wines, spirits and mineral water. These rates, which were effectively ranging between 10-15% in 1995, were eroded by inflation down 5-6% in real terms. The government restored the effective rates to their 1995 levels. VAT BY 2003 In 1999, the government underscored its intention to replace the existing sales tax regime with a value-added tax (VAT) by April 2001. VAT is supposedly simpler to administer as it is to be imposed on all goods and services. VAT is also expected to broaden the tax base. While a few goods and services will be exempt from VAT, the onus will be on the supplier to establish that the supply falls within the exemption list. In addition, VAT was expected to eliminate the problem created by sales tax, in which taxes paid on inputs were included in the final cost of the product, and was literally a tax on tax. Botswana's plans to implement its own VAT, originally targeted for FY2001, have however been put on hold due primarily to practical considerations and the system, which is under revision, is expected to be put in place in FY2003. TRADE REGULATIONS: - IMPORT LICENSES, EXCHANGE CONTROLS, AND DOCUMENTATION Import permits for goods entering Botswana directly from outside SACU are obtainable from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs in the Ministry of Trade Industry Wildlife and Tourism. The import permits are not transferable. Permits are usually granted upon request, and Botswana's abolition of foreign exchange controls in February 1999 means there is little difficulty in obtaining sufficient foreign currency to cover transactions Prohibited imports include habit-forming drugs and objectionable literature (pornographic magazines and videotapes). Importation of certain agricultural products and plants requires approval with the Ministry of Agriculture prior to obtaining the import permit from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. There is no tax on exports. Exports from Botswana generally do not require permits. Export controls are however assessed on the following restricted items, which require export permits: radioactive materials, unpolished diamonds, gold, wildlife and wildlife trophies, plants, hides and
- 184 skins, and agricultural products. An Export Declaration Form (Form CD) must be filed for all goods exceeding approximately USD $370 in value. Botswana has a "duty drawback" arrangement for the import of goods for processing or assembly followed by re-export. Documentation required for external trade are: (a) Form CCA I for imports and exports within SACU; (b) Form CE 500 (Bill of Entry) for imports outside of SACU; (c) Form CE 24 (Bill of Entry) for exports of local products and (d) Form CE 23 (Bill of Entry) for exports of imported products. Customs Officials may be reached at: Department of Customs and Excise Private Bag 0041 Gaborone Tel: (267) 322-855 Fax: (267) 322-781 Contact: Mr. Ken Morris, Director
TRADE AND PROJECT FINANCING

Botswana's banking sector consists of a central bank (Bank of Botswana), four commercial banks (Barclays Bank Botswana, Standard Chartered Bank Botswana, First National Bank Botswana, and Stanbic Bank Botswana), an investment bank, Investec Group, and a credit institution, ULC Pty Ltd., operating as a financial lease company. All are geared to arrange finance for new businesses. Development financial institutions, six in number, offer specialized services to specific economic sectors. There are currently no U.S. financial lending institutions or Multilateral Development Banks in the country. Nonetheless, all four major commercial banks operating in Botswana have correspondent relationships with U.S. banks. The central bank, Bank of Botswana, was established in 1975 and is responsible for monetary policies, central banking services, supervision of financial institutions, issuing of bank notes, implementing exchange rate policies, administering exchange controls and foreign exchange reserves management. The bank's financial statements are in compliance with international standards and Price Waterhouse Coopers and KPMG perform audits, both internationally recognized accounting firms. Short-term finance, including pre-and-post-shipment credit, is readily available through the commercial banking system at market rates of interest. Export credit insurance is available through Botswana Export Credit Insurance (BECI). There are no exchange controls in Botswana. The complete elimination of controls on current and capital accounts allows the free flow of money and capital. The most common method of payment for imports from the U.S. is through Letters of Credit, LC's, bank drafts or bank transfers. The provisions for U.S. and other foreign firms borrowing in Botswana are liberal while local banks remain highly liquid. The country's commercial banks, however, have difficulty making long-term credit available due to the short maturity nature of their deposits and small capital bases. At present, commercial banks finance only about one-third of the annual investment taking place in Botswana. Botswana has kept its external borrowing to a minimum. Outstanding public debt is expected to reach approximately P2426.9 million ($485.38 million) by the end of 2004. The current debt service ratio is about 2.3%, while the debt to GDP ratio was about 10.42% in 1999 (down from
- 185 15.5% in 1989). Moreover, the country's favorable balance of payments situation has meant that with one or two exceptions it has not been forced to borrow externally on commercial terms. OPIC's finance and insurance programs are operable in Botswana, and it has provided finance for U.S. tourism companies' investments and expansions. Export Import Bank financing is available to exporters for exports to Botswana. The Export Import Bank has not, however, been active in Botswana in recent years. COUNTRY COMMERCIAL AND INVESTMENT BANKS Organization: Barclays Bank of Botswana Ltd. Contact Name and Title: Duncan Mlazie, Managing Director Address: P.O. Box 478, Gaborone, Botswana Phone: (267) 352-041 Fax: (267) 353-699 Organization: First National Bank of Botswana Ltd. Contact Name and Title: Mr. John Macaskill, Managing Director Address: P.O. Box 1552, Gaborone, Botswana Phone: (267) 311-669 Fax: (267) 302-853 Organization: Standard Chartered Bank Botswana Ltd. Contact Name and Title: Mr. Andrew Prebble, Managing Director Address: P.O.496, Gaborone, Botswana Phone: (267) 360-1500 Fax: (267) 351-545 Organization: Stanbic Bank Botswana Ltd. Contact Name and Title: Mr. Walter Price, Managing Director Address: Private Bag 00168, Gaborone, Botswana Phone: (267) 301-600 Fax: (267) 300-171 Organization: Investec Bank Botswana Ltd. Contact Name and Title: Mr. K.H. Munamati, Managing Director Address: P.O. Box 49, Gaborone, Botswana Phone: (267) 581-338 Fax: (267) 581-390
INVESTMENT CLIMATE AND OPPORTUNITIES

Ranked as the third most competitive among 23 African nations bythe World Economic forum and Harvard University and cited by the2003 investment in African mining conference as a low investmentrisk for mining, Botswana enjoys respect and well-meritedconfidence for its investment potential. The New York Timesreported in June, 2003, that a study released by the World Bankidentified Botswana as having enjoyed the greatest economicgrowth of any country in the world during the 31 years from 1966- 97. Its annual growth rate of 9.2% exceeded that of # 2 SouthKorea (7.3%) and # 3 China (6.7%). Although hampered by being alandlocked country with a small population of 1.5 million,Botswana has nevertheless posted impressive economic growth andoffers political and economic stability unmatched in southernAfrica.
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The government continues to emphasize the need for more Foreign Direct Investment, (FDI), to achieve full growth potential of the economy, and actively supports FDI.The government provides foreign investors with equal access to general incentive schemes in a number of economic sectors limiting the few preferences given to domestic capital. Investment of foreign capital in jobcreating industrial projects, particularly in import substitution and exports is strongly encouraged. Parliament passed a bill establishing an independent statutory body, the Botswana Export Development and Investment Authority,(BEDIA), in November 1997, to effectively promote investment andthe export of goods manufactured in Botswana. BEDIA will assist foreign investors obtain pre-investment support services such asland, buildings, work and residence permits, licenses, grants and other regulatory authorizations required, as well as resolve investors' problems which may be encountered while operating in Botswana. The list of sectors reserved for domestic investment and production is unimposing: school furniture manufacture, welding, and bricklaying among the trades, and the operation of restaurants, bars, liquor stores, filling stations and small groceries in the service/retail sector. Franchises and wholly owned subsidiaries of foreign chains including large general merchandise marts, restaurants and the dominant grocery network, operate without restriction. Foreign investors are allowed to participate in all other sectors and no distinction is made between foreign and domestic investors. Foreign firms are accorded national treatment and there are no formal or non-formal polices that are discriminatory to foreign owned firms. There are no stringent screening mechanisms that could cause an impediment to investment, limit competition, or protect domestic interests at the expense of foreign investment. Towards the end of 1997, a high-level task force was established to prepare a draft white paper on a privatization policy, which will be presented to the government in the course of 2003. An Industrial Development Policy', released by the government of Botswana early this year, indicates that an appropriate institutional structure to support a privatization initiative in Botswana will be developed to improve the scope for the development of entrepreneurship in Botswana and to improve the efficiency of government. Whereas promoting efficiency and growth is the ultimate objective, the government would also like to ensure that when privatization occurs or strategic partnerships are formed, new opportunities are created for citizen businesses. Foreign investors are allowed to participate in the country's privatization programs from the stage at which companies are advertised. The government's interest in promoting efficiency and competition has led to completed and planned sales of government equity in profit-making enterprises. Limited domestic capital means that foreign investors will be welcomed in most instances, although nationals may be given exclusive first rights to purchase. There is a wide range of functions and services within the public sector, which could be provided to government or to prostates by the private sector businesses. Conversion And Transfer Policies The government is still working towards complete abolition of exchange controls. Botswana continued to open up an already liberal foreign exchange regime in early 2003. This move is expected to enhance Botswana's competitive position for investment flows destined for the region and meet the challenges of globalization. As of 1999, non-residents can trade in and issue Pula-denominated bonds, provided such instruments are listed on the Botswana Stock Exchange and are long term. They can also hold larger stakes in Botswana companies. Residents are permitted to invest significantly more overseas and borrow offshore. Travelers are now allowed to carry on their person or baggage, an equivalent of Pula 10,000 ($2,500) in foreign currency. Any amount in excess of this amount should be declared to the customs and excise officials at the port of departure.
- 187 All quantitative limits on foreign currency access for current account transactions; both for businesses incorporated locally and for permanent residents of the country have been removed. Businesses and other incorporated bodies registered under the laws of Botswana are allowed a consolidated annual allowance up to maximum of Pula 30 million ($7.5 million) for direct investment outside the country. The limit was formerly Pula 10 million ($2.5million). Exchange control approval was also granted for unrestricted non-resident participation in the Pula 50 million ($12.5 million) bond issued by the Botswana Development Corporation. A news release from the bank of Botswana in February this year says participation in any bond issued by non-residents will not be restricted by exchange controls. This is a move to encourage inward portfolio investments deemed beneficial to Botswana, development of domestic capital markets, diversification of investment instruments, as well as increasing the potential demand for domestic bonds. The government permits the establishment of foreign currency denominated accounts in Botswana (in U.S. dollars, British pound, German marks or South African Rand). Businesses and other bodies incorporated or registered under the laws of Botswana may open such accounts without prior approval from the bank of Botswana. The government also authorizes the issuance of foreign currency denominated loans. An amendment to increase the limits on balances kept in the foreign currency accounts held by these businesses from Pula 1 million to Pula 10 million ($2,500 and$2.5 million respectively) was made in 1997.Upon disinvestments by a non-resident, the person is allowed immediate repatriation of proceeds of up to Pula 100 million ($25million), and if the money exceeds that amount, the excess may be required to be repatriated in trenches over a period not exceeding three years. This measure is intended to attract foreign investment and to allay fears such investors may have about their money if they wished to disinvest and repatriate proceeds. Investment returns such as profits and dividends, royalties, franchise fees and service fees can all be repatriated without any quantum limit. There is no difficulty in obtaining foreign exchange. Although amounts exceeding Pula 1 million require referral to the Bank of Botswana, it is highly unlikely that such a severe shortage of foreign exchange could occur as to lead the bank to block transactions. With international reserves of approximately $5.7 billion, Botswana will not experience foreign exchange difficulties in the foreseeable future. The Botswana Pula is, for all intents and purposes, freely convertible. Expropriation And Compensation The constitution of Botswana prohibits nationalization of private property. The government of Botswana has never pursued a policy of forced nationalization, and we have no reason to believe that it would consider expropriator actions. Dispute Settlement The Botswana constitution allows for a judiciary which is independent of both the executive and legislative powers. Civil law is based on Roman-Dutch law while criminal law is built unfamiliar tenets of the English legal system. The legal system is sufficient to the conduct of secure commercial dealings. Secured and unsecured creditors enjoy the same rights under bankruptcy proceedings as they would in the United Sates, and foreign and domestic parties have equal recourse to the judicial system. A proven judicial and legal structure is in place. Botswana is a member of the International Center for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee agency (MIGA). The Republic of Botswana, offers considerable potential for all forms of investment. It enjoys a stable political, social and financial environment; it is commited to free enterprise and offers generous investment incentives; it has a small but active stock exchange; it has relatively cheap labor with little union activity; good transport infrastructure links it to export markets and it has access to world markets through international trade agreements. Its economy is one of the fastest growing in Africa and in the developing world. However, it remains essentially dependent on its mining sector and therefore the main thrust of economic development is diversification. Botswana
- 188 actively seeks foreign investment and regularly re-evaluates its incentives to ensure its competitiveness against those of neighboring countries. Botswana's fledgling manufacturing sector has been experiencing a period of stagnation in the past few years and the country's 1995/96 budget includes various measures designed to encourage foreign investment especially in this sector. Measures include a reduction in general company tax from 35% down to 25% (and down to 15% in the case of the manufacturing sector excluding packaging, bottling and assembly operations). Various business and investment opportunities have been identified in the manufacturing sector, including textiles, paper products, leather goods, jewelry, computer assembly, bottling facilities, household equipment, office and household furniture, vehicle assembly, tire manufacturing, leather finishes, paint manufacturing, batteries, and spare parts manufacture. The government has also begun a process of privatization by contracting out certain maintenance activities in the construction and agriculture sectors. Partial privatization of certain state enterprises including the Botswana Telecommunications Corporation and the Central Transport Organization is being considered. A rural electrification program is being undertaken in the hopes that bringing electric power to rural areas will encourage the development of small-scale manufacturing and agro-processing industries in these areas. ADVANTAGES OF INVESTING IN BOTSWANA Botswana has several advantages as a base for business ventures : - a stable democratic political system - a stable, open and relatively well-managed economy and good infrastructure - a low tax environment - a liberal foreign exchange control regime, backed by a stable and freely convertible currency - a central location in the middle of the Southern African region with good road and rail links to export ports in Namibia, South Africa and Mozambique - Government incentive schemes and other tax-based incentive packages - access to the large regional market within the SACU and through other bilateral agreements - generally good labor relations Botswana is actively promoting itself as an attractive country for new business ventures and investment opportunities and there are many sources where detailed information for the business person may be obtained including local professional legal advisers and business consultants. Sources of funding are many from foreign aid, development banks to the country's own banking sector which offers sophisticated financing packages. CHALLENGES TO INVESTING IN BOTSWANA Botswana is prone to periods of drought and has a consequent pressing need for access to water resources. The absence of a fast flowing river or solar power infrastructure requires electricity to be thermally generated which has made Botswana's power the most expensive in the southern African region. Its economy, which is still recovering from the last severe drought in 1992, is
- 189 improving but is still greatly dependent on foreign aid. The population in general, while better educated than that of neighboring states, lacks many of the essential technical and managerial skills required by modern business operations. CORRUPTION AND BRIBERY As in most countries of the world, nepotism, corruption and bribery is a feature of business life in Botswana. Scandals involving irregular government tendering procedures and alleged 'kickbacks' to government officials have recently surfaced in several parastatal organizations and governments. However, the incidence of bribery of petty officials is not on a scale as seen in many other African states. LAND MANAGEMENT Prior to independence, Botswana had established traditional ways of allocating and managing tribal land and its resources through chiefs and communities. Some of the important elements of this system were that access to land was assured for all citizens, and that the use of land and its resources should ensure availability for future generations. Soon after independence, the authority to allocate tribal land was shifted from chiefs to Tribal Land Boards which were established by an Act of Parliament, but the management of the resources remains the responsibility of the users and their communities. At a national level, a Land Development Committee supervised district planning and coordinated national land use planning. The Ministries of Agriculture and Local Government, Lands and Housing play significant roles in the implementation process. A lot has been accomplished in the area of personnel training in relevant fields, but it is still necessary to enhance the capacity of existing institutions to enable them to deal with the more complex planning and management of land resources. An integrated approach to planning and management of land resources started in earnest in 1975 with the implementation of the Tribal Grazing Land Policy (TGLP). To facilitate the policy's implementation, appropriate planning and management systems, such as Land Use Planning Groups (LUPAGs), later transformed into District Land Use Planning Units (DLUPUs), were established. The implementation of TGLP has run its full course, but the structures and the land use planning systems have been retained and continue to be useful in the planning and management of land resources. Land use planning in the 1970s involved very broad zoning of tribal land for various uses, such as determining where cattle ranches could be established, areas which could be reserved as Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and, due to demographic constraints, areas which would remain under communal use. This policy enabled individuals or groups to have exclusive use of land in areas zoned for such use, particularly cattle ranches. The objectives of this policy was sustainability through individual tenure of land resources (rangeland). Following the successful implementation of this policy, a number of other policies to promote integrated land use planning and natural resources management were promulgated. Some of the recent examples include The National Policy on Agricultural Development (1991) (largely a follow-up of the TGLP), the Tourism Policy, the National Settlement Policy, among others. During the early stages of the TGLP, the government realized that land resources data and information for planning and management decisions were deficient. This prompted a number of initiatives particularly by the Ministry of Agriculture to map soils, conduct an inventory on forest and range resources, and to develop land evaluation methodologies.
- 190 The Government attaches great importance to the wide range of natural resources and features that exist throughout Botswana, especially in protected areas, such as National Parks, Game Reserves, Forest Reserves, and designated Wildlife Management Areas. Many people depend directly on these lands for their livelihoods. Some, such as the Okavango Delta and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, are valued internationally for their unique features. The Botswana's environment is largely semi-arid and therefore offers a limited natural resource base. This base has undergone some development pressures and degradation processes have given rise to concerns about the ability of these resources to sustain the needs of future generations. The impacts of these development pressures are recognized through the depletion of resources; land erosion/degradation; urban and rural pollution; and rangeland degradation. There are a number of constraints to rational resource utilization. The first is structural, including rapid population growth and poverty. The second relates to research, particularly the absence of data on resource stocks, how they are used and by whom. Third, inadequate enforcement of legal provisions on the use of natural resources has lead to their unsustainable use. There are three types of land tenure in Botswana. Tribal land covers 71% of the total land area of the country (586 000 km2). It is allocated to citizens free of charge for all types of uses. State land is owned by the state and comprises 23% of the total area of Botswana. Most of this land is used as National Parks, or Forest and Game Reserves within which no settlements are permitted. However, a small percentage of this land is allocated for residential purposes, particularly in urban centers. Freehold land comprises only 6% of the total area and is privately owned. Most government policies to date have been directed at tribal land. The practice in Botswana is that the public is made aware of the implications of land use plans before land is zoned for various uses. This is usually done through public meetings where all developments in a district are discussed. The meetings allow for the participation by all community members including women. Further, in the land use planning process, public awareness and participation is ensured by, among others, giving land users an opportunity to select preferred land use options from a range of options determined through the evaluation of physical and economic suitability of land resources. The Government of Botswana has financed a majority of activities under the program areas mentioned above. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has assisted the Government with a Land Use Planning for Sustainable Development (LUPSAD) project. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), as the executing agency for the LUPSAD project, has also assisted Botswana to develop computer based methodologies for determining land suitability. These tools are being applied in land use planning, both at the national and district levels. DESERTIFICATION AND DROUGHT The Botswana government realizes that drought is a recurrent phenomena and must be planned far ahead of its occurrence. In this respect, institutions have been set up in relevant Ministries to deal with various aspects of drought management. Early warning units have been set up in the Ministry of Agriculture and the Department of Meteorological Services. An inter-ministerial drought committee, chaired by the Assistant Minister of Finance and Development Planning, has been established. This committee oversees drought monitoring and assessment, and recommends required action on the basis of assessment reports. Responsibility for managing and distributing drought relief food is vested in the Ministry of Local Government,
- 191 Lands and Housing. During drought periods all ministries and local authorities are mobilized to assist in relief programs including public works projects designed to create employment during difficult times. Numerous programs and policies intended to combat desertification in Botswana predate Agenda 21. Most of these are broad and inclusive rural development programs whose funding was derived from past national development plans. Areas which have received attention include livestock development and improvement, grazing and ranch development, improving dry land farming systems, strengthening agricultural extension, establishment of early warning systems, drought monitoring and assessment capability, and forestry development, among others. The rural economy of Botswana is based on animal production, especially cattle farming. Rangeland resources, which cover more than 60% of the country and are the basis for the cattle industry, are the most affected by degradation albeit to varying degrees according to location. Problems associated with degradation are difficult to remedy. The Tribal Grazing Lands Policy (TGLP) of 1975 introduced ranch development for designated parts of tribal land where farmers or groups of farmers could have exclusive use of range resources. It was expected that this would help improve livestock productivity and more importantly enhance the management of rangeland within these enclosures. The implementation of this policy has been marked by varying degrees of success depending on the training related to the management of resources and livestock. The Agricultural Development Policy of 1991 further extends this concept into areas which have hitherto been zoned for communal use. Botswana has recently concluded a comprehensive study of poverty. From this study a comprehensive program will be elaborated to address the poverty problem, particularly in rural areas where people depend heavily on their not so well endowed natural environment. This is expected to involve the strengthening of some existing initiatives such as the Arable Lands Development Program, which assists resources-poor farmers with various farming packages and subsidies. A National Action Program (NAP), established in the context of the Convention to Combat Desertification and Drought (CCD), has been launched with the requirement to ensure that people participate in anti-desertification programs. Some work is being initiated under the Desert Margins Initiative, an integrated national, regional, and international research program for developing sustainable natural resources management options to combat land degradation in sub-Saharan Africa. The program is led by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and the Department of Integrated Agricultural Research serves as the national coordinator. The following is a brief summary of the objectives of this initiative: identification and assessment of the physical, chemical, and biological factors contributing to land degradation; evaluation of the impact of livestock production and cropping practices on soil erosion, sand deposition, vegetation composition and resilience of dry land ecosystems; development of improved nutrient cycling methods by an efficient exploitation of the interactions between organic and inorganic nutrient sources and the relationships between system inputs, soil properties, and crop productivity;
- 192 development of technologies and biological materials for rehabilitation and restoration of degraded lands; evaluation of the effects of fallow/crop rotations on moisture status and fertility of soils; evaluation of improved cropping systems, and conditions for acceptance and their rapid diffusion; promotion of research on the use of indigenous trees in livestock production and sustainable utilization; promotion of diversification strategies to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem resilience, for example, the introduction of alternative crops and tree species; evaluation of the use of a combination of crop residue and legume tree in the production of fodder. Desertification is defined as land degradation which occurs in dry areas and is associated with climate variations and human activity. When desertification occurs it reduces the biological potential or the carrying capacity of land to unsustainable levels and making it lose natural resilience. This in turn has a negative impact on affected communities and may lead to wide spread poverty, hunger, and migration of the population. Recent studies show that 91,000 km2 or 15.5% of Botswana is affected by land degradation or desertification. Therefore, implementation of the provisions of the Convention to Combat Desertification is crucial for Botswana. Environmental degradation and resource depletion have negative impacts on the rural economy. This requires that a critical analysis of environmental problems be undertaken. The impact of grazing lands and forest resources, caused by the expansion of the livestock and wildlife herds, and exacerbated by the continual occurrence of droughts, are significant rural development planning issues related to both the conservation of the nation's resource base and rural poverty. The importance that the Botswana government attaches to problems of land degradation and desertification is demonstrated by Botswana's contribution towards the preparations for the International Convention on Desertification through a study that was carried out in the Mid-Boteti area. The specific objectives of the study were to determine the extent and elements of desertification; to assess local perception about desertification and its consequences; and to involve the local population in assessing the desirability of abatement measures and options for alternative sources of incomes. The study was consistent with Draft Resolution 1 of the Convention and Chapter 12 of Agenda 21. It used the definition for desertification as "land degradation in arid, semi-arid and dry-humid areas resulting from various factors including climatic variations and human activities" derived from the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). The analysis of the study showed the linkages between the forms of desertification. The impacts of desertification are substantial in both socioeconomic and bio-physical terms. People are most concerned with the former as desertification reduces their incomes and depresses their living conditions. Some manage to make up for the losses incurred through formal employment and the sale of livestock or veld products. However, the poor, who depend mostly on dry land cultivation, hunting wildlife, and the collection of veld products, have little to fall back on and are the hardest hit. The bio-physical impacts include wind erosion and loss of biodiversity. There are two interrelated cycles that affect the long term sustainability of the environment. Firstly, over utilization of the resources (as occurs today) adversely affects the productive
- 193 potential of the environment leading to a weak resource base. This is evidenced by the declining wildlife numbers and reduced availability of veld products. Continued over-exploitation will negatively affect the regenerative capacity of the environment. Secondly, poor people rely most heavily on "free" natural resources in the vicinity of their home where depletion is usually most serious. The poor are thus disproportionately affected by the decline in productivity of the environment, and suffer most income losses. As a result, they are often compelled to further increase resource pressure to support a decent standard of living. The net effect is that people living in these areas are poorer and this status quo accelerates desertification and poverty. The conclusion of the Mid-Boteti study suggested that in order to have workable solutions, it is imperative to know the view and secure the active participation of the local population. Whilst most people believe that the primary cause of desertification was physical, the primary impacts were thought to be socioeconomic, including the loss of income opportunities and the lowering of living standards. Measures aimed at mitigating desertification target correction and prevention. It is believed that most of the environment still possesses sufficient resilience to recover once the main causes of desertification have been removed. Botswana was one of the affected countries chosen to carry out the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INCD) case study for the Convention to Combat Desertification and Drought. The study was conducted at Rakops, an area in Botswana which is affected by severe land degradation. This study on strengthening the knowledge base was a useful contribution to the formulation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and Drought. It clearly identified the need for a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach which addresses poverty as a means of dealing with the root cause of desertification. Land degradation is severe, particularly around settlements where depletion of vegetation from livestock grazing is compounded by deforestation mainly to satisfy fuel woods requirements. Efforts are being made in many villages to plant trees for rehabilitation and to augment the supply of fuel wood from natural woodlands. These rehabilitation efforts include sand dune stabilization projects which have become popular in the drier parts of Botswana. In Botswana, consultation is a tradition. Thus, the Government recognizes that combating desertification can only succeed through the participation of all those affected or cause desertification while they eke out their living from limited resources. Early efforts to sensitize stakeholders and the public on land degradation and desertification continue through Government supported initiatives under various programs, including the NAP. Through the Kalahari/Namib Project, supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the public, farmers, land users, land allocation authorities, traditional leaders, and non-governmental organizations were informed about the causes and impacts of desertification and drought. A national awareness campaign is about to be concluded. Communities in affected areas have shown considerable interest and are prepared to participate in anti-desertification programs. Botswana has in the past secured assistance for drought relief, but increasingly the needs are met by mobilizing domestic funds. A number of organizations, including UN agencies, have provided funds to assist the government where such projects have not been adequately provided for in the National Development Plan. The United Nations Office to Combat Desertification and Drought (UNDP/UNSO) has provided funding for the first phase of the National Action Program, established in the context of the Convention to Combat Desertification. UNEP has also provided funding through the Environment and Land Management Sector (ELMS) of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) for the Kalahari-Namib project. There are numerous other programs in which other donors play a significant role.
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TRAVELING TO BOTSWANA
US STATE DEPARTMENT SUGGESTIONS
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Botswana is a southern African country with a stable democratic government and a growing economy. Facilities for tourism are widely available. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport is required. U.S. citizens are permitted stays up to 90 days without a visa. For additional information on entry requirements, travelers may contact the Embassy of the Republic of Botswana, 1531 - 1533 New Hampshire Ave, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036, telephone (202) 244-4990/1, fax (202) 244-4164 or the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Botswana to the United Nations, 103 E. 37th St., New York, NY, telephone (212) 8892277, fax (212) 725-5061. There are also honorary consuls in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Houston. Overseas inquiries should be made to the nearest Botswanan Embassy or Consulate. In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure. SAFETY AND SECURITY: Civil unrest and disorder are rare. In the wake of the August 2003 U.S. Embassy bombings in East Africa and the ongoing worldwide threat to U.S. Government facilities, the American Embassy in Gaborone has increased its security precautions and counterterrorism measures. CRIME: Violent crime remains relatively infrequent in Gaborone, the capital. Residential burglaries and car theft, however, are increasing. Prudent security measures, such as alarms and immobilizers, may deter such crimes. In addition, a spate of carjackings at gunpoint in the capital during the first half of 2001 prompted the Embassy to warn American citizens of the need for increased vigilance while driving in urban areas, particularly after dark. Petty street crime and crimes of opportunity, primarily the theft of money and personal property, remain the most common forms of crime in Botswana. Visitors to Gaborone, as to any foreign city, should avoid walking at night in unfamiliar areas. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The pamphlets A Safe Trip Abroad and Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa provide useful information on personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the region in general. Both are available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov. MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical facilities in Gaborone and Francistown are adequate, but available facilities in other areas are limited. For advanced care Americans often choose to travel to South Africa. Most prescription drugs are available. MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents
- 195 and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations. When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties, whereas travelers who have purchased overseas medical insurance have, when a medical emergency occurs, found it lifesaving. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death. Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page or autofax: (202) 647-3000. OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (877-394-8747), fax: 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov. TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Botswana is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance. Safety of Public Transportation: Poor Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair Availability of Roadside Assistance: Poor Traffic circulates on the left in Botswana, as elsewhere in the region. While the roads in major population centers in Botswana are generally good, travel by automobile outside of large towns may be dangerous. The combination of long, tedious stretches of two-lane highways, high speed limits, and poor lighting make driving at night on rural highways particularly hazardous. Freerange domestic animals and large numbers of pedestrians and hitchhikers in the roadways make fatal accidents a frequent occurrence. There has also been a spate of carjackings in Gaborone, requiring drivers to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings at all times while getting into and out of vehicles in the city. For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html. For specific information concerning Botswana driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact the Botswana national tourist organization offices in New York via the Internet at http://www.botswanatourism.org. AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service by local carriers at present, or economic authority to operate such service, between the U.S. and Botswana, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Botswana's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international aviation safety standards. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA Internet home page at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/. The U.S.
- 196 Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact DOD at (618) 229-4801. CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Botswana's laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Botswana are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Botswana's laws mandate harsh punishments for unlawful dealing and possession of cannabis (known locally as motokwane or dagga). Botswana also has a wellpublicized policy of zero tolerance for corruption, and any requests for the payment of bribes should be reported to the appropriate authorities. ANIMAL TROPHIES: Botswana strictly enforces its law protecting animal trophies. Under this law, it is not permitted to possess or remove from Botswana, without a government permit or a receipt from a licensed shop, any living or dead animal or trophy from an animal. A trophy is any horn, ivory, tooth, tusk, bone, claw, hoof, hide, skin, hair, feather, egg, or other durable portion of an animal, whether the item has been processed or not. Curio shops and vendors throughout the country sell items such as animal skins, plain and decorated ostrich eggs and egg shells, and carved bones or teeth of animals protected by this law. All of the souvenirs, although widely sold, are subject to the national trophy law. Travelers departing the country with a trophy must have a receipt from a store licensed to sell such items. Elephant hair, ivory and rhinoceros horn products obtained in Botswana may not be removed from the country under any circumstances. Trophies may not be taken from the wild. Violators are subject to arrest and may face a penalty of up to five years imprisonment and a substantial fine. DANGERS POSED BY WILD ANIMALS: Tourists should bear in mind that, even in the most serene settings, the animals are wild and can pose a threat to life and safety. Tourists should use common sense when approaching wildlife, observe all local or park regulations, and heed all instructions given by tour guides. In addition, tourists are advised that potentially dangerous areas sometimes lack fences and warning signs. Exercise appropriate caution in all unfamiliar surroundings. CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html or telephone (202) 736-7000. REGISTRATION/EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living in or visiting Botswana are encouraged to register at the Consular section of the U.S. Embassy Botswana and obtain updated information on travel and security within Botswana. The U.S. Embassy is located in Gaborone on Embassy Drive, Government Enclave. The mailing address is P.O. Box 90, Gaborone, telephone (267) 353-982; fax (267) 356-947, and the after-hours emergency telephone (267) 357-111.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
The US Embassy will be closed on the following US and Botswana Holidays Occasion New Year's Day (Botswana/US) Day Tuesday, January 1
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Public Holiday (Botswana) Martin Luther King, Jr's Birthday (US) Presidents' Day (US) Good Friday (Botswana/US) Public Holiday (Botswana) Easter Monday (Botswana) Ascension Day (Botswana) Memorial Day (US) Sir Seretse Khama Day (Botswana) Independence Day (US) President's Day (Botswana) Public Holiday (Botswana) US Labor Day (US) Botswana Day Public Holiday Columbus Day Veterans' Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day Boxing Day
Wednesday, January 2 Monday, January 21 Monday, February 18 Friday, March 29 Saturday March 30 Monday, April 1 Thursday, May 9 Monday, May 27 Monday, July 1 Thursday, July 4 Monday, July 15 Tuesday, July 16 Monday, September 2 Monday, September 30 Tuesday, October 1 Monday, October 14 Monday, November 11 Thursday, November 28 Wednesday, December 25 Thursday, December 26
PLACES TO SEE IN BOTSWANA

Long-distance travel for purposes of trade goes back a thousand years in Botswana. Shells and beads from the east coast of Africa were being traded as far as the Tsodilo hills, in north-western Botswana, by the 8th century AD. In the later 18th century Kgosi Motswasele of the Bakwena, in
- 198 the south-east of Botswana, was famous as a well-traveled man because of his journeys to Maputo Bay and back. But modern tourism is an outgrowth of industrial society, offering temporary recreation abroad - first in the later 18th century to aristocrats and gentry on 'grand tours', and later to bourgeois and proles on 'package tours'. Plans for tourism on the Chobe were laid in the 1930s, but did not really materialize until the 1960s - receiving great international publicity in the early 1970s when the film stars Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton re-married at Kasane. The first modern safari camps on the Okavango delta were also constructed in the later 1960s, and the boom for high-cost/low-density tourism in the swamps began in the 1970s. TOURISM IN NORTHERN/ WESTERN BOTSWANA Tourism is at present largely confined to the northern half of Botswana, and really indeed to the north-western quarter where lie of the marshes of the Okavango delta and the Chobe river close to Victoria Falls. Most of the web-sites on Botswana are dedicated to these areas, which have little practical connection with the rest of Botswana. Safari camps are enclaves in remote parts patronized by foreign tourists and run by white South Africans from northern Johannesburg, or by former "pink elephants" from East Africa. Just as the visitor to New York City may conclude that everything there is culture created by humans with no nature left surviving, so the visitor to the Okavango marshes may get the impression that all there is wild nature untamed by culture. Both visitors, of course, would be wrong. Only a few hundred years ago the Okavango lake and marshes stretched almost up to the Tsodilo hills, which were occupied by fishing people and cattle herders and crop farmers. The climate has changed, with less rainfall coming down river from the Angola highlands. The very nature of the Okavango marshes has changed too. The primary agent of change was the hippo. Hippos congregated and bashed their way through the papyrus, opening and closing channels. One result was that water flowed in quantity down the eastern side of the delta to form what was called Lake Ngami (Nghabe). But over the past century and a half, with the rise of commercial hunting with firearms, the hippos have thinned in number. The channels to Lake Ngami, and more recently down the eastern side of the delta to Maun and the Boteti river, have become choked with papyrus and have dried up. The impact of human culture has remade the nature of the Okavango delta. The very savannah itself seems in part to be a product of human culture. For up to a million years people have been burning it, to make it grow new grass for the grazing livestock they cherish so much. One result has been the proliferation of thorny fire- resistant bush almost everywhere. The situation has grown ever more acute over the past two thousand years, particularly along watercourses, because of people's firewood and building-wood needs. Extensive farming cutting into surface of the earth has also increased the run-off of sandy soil into river beds. Hence all those sand-bed rivers that are marked as dotted blue lines on the map. TOURISM IN EASTERN/ SOUTHERN BOTSWANA The rest of Botswana is not really set up for tourists. There are few thatched luxury lodges along the lines of northern Botswana. Though there are some good restaurants in the capital city, Gaborone only has conventional hotels modeled on Holiday Inns and Sheratons. Hotels elsewhere are often pretty run down. People in eastern Botswana are unused to tourists and their habits. Many officials and policeman cling to outdated ideas of infiltration by apartheid regime saboteurs. You are still not allowed to take photographs outside parliament and government offices (including post offices!).
- 199 The golden rule, as in any other tourist-unfrequented place in the world, is to first greet people politely and then ask their permission to go here or there and to take a photograph. Once they are given your respect, people are friendly and helpful. The tourists who come to Botswana are wildlife tourists, who also take in neighboring parts of Southern Africa. The brand-names that attract them to Botswana are Okavango and Kalahari, presenting contrasting images of marsh and desert - and to a lesser extent Chobe, the river that connects with the Zambezi and thus with Victoria Falls. Cultural tourism remains almost unexploited. The only internationally recognisable brand-name is Bushman. Apart from conjuring up imprecise and distorted 'ethnic' images, the name is intensely embarrassing for the government of Botswana - because it denotes the neglected poorest of the rural poor in a free enterprise democratic society. Historically-oriented tourism, on the other hand, poses no such threat. Botswana has significant attractions for tourists interested in the stone architecture of Great Zimbabwe, the life and travels of Dr. David Livingstone, Cecil Rhodes' invasion of Zimbabwe (1890-93), the Jameson Raid (1895-96), the South African War (1899-1902), and the German war against the Nama and Herero (1904-05). All of these overlap with neighboring countries, but there are also great narratives of Botswana history with which the world needs first to be familiarized by books and films. For an indication of how a historically-oriented tour by car might be planned, see the Missionaries' Road supplement to this page. GABORONE: THE CAPITAL OF BOTSWANA The capital of Botswana, Gaborone is named after Chief Gaborone, who led his tribe to this area from the Magaliesberg round about 1880. Ten years later Cecil John Rhodes chose this little settlement as the site of a colonial fort, where, it is said, the abortive Jameson Raid into South Africa was planned. Still little more than an administrative village when Botswana began to move towards independence in the early sixties, it was chosen as the site for the new capital due to its strategic location, the availability of a reliable water supply and it's proximity to the cross-continental railway line. Fevered construction began in 1964, and in 1966 the Republic of Botswana achieved full independence under Sir Seretse Khama. At the time of independence, Botswana was counted among the ten poorest nations on earth. The discovery of the country's diamond wealth came within five years, and turned Botswana into one of the richest countries in Africa and the third largest producer of diamonds in the world. It also provided a growth rate and economic buoyancy unparalleled in Africa. Being young and brash, a well-laid-out city of cinderblock suburbs, Gaborone has all the facilities of any modern capital city. There is a range of hotels, and a choice of cinemas and casinos. Restaurants are numerous and varied, night clubs often host live music by local artists. The National Museum is situated near the centre of town and houses important collections of traditional crafts and southern African fine art. It is also the home of the Botswana Society which has a rich tradition of researching Botswana's pre-history and from whom you can obtain information about various interesting aspects of the country, like the Aha Hills, Drotsky's caves and so on. There is an international airport on the outskirts of the city.
- 200 One of the city's more striking buildings is Orapa House at the intersection of Mandela Drive and Khama Crescent. This building has floors specially designed to make maximum use of daylight without direct sunlight for the purpose of sorting and grading Botswana's fabulous diamond wealth. On the edge of the city, set among hills and dense bush, is the city's main water source, Gaborone Dam. A popular local resort, it is available for non-motorized water-sport , but a Water Utilities Corporation permit is needed. Bass, bream and barbel tempt the avid fishermen in summer, and the Gaborone Yacht Club has it's own swimming pool - not a bad idea since the dam not only has the occasional crocodile that escapes translocation, but bilharzia as well. A little downstream on the Notwane River and still within the confines of the city lies the Gaborone Game Reserve. This reserve has been in existence since 1988, and due to it's proximity to the city, is Botswana's third busiest game reserve. Well-maintained roads give easy access to viewing of wildebeest, eland, zebra, gemsbok, rhino and kudu among others. A detailed map is available at the entrance gate. There are two picnic sites and a game hide. Bird watching along the river is particularly rewarding. The Reserve is on the western outskirts of Gaborone, and is open from six thirty in the morning to six thirty in the evening. Those interested in history may be interested in David Livingstone's ties with Botswana. After having served in Kuruman, he established three smaller mission stations, the third of which was in the 1840's at Kolobeng, some 40 kilometers west of Gaborone. From a simple mud-built house here, sometimes accompanied by his wife and children, he set off on his journeys to the Zambezi and beyond. Travelling by ox-wagon under extremely difficult conditions, Livingstone reported the existence of Lake Ngami to the world. He was also the first white man to visit Linyanti. Kolobeng is set in scenic hilly country, and the Livingstone Memorial is near the ruins of the mission station, and the grave of his daughter. The church built here was the first in Botswana. A dozen kilometers beyond Kolobeng is the village of Thamaga. The famed Thamanga Pottery shop is housed in the Botswelelo Centre. Thamaga bowls, platters and goblets are especially well known and their hazy blue glaze has almost become a trademark, and is sought after by collectors. 50 kilometers west of Gaborone is the town of Molepolole, home of the Bakwena, one of the principle Tswana tribes. The mixed architecture gives interesting insights into the changing nature of Botswana society as old traditional ways are giving way to more modern practices. Much of the nature of this change is recorded and compared in the town's Sechele Museum. In the hills to the south of Molepolole is Logageng, a small cave in which David Livingstone spent a night in an attempt to prove to the Bakwena the power of his Christian God which would protect him against the evil happenings which were confidently predicted by Tswana beliefs. It would seem that they were not entirely convinced, since Livingstone is reputed to have made only one convert in his entire life as a missionary. This was Chief Sechele. SAFARI In a country where humans are vastly out-numbered by wild animals, Botswana boasts one of the best conservation programs in Africa with 17% of its land set aside for wildlife preservation. The Moremi and Chobe National Parks,along with the Okavango Delta, have become world-renowned and considered by many to be the last pristine wilderness in Africa. Here, great herds of animals roam over a land that has changed little over the millennia. Elephants, zebra,rhino, giraffe, lion, buffalo and many species of magnificent antelope graze as they have done since the dawn of time. No wonder Botswana is becomingthe most sought after safari destination in Africa.
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As a species, humankind began on the African savanna. Peering from a safari vehicle allows us to almost communicate with our pre-ancestors by seeing what they did every day of their precarious lives. Coming from New York, London or Paris, this is like traveling from the edge of technology to the core ofcreation. In African days gone by, lion, elephant, rhinoceros, buffalo and leopard were considered the trophy hunter's big 5, the most difficult, the most dangerous game. Only the big 5 could strike back; stalking them required the hunter to put his life squarely on the line. Today, people go on safari in greater numbers than ever before, armed with cameras, curiosity, some knowledge and a great deal of enthusiasm. To go on asafari is an opportunity to peer through a window of wonder, into the mist-shrouded natural past. And to bring away a message for the future about preservation of our natural heritage. The people of Botswana consider the wildlife to be a national treasure, and because of their deepest involvement in the preservation of their pricelessresource, they have set aside more land for national parks and game reserves than any other African country. This makes Botswana a number one strategicinvestment opportunity. GAME PARKS AND NATURE RESERVES Straddling the Tropic of Capricorn, and a little larger than France, the Republic of Botswana is a relatively flat country with hilly areas along it's Eastern side and isolated groups of hills elsewhere. Botswana is a semi-arid country where evaporation exceeds rainfall in every month of the year. The average altitude is 1000m above sea level, with the winter months of May, June July and some of August dropping to temperatures of -7deg C. During the latter part of August the temperatures are generally on the up, and by the end of September extremely hot, leading into the rainy season, which extends through to March or April. More than 70% of the country is covered with Kalahari sand, remains of a former desert. It supports a small number of people, with about 80% of Botswana's 1.4 million population concentrated on the eastern side of the country. CHOBE NATIONAL PARK From Kasane, a rough and stony road heads west past the Chobe National Park boundary notice and along the river road that, after only 3 kilometers, leads to the Kasane entrance gate. Here all persons are required to check in and pay the park fees. Almost immediately after passing through the gate tall shady trees and ubiquitous baboons welcome visitors to the park. Four-wheel dive vehicles areessential, especially if the intention is to travel extensively into the park - deep sand in some areas tests the skill of the driver and the capabilities of the vehicle. However, most rewarding game-viewing awaits. Chobe, which is the second largest national park in Botswana, covers 10 566 square kilometers. The park is divided into four main focal points comprising the Chobe River front with floodplain and teak forest, the Savuti Marsh in the west about 50 kilometers north of Mababe gate, the Linyanti Swamps in the north-west and the hot dry hinterland in between. The original inhabitants of what is now the park were the San people, otherwise known in Botswana as the Basarwa. They were hunter-gatherers who lived by moving from one area to another in search of water, wild fruits and wild animals. The San were later joined by groups of
- 202 the Basubiya people and later still, around 1911, by a group of Batawana led by Sekgoma. When the country wasdivided into various land tenure systems, late last century and early this century, the larger part of the area that is now the national park, was classified as crown land. In 1931, the idea of creating a national park in the area was first mooted, in order to protect the wildlife from extinction and to attract visitors. In 1932, an area of some 24 000 square kilometers in the Chobe district was declared a nonhunting area and the following year, the protected area was increased to 31 600 square kilometers. However, heavy tsetse fly infestations resulted in the whole area lapsing in 1934. In 1957, the idea of a national park was raised again when are area of about 21 000 square kilometers was proposed as a game reserve and eventually a reduced area was gazetted in 1960 as Chobe Game Reserve. Later, in 1967, the reserve was declared a national park - the first national park in Botswana. There was a large settlement, based on the timber industry, at Serondela, some remains of which can still be seen today. This settlement was gradually moved out and the Chobe National Park was finally empty of human occupation in 1975. In 1980 and again in 1987, the boundaries were altered, increasing the park to the present size. A major feature of Chobe National Park is its elephant population. First of all, the Chobe elephant comprise part of what is probably the largest surviving continuous elephant population. This population covers most of northern Botswana plus north-western Zimbabwe and is currently estimated at around 100 000. This elephant population has built up steadily from a few thousand since the early 1900s and has escaped the massive illegal offtake that has decimated other populations in the 1970s and 1980s. The Chobe elephant are migratory, making seasonal movements of up to 200 kilometers from the Chobe and Linyanti rivers, where they concentrate in the dry season, to the pans in the southeast of the park, to which they disperse in the rains. The Kalahari elephant, including Chobe, has the distinction of being the largest in body size of all living elephants, though the ivory is brittle and you will not see many huge tuskers among these rangy monsters. Public camping grounds are situated within Chobe at Serondela, Savute and Linyanti with toilet and shower facilities available. Some of these facilities have suffered the ravages of time and the unwanted attention of elephant, but a gradual upgrading process is being undertaken at present, including the re-siting of Serondela and complete rebuilding of Savuti. Provision of camping facilities in the Noghatsaa area are being planned. Each of these camping grounds has its own unique character and a visit to each is recommended - however, it is once again essentially a wilderness area and, as such, few services are available between Kasane and Maun. Because of this, it is wise to carry basic safety items such as water, food, fuel, torches, extra wheels, tools, jacks, pumps and so on. A public camping ground is to be developed further along the river to the west at a place called Ihaha. This new camp will have modern ablution facilities, an attractive reception office and will be more remote in nature. The main reason for moving the public camping ground from Serondela to Ihaha is to relieve congestion of traffic on the eastern part of the Chobe river front. When Ihaha has been completed and opened, Serondela will be closed and redesigned to serve as a picnic facility Savuti has a camping ground that has been severely damaged by elephant at a time when water was not available for these unfortunate creatures. In the area, new artificial water points have
- 203 been developed to cater for the needs of wildlife and in due course the facilities currently in place in the Savuti camping ground will be demolished and replaced with modern, well-protected ones. In the meantime, a temporary public camping ground has been provided. Lying 172 kilometers southwest of Kasane Gate, Savuti camping ground (and the temporary camping area) overlooks the Savuti River channel, which is currently dry. The river system is characterized by long periods of inactivity, interspersed with occasional periods of flow. The present dry period started around 1982, after a flow period that stated in the 1950s, with dry spells between 1964 and 1967 and again in 1973. Prior to that the channel had been dry since the late 1800s. Linyanti has a small camping ground, 39 kilometers north-west of Savuti, among tall riverine trees overlooking the perennial Linyanti River. This is generally a quieter camp as it is off the main tourist circuit, but for those seeking a remote and peaceful environment, with spectacular dry season concentrations of elephant, Linyanti is the place to go. Access is rough and sandy and only reliable 4x4 vehicles should attempt this journey. Apart from the Kasane entrance gate, there is the Sedudu gate near Kasane, which gives access to a public road that passes for 54 kilometers through the park to Ngoma gate. Ngoma is the entrance used by visitors from Namibia, with the border crossing nearby. The southern entrance to the park is the Mababe gate, along a route that connects with the Moremi Game Reserve. Mababe gate is some 56 kilometers south of Savuti and many visitors enter at Kasane, camp at Serondela, and then at Savuti, exit through Mababe and on through to Moremi - or the other way around. Apart from this circuit and the charming camp ground at Linyanti, another route within the park, which intrepid visitors take, is south from Sedudu for 68 kilometers to Noghatsaa and then across to Savuti, which is a further 140 kilometers. Road through this area are not clearly signed at this time, so visitors should carefully plan their route before setting out and it is advisable to inform park staff of intentions to visit the Noghatsaa area Game-viewing is at its best during the dry season, when the majority of natural pans have dried up, and it is wise to avoid the Chobe River front during the heavy rains from January to March. It is also wise to note that no fuel supplies are available within the park and visitors traveling between Kasane and Maun should ensure that they are self-contained for the entire journey. All drinking water should be boiled or chemically treated. Mosquitoes are prevalent throughout the park and visitors are strongly advised to take an anti-malarial prophylactic before, during and for four weeks after visiting the park, especially during the rainy season. CHOBE FACILITIES AT A GLANCE: Public camping grounds at - Serondela: flush toilets, basins and showers, some with hot water this site is to be replaced by a new camping ground at Ihaha shortly. Linyanti: limited flush toilets and showers with hot water. Savuti: Temporary camping ground, pit latrines, protected water standpipe - NO SHOWERS. This site to be replaced by a new camping ground shortly. Noghatsaa: no facilities at present, but camping ground to be developed shortly. NO petrol or diesel available in the park or anywhere between Kasane and Maun. NO food supplies available in the park.
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OKAVANGO DELTA Each summer, floods pour down from the highlands of Angola into the Okavango River and flow on through a vast network of narrow waterways, lagoons and broad expanses of the Okavango Delta. The water courses through this huge, 10 000 square kilometers of flood plain and dissipates in the sands of the Kalahari. Okavango is frequently called a swamp, but mostly its waters are beautifully clear and blue. Most of the Okavango waters are soaked up by the desert, or evaporate. In good years, a fraction may remain to flood Lake Ngami in the south and feed the Boteti River, which runs into Lake Xau in the west and eventually into the huge depression of the Makgadikgadi Pan. The floods reach their peak in May, covering vast grass flats and making thousands of islands out of tree-covered ridges of land. Thick papyrus grows everywhere and, in the northern parts of the delta, chokes the waterways so that they are impenetrable except by canoes. This wilderness is uninhabited, except for a few river Bushmen who roam there. They still work iron with primitive bellows, making knives, axes and spears. Their canoes, called mokoros, are hand-hewn from logs. In the parts of the delta where there is perennial water there are large numbers of crocodiles, hippos and buffaloes. Animals like the sitatunga, lechwe and Chobe bushbuck, which have adapted themselves to the conditions of reed and water, live on the islands. MAKGADIKGADI AND NXAI NANS Two big fossil lake beds flank the main road from Francistown to Maun - the Makgadikgadi Pan on the southern side and the Nxai Pan in the north. Makgadikgadi is believed to be the largest salt pan in the world. When dry, which is most of the time, it is 6 500 square kilometers of glaring saline sand, white and absolutely flat. When the waters of the Okavango spill down the Boteti River after good summer rains, the whole area of the pan is flooded to a depth of a few centimeters, providing rich feeding for aquatic birds. Flamingoes and countless pelicans descend on Makgadikgadi. Great herds of big game - wildebeest, zebra and springbok - water here and herds 10,000 strong can sometimes be seen on the plains besides the pan. In the pan itself, animals stand out in startling fashion on the white salt, their legs shimmering and elongated through mirage caused by heatwaves and glare. Both pans have been designated national game reserves. At Makgadikgadi the main road run along the edge of the pan, which makes for easy viewing. At Nxai, a road has been built leading from the main road over a high sand ridge. Nxai is a much smaller depression than Makgadikgadi. Down in the pan smallclumps of trees dominate a sea of grass cropped short by the game. There are nearly always giraffe, springbok, bat-eared foxes and hartebeest in the area. In the rainy season migratory herds of gemsbok, wildebeest, buffalo, eland, zebra and elephant swell the numbers and as many as 5 000 head of game have been seen in the pan at one time. Near Nxai is another pan, Kgamakgama, where there are baobab trees and palms. In recent years both Makgadikgadi and Nxai have begun to be mined for salt, soda ash, sodium sulphate and bromides.
- 205 MOREMI WILDLIFE RESERVE Many travelers regard the Moremi Wildlife Reserve as the most spectacular and beautiful game park in Southern Africa. It covers more than 1000 square kilometers of grassy flood plains in the north-eastern corner of the Okavango Delta. Apart from savannah, the terrain includes winding waterways with banks of reeds, palm-covered islands, thick forest and lush, lily-covered lagoons where hippos bathe and sport. With such a wide variety of vegetation comes an incredibly wide spectrum of wild life. Huge herds of impala and tsessebe are always in the area, while in the dry season large herds of buffalo, wildebeest and zebra flock into the park from the Kalahari in search of food and water. The rare sitatunga and lechwe antelope live in the papyrus banks of the waterways. Lions, cheetahs and packs of wild dogs hunt in the open grassland. The reserve is home to an immense number of birds. Unlike most other game parks, Moremi allows visitors to approach game on foot. The park has been kept as natural as possible by the people who created it, the Tawana tribe. In 1961, worried about the increase in game hunting, the tribe, under the regent, Mrs. Pulane Moremi, widow of Chief Moremi III, established the reserve on their own land. It was the first time an African tribe had founded and administered a game park. The project has been a profound success, attracting thousands of visitors every year. KUTSE AND CENTRAL KALAHARI GAME RESERVE Larger than Belgium or Switzerland, the 52800 square kilometers Central Kalahari Game Reserve, which was set up in 1961, is the largest game reserve in the world. Situated right in the very center of Botswana, this reserve is characterized by vast open plains, salt pans and ancient riverbeds. Varying from sand dunes with many species of trees and scrubs in the north, to flat bushveld in the central area, the reserve is more heavily wooded in the south, with mopane forests to the south and east. Rainfall is sparse and sporadic and can vary from 170 to 700 millimeters per year. The people commonly known throughout the world as Bushmen, but more properly referred to as the Basarwa, have been resident in and around the area for probably thousands of years. Originally nomadic hunters and gathers, the lifestyle of the Basarwa has gradually changed with the times and they now live in settlements, some of which were situated within the southern half of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Government has, however, encouraged these people to move to areas outside the reserve in order that they may be provided with modern facilities, schools, clinics etc and to integrate them into modern society (this policy has also attracted much controversy and criticism). Other fairly recent residents were Mark and Delia Owens, who spent many years in the Deception Valley area of the park undertaking research mainly on brown hyaena. They set up their camp in the northern section of Deception in a prime "tree island", however tree islands are no longer used for camping in these days of more environmental awareness. The Owens' book, "Cry of the Kalahari" brought the attention of readers to this previously little-visited area and even today many people refer to the Central Kalahari simply as Deception. The name "Deception" comes from a pan in the area of which the dry surface at times appears convincingly full of water until one gets right to the edge. TRANS-KALAHARI TRAVEL: The main wildlife concentrations are to be found in the tourist areas in the northern half of this vast reserve but it is possible for adventurous and completely self-contained visitors to travel through the reserve between Khutse on the southern boundary to the northern section - a journey
- 206 which takes minimum 2 days of 4x4 wilderness traveling. Undeveloped campsites are available for overnight stops at Molapo, Gope, Bape and Xaka. Those visitors wishing to travel transKalahari should note that, apart from being self-contained with all fuel, food and water, they should only travel in a group of 2 or more vehicles with basic spares and survival aids. HOW TO GET THERE: There are 3 entry points to the reserve, the one through Khutse in the south, then a western entrance through Xade and also in the north-east through Matswere. Access to Xade, where there are 2 undeveloped campsites near the Xade Wildlife Camp, is made by turning off east from the Ghanzi-Kang road about 36 kilometers south of Ghanzi where indicated by signpost. Xade is reached after following this loose sandy track for 160 kilometers, taking about 3 hours for the full journey from Ghanzi. Visitors should fill up with fuel at Ghanzi and ensure that they have sufficient for their entire stay. On arrival at Xade visitors are required to check in at the tourist office in the Wildlife Camp. Access to Matswere can be made via Rakops, where petrol and diesel are available, 55 kilometers from the check-in point at Matswere. Rakops can be accessed from the north from Maun - Motopi - Kumaga - Tsoe, or from the south from Mahalapye - Serowe - Letlhakane Mopipi. Matswere can also be accessed from Maun by traveling 57 kilometers east, turning right at the Makalamabedi junction, continuing for 20 kilometers to the village and turning right on the western side of the veterinary fence. The fence is followed for some 80 kilometers of sand track to the Kuke corner veterinary gate, after which a further 21 kilometers down the eastern boundary of the reserve takes the visitor to the entrance gate which is the only 9 kilometers from Matswere. This "short cut" from Maun takes about 3 and 1/2 hours travelling time. CAMPING FACILITIES: Matswere is the access point for designated but undeveloped campsites in the region of Deception Valley, Sunday Pan, Leopard Pan and Passarge Valley, whilst the campsites at Piper Pan can be accessed from either Matswere or Xade. New tracks and campsites have been opened up along the Passarge Valley, where gameviewing can be most rewarding, and south from the Passarge waterhole area through to link up with the Piper Pan/Deception road. It is along this latter route that the new Tau exclusive campsite has been opened in the area that well reflects the very spirit of the Central Kalahari. It is planned to put in rustic pit latrines to service all these undeveloped campsites, but until this development has been completed, visitors are specifically requested to dig their own mini-latrine to ensure they leave no signs of being there, particularly where toilet paper is concerned. Firewood may be collected from well-wooded areas but not from tree islands. The ashes from campfires must be buried before vacating the campsite, combustible rubbish burnt and non-combustibles carried back to the pit at the entrance gate. Water for purposes other than drinking is available from the Wildlife Camp at Xade and at the Matswere entrance gate for visitors' use, but the provision of water for this purpose is, in common with most desert areas, a problem at present. WILDLIFE: Game viewing for animals which include giraffe, brown hyaena, warthog, wild dog, cheetah, leopard, lion, blue wildebeest, eland, gemsbok, kudu, red hartebeest and springbok, is best between December and April, when the animals tend to congregate in the pans and valleys. Visitors are warned that sleeping in the open without a tent is dangerous and foolhardy and that
- 207 they should keep their tents fastened to prevent snakes, scorpions, etc. from gaining entry. Foodstuffs, etc. should not be kept in the tent but should be closed into the vehicle to avoid unwanted attentions of lions and hyaenas. Visitors may walk in pan areas where visibility is good, but walking in areas of tall grass or thick bush is potentially dangerous and not encouraged and it is always wise to stay within easy reach of the vehicle. Visitors are responsible for their own safety and should treat all forms of wildlife with caution and respect. CENTRAL KALAHARI FACILITIES AT A GLANCE: Undeveloped public camping sites at: Kori (overlooking Deception) Deception Valley Passarge Valley Sunday Pan Lengau (Leopard Pan) Lekhubu (between Deception north and Piper Pan) Letiahua (between Deception north and Piper Pan) Tau and Phokoje (on western link trail) Piper Pan Xade NO petrol, diesel or food supplies available in the reserve. Around the Kutse Pan there are always gemsbok, kudu, steenbok, duikers, ostriches, blackbacked jackals and bat-eared foxes. Eland and giraffe are spotted occasionally, while lion, leopard, hyena and wild dogs frequently visit the pan at night but are rarely seen in daylight. This is also a good spot to study the many species of desert birds, insects and reptiles. TSODILO HILLS The honey and rose colored granite cliffs of the Tsodilo Hills, on the north-west fringe of the Kalahari Desert - world famous for their Bushman paintings - tower 385 meters above desolate flatlands to form a fortress-like ridge 20 kilometers long. The hills were sacred to the Bushmen. Writer-explorer Laurens van der Post has called them the 'mountains of the gods', and they were certainly a focal point of dozens, perhaps even hundreds, of Bushman migrations across the continent. Stone Age tools, beads and pottery fragments abound in the area. But most fascinating of all Tsodilo's treasures are the cliff-face galleries of more than 2 000 paintings. The earliest paintings, thought to be at least 4 000 years old, depict individual animals in silhouette. Later works are of whole herds of game, while the most recent and sophisticated show men hunting game. In only one place do the paintings overlap, giving some indication of the sense of order and purpose with which the artists approached their work. Bushmen still live near Tsodilo - the only place known where they and their paintings can be found together. But today's Bushmen no longer paint, and appear to know nothing of the techniques of their ancestors. The Tsodilo Hills are extremely remote and difficult to reach. The journey from Maun, over a poor desert road, can take 14 hours or more. Water in the area is sparse and travelers are warned to
- 208 take extra supplies. Yet despite all the hazards, every year more intrepid travelers journey to see the great heritage left by the desert painters of old. GEMSBOK NATIONAL PARK The most remote of Botswana's game reserves takes its name from the magnificent gemsbok, also known as the oryx, an antelope with majestic, slender horns so sharp they command respect even of lions. The Gemsbok National Park covers more than 11,000 square kilometers of desert in the extreme south-west of the country, an area where the annual rainfall seldom rises above 125 millimeters. It is home to huge herds of gemsbok and other antelope, like the eland, which are capable of living for long periods without water, obtaining moisture from roots and succulent plants. It is also home of the famous blackmaned lions, as well as smaller members of the cat family. The park is the oldest in Botswana, having been established in the 1930s alongside the South African Kalahari Gemsbok National Park. It was created to assist the park officials in the control of game, and not as a tourist attraction in itself. LAKE NGAMI The broad expanse of Lake Ngami, on the fringes of the Kalahari, can be a vast inland sea - or semi-desert. It is 65 kilometers long by 16 kilometers across. After most rainy seasons, water from the Okavango Delta spills into the lake along the Thamalakane River to the north. In droughts, Ngami has been known to dry up completely into a sea of reeds, as it did during the mid-1960s . In the autumn of 1966, following a summer of better rains, the lake began to fill again. Fish that had lain dormant in the mud during the drought were soon plentiful again. Aquatic birds, for which the lake is famous, descended in huge flocks - white pelicans, flamingoes, marabou storks and countless waterfowl - and local fishermen once again had work to do. For Ngami, rich in plankton and well stocked with barbel, is the center of Botswana's fishing industry. Ngami is known as 'the lake that burns' because in some years lake dwellers burn reed beds to reclaim land needed for ploughing. The fires, fed by dry, mossy vegetation, often smolder for months on end until rains extinguish them. Safari companies run charter flights to the lake. Other visitors travel by road from Maun. MASHATU GAME RESERVE In the remote eastern corner Botswana, at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers, lies an area known historically as the Tuli enclave - a unique wilderness of savannah, riverine forests, marshland, open plains and sandstone cliffs. It is here that the largest of the Rattray Reserves Mashatu Game Reserve - is situated. Mashatu Game Reserve gets its name from the enormous Mashatu tree Xanthocercis zambesiaca which occurs throughout this immense tract of privately owned land. Perhaps by some stroke of fate, Mashatu is home to a number of Africa's other giants: the African elephant, the baobab tree, the eland, the ostrich, the kori bustard, and Kipling's mighty Limpopo River. All under the endless African sky. It is fitting that some 90,000 acres of pristine game land has been set aside for these giants of Africa in this unique corner of Botswana. The wildlife experience at Mashatu is personalized and unforgettable. Dedicated, experienced Tswana rangers and trackers are keen to show you their world. The four-wheel drive safari vehicles set out at dawn and again at dusk in search of the variety of species which abound in the
- 209 reserve. Some 350 species of birds may be seen, while, out on the plains, cheetah, zebra, giraffe, eland, impala, steenbok and the breeding herds of elephants are encountered. At both Mashatu Main Camp or Mashatu Tent Camp your total comfort is the priority of your hosts. While out on game drives you will be taken care of by your ranger, and on your return to base the camp staff will gladly attend to your every need.
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SUPPLEMENTS
LARGEST LAW FIRMS
Armstrongs 5th Floor Barclays House, Khama Crescent, Gaborone Tel: 267353481 , Fax: 267352757 Contact: Mr. Neill Armstrong Minchin & Kelly (Botswana) P O Box 1339, Gaborone 0 Tel: +267 312734 , Fax: +267 308500 Contact: Mr. Dave Williams
LIST OF ATTORNEYS IN THE CONSULAR DISTRICT OF BOTSWANA

GABORONE ARMSTRONGS Attorneys, Notaries and Conveyancers 5th Floor Barclays House, Khama Crescent P.O. Box 1368 Gaborone, Botswana Tel: 353481-5 Fax: 353757 www.armstrongs.bw BAYFORD AND ASSOCIATES Attorneys, Notaries and Conveyancers Plot 7104 Tshetlha Crescent, Broadhurst P.O. Box 202283, Bontleng, Gaborone Tel: 356877 Fax: 356886 BRISCOE ATTORNEYS Independence Avenue P.O. Box 402492, Gaborone Tel: 353377 CHIBANDA, MAKGALEMELE & COMPANY Attorneys, Notaries and Conveyancers Plot 886 Kaunda Road, Independence Avenue P.O. Box 1401, Gaborone Tel: 311503 Fax: 311504 COLLINS AND NEWMAN & CO Dintala Court, Plot 4863 P.O. Box 882, Gaborone Tel: 352702-4 Fax: 314230 DOREEN KHAMA Attorneys and Conveyancers 4th Floor Standard House Main Mall P.O. Box 335, Gaborone Tel: 352638 Fax: 353876 DUNCAN AND ASSOCIATES Attorneys Private Bag B0177, Gaborone Tel: 352638/306311 GAEFELE LESTIDIDI & SEEMA Attorneys, Notaries and Conveyancers Plot 465, Mathangwane Lane, Ext. 4 P.O. Box 1141, Gaborone Tel: 359447 Fax: 302235 HELFER AND COMPANY Plot 347, Extension 4, Moeding Road P.O. Box 906, Gaborone Tel: 359720 Fax: 359718 JEFFREY BOOKBINDER Attorneys P.O. Box 882, Gaborone Tel: 305550 KGAODI AND PARTNERS Attorneys, Notaries and Conveyancers
- 211 BBS Building, Broadhurst P.O. Box 40844, Gaborone Tel: 314134 Fax: 351353 KHAN RAHIM AND CO P.O. Box 1884, Gaborone Tel: 313739 LESETEDI AND COMPANY Attorneys, Notaries and Conveyancers Plot 3267, Sechaba Close Bag 00201. Gaborone Tel: 312975 Fax: 300991 LUKE AND ASSOCIATES Attorneys at Law Plot 2774 Phiri Crescent Bag T045, Tlokweng Tel: 313714 Fax: 371867 MARUPING & CO Attorneys P.O. Box 40483, Gaborone Tel: 327241 MASOBA & COMPANY Attorney, Notaries and Conveyancers Plot 2748 South Ring Rd, Ext. 10 P/Bag 00394, Gaborone Tel: 371988/301025 Fax: 371988 MINCHIN AND KELLY ATTORNEYS Attorney, Notaries and Conveyancers Plot 688 Khwai Rd P.O. Box 1339, Gaborone Tel: 312734/308494/352415 Fax: 308500 MODIMO, TOTENG & ASSOCIATES Attorneys, Notaries & Conveyancers Plot 10332, Kaunda Rd, Ext. 7 P.O. Box 201145, Gaborone Tel: 305645 Fax: 308625 MODISANYANE & COMPANY Attorneys, Notaries & Conveyancers 131 Koh-i- Noor Building, Independence Avenue P/Bag 00212, Gaborone Tel : 304929 Fax: 304929 MONTHE MARUMO & COMPANY Attorneys, Notaries and Conveyancers Plot 2875 Mobutho Drive, Ext. 10 P.O. Box 1991, Gaborone Tel: 351984 Fax: 351984 MTASHU & MTASHU ATTORNEYS Attorneys, Notaries and Conveyancers Plot 368 Independence Ave. P.O. Box 501283, Gaborone Tel: 311902 Fax: 311903 PILANE CHOPAMBA & CO. Attorneys, Notaries and Conveyancers. Cnr Madikwe Crescent & Morupule Drive P.O. Box 1300, Gaborone Tel: 311903/313183 Fax: 373544 SEGAETSHO, AMOAH & CO. Plot 398 Kgase Rd, Ext. 4 P.O. Box 1141, Gaborone Tel: 305800/373962 Fax: 373962 SHIRIPINDA AND COMPANY Attorneys, Notaries and Conveyancers Plot 2854, Ext. 10 P.O. Box 502395, Gaborone Tel: 306835/314102 Fax: 306836 TENGO RUBADIRI ATTORNEYS Attorneys, Conveyancers, & Notaries and Administrators of Estates Plot 2535 Nyerere Drive P.O. Box 58, Gaborone Tel: 311577 Fax: 311577 FRANCISTOWN CHADWICK, ANDERSON AND PARTNERS Attorneys, Notaries and Conveyancers Plot 407 Moffat Street P.O. Box 266, Francistown Tel: 215800 Fax: 216019
- 212 EBRAHIM-CARSTENS M ATTORNEYS Attorneys ulc Center, Plot 479 P.O. Box 82, Francistown Tel: 213655 Fax: 213903 KGALEMANG & ASSOCIATES Attorneys, Notaries and Conveyancers Plot 453, Monarch P.O. Box 58, Francistown Tel: 213998 Fax: 213987 MOSOJANE PHUMAPHI & CO Attorneys, Notaries and Conveyancers 2nd Flr. Suite 208/210, Blue Jacket Square P.O. Box 484, Francistown Tel: 212761 Fax: 212572 VENTER AND PARTNERS Attorneys, Notaries and Conveyancers Plot 446/447 St. Patricks Street P.O. Box 37, Francistown Tel: 213421 Fax: 215445 LOBATSE MAKGABENYANA AND BAYFORD ASSOCIATES Attorneys at Law Plot 2425 Woodhall Industrial Sites P.O. Box 277, Lobatse Tel: 332693 O.M. GASELABONE & CO Attorneys, Notaries and Conveyancers Unit 3, Mias Motors Building, Lot 419 Khama 1 Ave P.O. Box 942, Lobatse Tel: 331172 Fax: 332992 SIKHAKHANE & COMPANY Attorneys, Notaries, Conveyancers and Administrators of Estates Century Center 1 Khama Avenue P.O. Box 449, Lobatse Tel: 331924 Fax: 331190 MAUN CHADWICK, ANDERSON & PARTNER Attorneys, Notaries and Conveyancers Plot D16, Old Mall Bag 00284, Maun Tel: 660871 Fax: 660871 LETSOALO & PARTNERS Next to BBC, The Mall Bag 282, Maun Tel: 660661 Fax: 660661 SELEBI- PHIKWE MARATA OGB & PARTNERS ATTORNEYS Block 1 Office 2C BDC P.O. Box 358, Selebi Phikwe Tel: 810660 Fax: 814052 MUOPO MOTSWAGOLE & DINGAKE Attorneys, Notaries and Conveyancers Bag 144, Selebi Phikwe Tel: 810980 Fax: 811294 SEISA & COMPANY Attorneys, Notaries and Conveyancers BDC The Mall P.O. Box 384 Selebi Phikwe Tel: 811020
LIST OF DOCTORS AND HOSPITALS

Following is a list of doctors in the Consular District of Botswana. The Embassy assumes no responsibility for the professional ability or reputation of the persons or medical facilities whose names appear on the following list. The list is for private use. PRIVATE MEDICALPRACTITIONERS GABORONE DR. J. ATTA Tel: 307771 Plot 109Independence Avenue, Ext. 3 P.O. Box 2329, Gaborone
- 213 DR. M. AKERELE Tel: 353891 Plot 2775 Manong (opposite Gaborone Sun) P.O. Box 1589, Gaborone DR. S.K. KADIYALA Tel: 352221 Plot 5640 Kubu Rd, Broadhurst P.O. Box 402657, Gaborone DR. K. BREJI' Tel: 357070 1 St Floor, Hemamo Center, Broadhurst P.O. Box 1752, Gaborone DR. J. MULWA Tel: 307168/9 Plot 2399, Hospital Way P.O. Box 2139, Gaborone DR. N. DICKINSON Tel: 353424 Plot 258, Molefi Close Avenue, Private Bag 00227, Gaborone DR. K.A.J. P. FERNANDO Tel: 353600 Plot 2891, Extension 10, Church Road P.O. Box 20670, Gaborone DR. S. FREEMAN Tel: 371882 Plot 50360, Machel Drive P.O. Box , 402368 Broadhurst Gaborone DR. M.A. HASSAN (Obstetrician & Gynaecologist) Tel: 352655 Plot 2819, South Ring Road Ext. 10 P.O. Box 201129, Gaborone DR. A.B. KHAN Tel; 301075 Plot 4842 Ext. 11 P.O. Box 2618, Gaborone DR. A. E. LAMBAT Tel: 353233 Plot 8905, Ext. 19 P.O. Box 1200, Broadhurst, Gaborone DR. T.J.S. LETSUNYANE & DR. L. MATHEWS Tel: 351743 Plot 4853 Independence Avenue P.O. Box 348, Gaborone DR. X.S. LI (Acupuncture Specialist) Tel: 313298 Plot 717, Extension 2, Main Mall P.O. Box 321, Gaborone DR. A.S. MADHI Tel: 312814 Plot 7930, Ntsiane Road P.O. Box 431, Gaborone DR. L.D. MAHLOANE (Specialist Physician) Tel: 356028 Hemamo Center, Unit 4 Broadhurst P.O. Box 1841, Gaborone DR. ED. MAINE Tel: 371547 BBS Mall, East Gate, Broadhurst P.O. Box 40423, Gaborone DR. I.M. WILLIAMS Tel: 351555 Plot 946 Ext. 2 Kaunda Road, African Mall Private Bag 83 Bontleng, Gaborone DR. N.N. MASHALABA Tel: 326941 Plot 17508 Tsholofelo P.O. Box 1646, Gaborone DR. M. MCARTHHR Tel: 371882 Plot 10211, Nelson Mandela Drive P.O. Box 1022, Gaborone
DR. V. NAIR Tel: 304980 Plot 486, South Ring Rd Ext. 4 P.O. Box 981, Gaborone DR. E.E. OSMAN Tel: 314527 Plot 3 Industrial Estate along Mogoditshane, Molepolole Road P.O. Box 41197, Gaborone DR. M.H. PATEL Tel: 353855 Plot 1009, Extension 2, African Mall P.O. Box 1986, Gaborone DR. M. ROWHANI (1{Homeopath) Tel: 306021 Plot 2499, Kgokong Close, Middle Star Ext. 4 P.O. Box 725, Gaborone DR. K. SELIGMAN Tel: 351515 Plot 3132 Kalagadi Way P.O. Box759, Gaborone DR.V.SETHARE . . Tel:353401 TRINITY MEDICAL CENTER THE VILAGE
- 214 P.O. Box 343, Molepolole Tel: 320260/570669 DR. S. SUBRAMANIAM (Specialist Psychiatrist) Tel: 304980 Plot 486, Extension 4, South Ring road P.O. Box 1600, Gaborone DR. S.YE (Acupuncture Specialist) Tel: 374855 Plot 391, Ext. 9 Independence Avenue P.O. Box 2404, Gaborone FRANCISTOWN DR. A. P. CHIPETA Tel: 215351 Town Center Build First Floor room 16 P.O. Box 20660, Francistown DR. KR. MOMPATI (Specialist Physician) Tel: 212518 Baines Avenue P.O. Box 1222, Francistown DR. P.R. FORBES Tel: 212515 Lubengula Str. Private Bag F109, Francistown DR. A. K. A. AKHTAR AZAM Tel: 213582 Plot 251 Light Industrial Area P.O. Box 130, Francistown DRS. V.R.& P.K. SAYANA Tel: 212400 Woolworth Complex G Floor P.O. Box 309, Francistown DR. 3.G.N. SEAKGOSING Tel: 212341 P.O. Box 634, Francistown LOBATSE DR. S.A. ABBA Tel: 332482 P.O. Box 339, Lobatse DR. G.M. MOSAM Tel: 330286 Letsholathebe str Plot 307 P.O. Box 158, Lobatse DR. S.A. MOTARA Tel: 330625 Plot 183 Lobatse P.O. Box 315, Lobatse MAUN DR. P.AKHIWU Tel: 661411 Old Mall Plot 395 Tshekotsheko Rd Private Bag 150, Maun DR. CHRIS CAREY Tel: 664084 Okavango Phamacy Building New Mall Private Bag 238, Maun DR. V.K. DEVINENI Tel: 661268 Old mall Ntshima Complex Private Bag 325, maun SELEBI PHIKWE DR. C.A. CHOTHIA Tel: 810202 2471 Kabelo Way P.O. Box 456, Selebi Phikwe PRIVATE DENTAL PRACTITIONERS GABORONE DR. A. HALL Tel: 311529/375172 Maruapula Shopping Complex P.O. Box 2110, Gaborone DR. 3. HASSERIIS Tel: 375212 1st Floor, Dept. House, BB Mall P.O. Box 41838,Gaborone DR. J. HORNEMAN AND PARTNERS Tel: 351604 (DR. D. KOLAROV; DR. B. GULUBANE) 943 Kaunda road, African Mall P.O. Box I 123, Gaborone DR. PRJYA SUPRAMAJAM Tel: 371522 Plot 5640 1st Floor Rm 8 Broadhurst Bag 00469, Gaborone FRANCISTOWN DR. 0. OMOTOYE Tel: 216466 Bluejacket Str. Suite 3 P.O. Box 10492, Francistown DR. J.E. COBBINA Tel: 212295 Barnes Avenue Plot 546 P.O. Box Bag F209, Francistown
- 215 LOBATSE DR. M.F. ABBA Tel: 330808 Letsholathebe Str. Plot 63 P.O. Box 339, Lobatse EYE, EAR. NOSE THROAT SPECIALIST DR. P. VAN HASSELT Tel: 390212 Bamalete Lutheran Hospital P.O. Box 6, Ramotswa Village PRIVATE PHYSIOTHERAPY SERVICES GABORONE B.B.T. PHYSIOTHERAPY Tel: 307771 Independence Avenue, Extension 3 Plot 109 Bag BR 314, Gaborone L.R. PHYSIOTHERAPY Tel: 307675 Plot 17558, Off Nelson Mandela Ave Taung, Gaborone MOKGOSI M. PHYSIOTHERAPY Tel: 371908 Plot 10211/6, Broadhurst Business Center P.O. Box 41142, Gaborone S & 3 PHYSIOTHERAPY AND Tel; 307168/9 REHABILITATION CENTER Plot 2731 Hospital Way P.O. Box 2139, Gaborone PSYCHOLOGIST MS. K. JANARDHANAN Tel: 300194 Plot 2869/30 Church Road P.O. Box 1320, Gaborone PRIVATE MEDICAL CLINICS GABORONE AVENUE MEDICAL CENTER Tel: 307771 Independence Avenue, Extension 3 P.O. Box 3239, Gaborone BOTSWANA ADVENTIST MEDICAL Tel: 351515 SERVICES Plot 3132 Kgalagadi Way, Ext. 11 Box 759, Gaborone MEDICAL AND DENTAL SERVICES CLINIC Tel: 353891/357315 Plot 2775 Manong (opposite Gaborone Sun) P.O. Box 1589, Gaborone HOSPITALS GABORONE HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT SERVICES Tel: 301999 T/A GABORONE PRIVATE HOSPITAL Plot 8448 Mica Way Bag BR 130 Broadhurst, Gaborone
U.S. AND COUNTRY CONTACTS

COUNTRY GOVERNMENT AGENCIES Organization: Ministry of Agriculture Contact Name and Title: Mr. Serwalo Tumelo, Permanent Secretary Address: Private Bag 003, Gaborone, Botswana Phone: (267) 350-603 Fax: (267) 356-027 Organization: Botswana Agricultural Marketing Board Contact Name and Title: Mr. Tom Piper, Acting General Manager Address: Private Bag 0053, Gaborone, Botswana Phone: (267) 351-341 Fax: (267) 352-926 Organization: Ministry of Commerce and Industry Contact Name and Title: Ms Connie Moremi, Permanent Secretary
- 216 Address: Private Bag 004, Gaborone, Botswana Phone: (267) 3601-251 Fax: (267) 371-539 Organization: Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Department of Trade and Investment Promotion (TIPA) Contact Name and Title: Mr. Dihelang Tsheko, Director Address: Private Bag 00367, Gaborone Phone: (267) 351-790 Fax: (267) 305-375 Organization: Ministry of Finance and Development Planning Contact Name and Title: Mr. O.K. Matambo, Permanent Secretary Address: Private Bag 008, Gaborone, Botswana Phone: (267) 359-841 or 350-100 Fax: (267) 304-525 Organization: Botswana Development Corporation Contact Name and Title: Mr. Michael Molefane, Director Address: Bag 160, Gaborone, Botswana Phone: (267) 351-811 Fax: (267) 373-539 COUNTRY TRADE ASSOCIATION/CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE Organization: Botswana Confederation of Commerce Industry and Manpower (BOCCIM) Contact Name and Title: Mr. Elias Dewah, Director Address: P.O. Box 432, Gaborone, Botswana Phone: (267) 353-459 Fax: (267) 373-142 Organization: Botswana Chamber of Commerce and Industry Contact Name and Title: Mr. Raphael Sikwane Address: P.O. Box 1402, Gaborone, Botswana Phone: (267) 300-893 Fax: (267) 359-683 Organization: American Business Council In Botswana Contact Name and Title: Mr. Bill Scott Address: Problem Solvers (Pty) Ltd, Private Bag BR 53, Gaborone, Botswana Phone: (267) 374-134 Fax: (267) 357-433 COUNTRY COMMERCIAL BANKS Organization: Barclays Bank of Botswana Ltd Contact Name and Title: Mr. Michael Klinck, Marketing Manager Address: P.O. Box 478, Gaborone, Botswana Phone: (267) 352-041 Fax: (267) 313-672 Organization: First National Bank of Botswana Ltd
- 217 Contact Name and Title: Mr. Trevor Kelly, Marketing Manager Address: P.O. Box 1552, Gaborone, Botswana Phone: (267) 374-370 Fax: (267) 374-368 Organization: Standard Chartered Bank Botswana Ltd Contact Name and Title: Mr. Les Gibson, Managing Director; Mr. Nathan Kgabi, Marketing Manager Address: P.O.496, Gaborone, Botswana Phone: (267) 360-1500 Fax: (267) 351-545 Organization: Stanbic Bank Botswana Ltd Contact Name and Title: Mr. N. McLeman, Managing Director Address: Private Bag 00168, Gaborone, Botswana Phone: (267) 301-600 Fax: (267) 300-171 U.S. EMBASSY TRADE PERSONNEL Organization: Embassy of the United States of America Contact Name and Title: Mr. David Hunt, Commercial Officer (as of September 2003); Ms. Gifty Oduro, Commercial Assistant Address: P.O. Box 90, Gaborone, Botswana Phone: (267) 353-982 Fax: (267) 356-947 E-Mail address: uscomml@global.bw WASHINGTON-BASED USG COUNTRY CONTACTS Organization: TPCC Trade Information Center, Washington, D.C. Tel: 1-800-USA-TRADE Organization: U.S. Department of State, Coordinator for Business Affairs Phone: 202-746-1625 Fax: 202-647-3953 Organization: Department of Commerce, Office of Africa, (MAC) Contact Name and Title: Ms. Debra Henke Rogers, Southern Africa Desk Officer Address: 14th Street & Constitution Ave., N.W. Washington D.C. 20230 Phone: 202-482-4228 Fax: 202-482-5198 E-Mail Address: drogers@usita.gov Organization: US Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service, Trade Assistance and Promotion Office Tel: (202) 720-7420
BOTSWANA'S DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS

China Embassy of Botswana 1-8-1/2, Ta Yuang Office Building, Beijing Republic of China Tel: 0086 143 2571
- 218 103 East 37th Street, New York, NY 10016 Botswana Embassy 3400 International Drive, N.W. Washington DC Suite 7M 20048 Tel: 2444 990 Fax: 2444 164 Zambia Botswana High Commission P.O. Box 31510, Lusaka, Zambia Tel: 26012 50019/250555 Fax: 26012 53895 Zimbabwe Botswana High Commission 22 Philip Avenue, P.O. 563, Harare, Zimbabwe Tel: 2634 72 9551 Fax: 2634 70 0459 Foreign Missions in Botswana Departments & Organisations Air Botswana, P. O. Box 92, Gaborone. Tel.352812 / 351921; Fax. 374802. Bank of Botswana (BoB), P. O. Box 712, Gaborone. Tel. 3606000; Fax. 371231. Botswana Development Corporation Ltd., P. O. Box 438, Gaborone. Tel. 351811; Fax.373539. Telex. 2251. Botswana Railways, P/Bag 00125, Gaborone. Tel. 300163; Fax. 374360. Gaborone Chamber of Commerce & Industry, P. O. Box 1402, Gaborone. Tel. 353721 Natural Resources Board, Ministry of Local Government and Lands, Private Bag 0068, Gaborone. Tel. 302055; 302051. Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Director of Wildlife and National Parks, P. O. Box 131, Gaborone. Tel. 314577; Fax. 312354. Department of Trade and Investment Promotion (TIPA), Private Bag 004, Gaborone. Tel: 353881 Fax: 371539 Tourism Department, Private Bag 0047, Gaborone. Tel. 353024, Fax. 371539, The Hotel and Tourism Association of Botswana (HATAB), P. O. Box 968, Gaborone. Tel.357144; Fax. 303201.
European Community Botswana Embassy to European Communities 169 Avenue De Tervuren, 1040 Brussels, Belgium Tel: 32273 5611 012 070 Fax: 32273 56318 Hong Kong Botswana Investment Promotion 4/F Dina House, Ruttonjee Centre, 11 Duddell Street Central Hong Kong Tel: 00882 53 485 Namibia Botswana High Commission P.O. Box 20359, Windhoek, Namibia Tel: 221 942 Fax: 2646 136 034 Sweden Botswana Embassy Drottnigatan 56, P.O. Box 420, 0128 Stockholm Sweden Tel: 4687 230 035 Fax: 4687 230 087 Telex: 11684 United Kingdom Botswana High Commission Stratford Place, London W1N 9AE, United Kingdom Tel: 4471 499 0031 Fax: 4471 495 8595 Telex: 4426 2897 United States of America Botswana Permanent Mission to the United Nations
GEMSBOK NATIONAL PARK The most remote of Botswana's game reserves takes its name from the magnificent gemsbok, also known as the oryx, an antelope with majestic, slender horns so sharp they command respect even of lions. The Gemsbok National Park covers more than 11,000 square kilometers of desert in the extreme south-west of the country, an area where the annual rainfall seldom rises above 125 millimeters. It is home to huge herds of gemsbok and other antelope, like the eland, which are capable of living for long periods without water, obtaining moisture from roots and succulent plants. It is also home of the famous blackmaned lions, as well as smaller members of the cat family.
- 219 The park is the oldest in Botswana, having been established in the 1930s alongside the South African Kalahari Gemsbok National Park. It was created to assist the park officials in the control of game, and not as a tourist attraction in itself. LAKE NGAMI The broad expanse of Lake Ngami, on the fringes of the Kalahari, can be a vast inland sea - or semi-desert. It is 65 kilometers long by 16 kilometers across. After most rainy seasons, water from the Okavango Delta spills into the lake along the Thamalakane River to the north. In droughts, Ngami has been known to dry up completely into a sea of reeds, as it did during the mid-1960s . In the autumn of 1966, following a summer of better rains, the lake began to fill again. Fish that had lain dormant in the mud during the drought were soon plentiful again. Aquatic birds, for which the lake is famous, descended in huge flocks - white pelicans, flamingoes, marabou storks and countless waterfowl - and local fishermen once again had work to do. For Ngami, rich in plankton and well stocked with barbel, is the center of Botswana's fishing industry. Ngami is known as 'the lake that burns' because in some years lake dwellers burn reed beds to reclaim land needed for ploughing. The fires, fed by dry, mossy vegetation, often smolder for months on end until rains extinguish them. Safari companies run charter flights to the lake. Other visitors travel by road from Maun. MASHATU GAME RESERVE In the remote eastern corner Botswana, at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers, lies an area known historically as the Tuli enclave - a unique wilderness of savannah, riverine forests, marshland, open plains and sandstone cliffs. It is here that the largest of the Rattray Reserves Mashatu Game Reserve - is situated. Mashatu Game Reserve gets its name from the enormous Mashatu tree Xanthocercis zambesiaca which occurs throughout this immense tract of privately owned land. Perhaps by some stroke of fate, Mashatu is home to a number of Africa's other giants: the African elephant, the baobab tree, the eland, the ostrich, the kori bustard, and Kipling's mighty Limpopo River. All under the endless African sky. It is fitting that some 90,000 acres of pristine game land has been set aside for these giants of Africa in this unique corner of Botswana. The wildlife experience at Mashatu is personalized and unforgettable. Dedicated, experienced Tswana rangers and trackers are keen to show you their world. The four-wheel drive safari vehicles set out at dawn and again at dusk in search of the variety of species which abound in the reserve. Some 350 species of birds may be seen, while, out on the plains, cheetah, zebra, giraffe, eland, impala, steenbok and the breeding herds of elephants are encountered. At both Mashatu Main Camp or Mashatu Tent Camp your total comfort is the priority of your hosts. While out on game drives you will be taken care of by your ranger, and on your return to base the camp staff will gladly attend to your every need.
SPECIAL REPORTS AND MATERIALS ON MINERAL RESOURCES.

For additional information and to order, please contact Global Investment and Business Center, USA
- 220 MMINISTRY OF MINES ANNUAL REPORTS TITLE 1964 - 1965 1966 - 1973 1974 - 1978 (including mineral concession map) 1979 - 1990 (including mineral concession map) 1991 - 1992 (including mineral concession map) 1993 - 1994 (including mineral concession map) RECORDS OF THE GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 1. 1956 (Published 1958) Including: The geology of the Dikgomo di kae area, by D. J. Cullen. The geology of the Gaberones district, by E. P. Wright A reconnaissance report on the salt deposits of the Nata river delta, by O. J van Straaten. The geology of the area South of lake Ngami, by E. P Wright. 2. 1957/1958 (Published 1961) Including: The Shoshong series and associated intrusives, by D. G. Cullen. A note on the development of potable water supplies at depth in the central Kalahari, by C. Boocook and O. J van Straaten. Progress in coal exploration - The Mmamabule coalfield area, by D. Green. A note on the chemical composition of the Bechuanaland Protectorate, by O.J. van Straaten. 3. 1959 1960 (Published 1963) Including: The geology of the Topisi area, by D. Green. The geology of the area to the east of Gaberones, by M. T Jones. The geology of the Makhware hills area, by C.M.H Jennings. The geology of the Foley area by I. Gerrard. 4. 1961 - 1962 (Published 1965) Including: Geology of the West Tuli area, by I. Gerrard. Geology of the Macloutsie area, by R. Mason. Geology of the Palapye area, by D. Green. Geology of the Serowe, by C. M .H Jennings. Geology of the country around Mahalapye and Machaneng, by R. N. Crockett. Geology of part of the Okwa valley, western Bechuanaland, by R. N Crockett and C.M.H Jennings. MINERAL RESOURCES REPORTS 1. The Morupule Coalfield, Palapye area, by O. J van Straaten (1959) 2. The Mmamabula Coal area, by D. Green (1961) 3. Resources Inventory of Botswana: Industrial Rocks and minerals, by N. W. D. Massey (1973)
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4. Resources Inventory of Botswana: Metallic Minerals, Mineral fuels and Diamonds, compiled by J. W. Baldock, with contributions by J. V. Hepworth and B. S. I. Marengwa(1977) 5. Brick Earth and Clay Resources of Eastern Botswana by W. Gwosdz, N. P. Lock and M. Sekwale(1982) 6. The Carbonate resources of Botswana, by W. Gwosdz and M. P. Modisi (1983) 7. The potential for Quicklime Production in Botswana by W. Gwosdz and M. P. Modisi (1984) 8. A Review of Industrial Minerals in the Gaborone-Lobatse-Kanye-Molepolole area, by W. Gwosdz (1985). 9. A Review of Industrial Minerals in the Serowe-Palapye-Mahalapye area, Central District, by R. Kreimeyer and P. Ramonyane (1987) 10. A Review of Industrial Minerals in North Eastern Botswana by R. Kreimeyer and M. Ntsimanyana (1989) 11.The aggregate and building stone resources of Botswana, by R. Kreimeyer, T. L. Siamisang, and H. Kara (1990). 12. A Review Of Industrial Minerals in the Sua-Dukwe-Mosetse-Matsitama Area, by P. Ramonyane (in preparation) 13. A Review of Industrial Minerals in the Bobonong-Sefophe-Moeng Area, by M. Ntsimanyana, with maps scale 1:250 000
ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY AND INDEX OF THE GEOLOGY OF BOTSWANA

1. To 31st December, 1966, compiled by C. A. Laughton (1968) 2. 1967-1970, compiled by J. D. Bennett (1971) 3. 1971-1976, compiled by G. McEwen (1983) 4. 1977-1985, compiled by A. P. Lynam (1989) 5. 1977-1994, The Geology of Botswana as recorded in unpublished reports: compiled by B. G. Aboneng BULLETINS 2. The Karoo System in Bechuanaland, by D. Green (1966) 3. Chemical Analysis of rocks, ores and Minerals of Botswana, compiled by L. G. Hutton, R. M. Key and S. Hutton (1974) 4. Earth Resources Technology Satellite 1 - coverage of Botswana received at Geological Survey Department as at April, 1974, compiled by S. M. Hutton (1974) 5. The National Gravity Survey of Botswana, 1972-1973, by C. V. Reeves and D. G. Hutchins (1976).
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6. Radiometric age measurements on rocks from Botswana up to the end of 1975, by R. M. Key (1976) 7. A Summary of the Geology, seismicity, geomorphology and hydrology of the Okavango Delta, by D. G .Hutchins, L. G. Hutton, S. M. Hutton, C. R. Jones and E. P. Loenhert (1976) 8. The geology of the Moijabana area, by I. F. Ermanovics (1979) 9. The Geology of the Mahalapye Area, by A. C. Skinner (1978) 10. The Geology of the country around Moeng, an explanation of Quarter Degree Sheet 2227D, by R. M. key (1979). 11. The gravity survey of Ngamiland, (1970-1971) by C. V. Reeves (1978). 12. The proceedings of a seminar pertaining to the Limpopo Mobile Belt, edited by I. F. Ermanovics, R. M. Key and G. McEwen (1977) 13. The Geology of the Mokgware Hills Area, an explanation of Quarter Degree Sheet 2226D, by A. C. Skinner (1979) 14. The Geology of the Kodibeleng Area, an explanation of Quarter Degree Sheet 2327A, by A C. Skinner (1978) 15. The geology of the country around Machaneng and Chadibe, an explanation of Quarter Degree Sheets 2327A and 2327B, by R. M. Key (1979) 16. The Geology of the Palapye map area, an explanation of the Quarter Degree Sheet 2227c, by I. F. Ermanovics and D. C. Skinner (1980) 17. A Geochemical study of stream sediments derived from the Gaborone Granite, Kanye metavolcanics and adjacent rocks by, B. S. I. Marengwa (1978) 18. The Geology of the country around Zanzibar, an explanation of that part of the Quarter Degree Sheet 2228C lying within Botswana, by R. M. Key (1979) 19. The geology of the Baines Drift Area, an explanation of those parts of Quarter Degree Sheet 2228B and 2229A that lie within Botswana, by G. C. Clark and T. P. Machacha (1982) 20. The geology of the Serowe area, by T. P. Machacha (in preparation) 21. The Kalatraverse one Report, an explanation of the area between 21 00`S and 21 30` S and 23 00`E and 26 00`E, by J. N. M. Coates, J. Davies D. Gould, D. G. Hutchins, C. R. Jones, R. M. Key, N. W. D. Massey, C. V. Reeves, G. Stansfield, I. R. Walker (1979) 22. The Proceedings of a seminar on geophysics and the exploration of the Kalahari, edited by G. McEwen (1979). 23. The geology of the Molopo Farms Complex, Southern Botswana, by D. Gould, P. A. Rathbone and G. S. Kimbell, geophysical contributions by A. J. Burley, R. J. Peart, M. E. Parker, S. F. Pease. Volume 1-Text (1987), Volume 2- appendices (1989) 24. The geology of the Tsetsebjwe area (previously known as the Macloutsie area), an explanation of Quarter Degree Sheet 2228A, by D. T. Aldiss (1983)
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25. The geology of the Semolale area (previously known as the West Tuli area), an explanation of those parts of Quarter Degree Sheets 2128D and 2129C which lie within Botswana, by D. T. Aldiss (1983). 26. The lithostratigraphy of the Karoo Supergroup in Botswana, by R. A. Smith (1984). Volume 1text, Volume 2 - Charts. 27. The Kalahari Drilling Project, A report on the geophysical and geological results of follow up drilling to the aeromagnetic survey of Botswana, by H. M. Meixner and R. J. Peart (1984). Volume 1 -Text, Volume 2 -Charts. 28. The geology of the Phitsane area, an explanation of those parts of Quarter Degree Sheets 2525C and 2525D which lie within Botswana, by D. T. Aldiss (1985). 29. The proceedings of a seminar on the mineral exploration of the Kalahari, October 1983, edited by D. G. Hutchins and A. P. Lynam (1985). 30. The gravity survey of the Molopo Farms area, southern Botswana, by G. S. Kimbell, A. J. Burley, M. E. Parker, S. F. Pease and K. J. Barton (1984). 31. The geology of the Foley area, an explanation of Quarter Degree Sheet 2127C, by R. A. Smith and P. Phofuetsile (1985). 32. Geophysical geochemical and geological investigations in the Ngami and Kheis areas of Botswana, 1980-1983, final report, (GS 17 project - mineral exploration of the Kalahari), compiled by G. Lu dtke (1986). 33. The geology of Kanye area, an explanation of Quarter Degree Sheet 2425C, by D. T. Aldiss, A. R. Tombale, R. B. M. Mapeo and M. Chiepe, with contribution by J. M. Barton Jr. (1989). 34. The pre-Cainozoic geology of the Okwa Valley near Tswaane borehole, an explanation of part of Quarter Degree Sheet 2221B, by D. T. Aldiss, (1988). 35. The Geology of the Shashe area, an explanation of Quarter Degree Sheet 2127A, by D. T. Aldiss (1989). 36. The geology of the Metlobo and Mabule areas, an explanation of Quarter Degree Sheets 2524B and that part of 2524D which lies in Botswana, by R. B. M. Mapeo, (1990). 37. The geology of Botswana by J. N Carney, D. T. Aldiss, and N. P. Lock (1994). 38. The geology of the Topisi area (1994). 39. The geology of the Marico River area: An explanation of the geology of those parts of Quarter Degree Sheets 2426C and 2426D that lie within Botswana, by G. Nkala and R. M. Key with a contribution by I. D. Koosimile, (1994). 40. The geology of Bobonong area, by B.K. Paya, (2002). 41. 1:1000 000 National groundwater pollution vulnerability map explanatory notes by K. Busch, I. Mabua, K. Mokokwe and M. von Hoyer, (2002). 42. The geology of Lake Ngami by P. Akanyang (1997) 43. The geology of Gantsi-Makunda Area by L.V. Ramokate.
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44. The history of the geological survey of Botswana from 1948-1993 by D. Green (1997). 45. The geology of Mmathethe by R.B. Mapeo. DISTRICT MEMOIRS 1. The geology of the area around Dukwe and Tlalamabele, Central District, Botswana, including maps of Quarter Degree Sheets 2026C and 2126A on the scale 1:125 000, by G. Stansfield (1973). 2. The geology of the area around Maitengwe, Sebina and Tshesebe, Northeast and Central Districts, Botswana, including maps of Quarter Degree Sheets 2027A, 2027C, and 2027D on the scale 1:125 000 and a structural map on the scale 1:250 000, by M. Litherland (1975). 3. The geology of the area around Francistown and Phikwe, Northeast and Central Districts, Botswana, including maps of Quarter Degree Sheets 2127B and D on a scale of 1:250 000, by R. M. Key (1976). 4. The geology of the area around Mamuno and Kalkfontein, Ghanzi District, Botswana, (including maps of Quarter Degree Sheets 2220A and 2220B on the scale of 1:125 000, by M. Litherland (1982). 5. The geology of the area around Gaborone and Lobatse, Kweneng, Kgatleng, southern and southeast districts, Botswana, including maps of Quarter Degree Sheets 2425D and 2525B, by R. M. Key (1983). 6. The geology of the area around Dibete and Mmamabule by I.T. Williamson - available with maps. 7. The geology of the Ghanzi Ridge by B. Modie. (2002) 8. The geology of Mosetse - Matsitama Area by T. M. Majaule OTHER REPORTS i) A geological interpretation of landsat imagery and air photography of Botswana (including a photogeological map of Botswana at a scale of 1:1000 000), by D. I. J. Mallick, F. Habgood and A. C. Skinner (IGS overseas Geol. and min. Res. Report No. 56 1981) ii) GS 10 project-evaluation of underground water resources of Botswana. Final report, 1981 (including microfiches of 33 Project Reports), by J. L. Farr, C. S. Cheney, J. H. Baron and R. J. Peart (1981). iii) The petroleum prospects of Botswana. (1984) iv) Small scale - mining in Botswana (1985) v) Report Interpretation of the airborne magnetic survey of eastern Botswana 5105.11.14.017, by Prakla Seismos Ag and Stolberg Ingenie urberahing GMBH July 1987. vi) Mines and Minerals Act, Cap.66.01. vii) Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act, 1981.
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viii) Industrial minerals Botswana, UNDP Project DP/UN/BOT-72-029/2. Findings and recommendations, 1977. ix) Report on geological survey of the Northeast area, Northeastern Botswana, phase 1geological survey, geochemical survey, metal mining agency of Japan, February 1980 (text and appendices). x) Report on Geological Survey of Northeastern Botswana, phase 2, metal mining agency of Japan, February 1981 (Text and appendices) xi) Report on Geological Survey of North Eastern Botswana, Phase 3, Metal mining agency of Japan, February 1982 (text and appendices) xii) Report on Geological Survey of North Eastern Botswana, Phase 4, Metal Mining Agency of Japan, February 1983. xiii) The ornamental stone resources of Botswana, by M. Ntsimanyana, (1995). xv) International conference on the role of a National Geological Survey in sustainable development 23rd 25th June 2003. Abstract Volume. HYDROLOGICAL REPORTS i) Bibliography of hydrogeology in Botswana, 1986, by J. L. Farr, Chr. Neurmann-Redlin and G. Gabaake. ii) Serowe water supply: groundwater resources study. Final Report (1982) by Chr. NeumannRedlin and M. Sekwale. CNR/5.82-MS/11/82, 2 vols. iii) The Mochudi groundwater exploration project, 1982-83. Final Report by D. K. Buckley (1983) DKB/4/83. iv) The Palapye groundwater exploration project, 1983-84. Final report, (1984) by Chr. NeumannRedlin CNR/16/84, 2 vols. v) Geological and hydrogeological information from water borehole drilling in Waterberg rocks at Mochudi and Molepolole, 1982-83, by D. K. Buckley, (1984) DKB/6/84. vi) Summary of the results of hydrogeological investigations in the Waterberg Supergroup between Molepolole and Mochudi, and assessment of the groundwater potential (1986) SK/2/86. vii) Maun water supply; hydrogeological survey, 1986 BRGM, France 2 vols. + maps + borehole logs. viii) Hydrogeological survey of the Waterberg Supergroup between Molepolole and Mochudi. BRGM, France (1986) 2 vols. + maps + boreholes. ix) Hydrogeological Survey of Transvaal Supergroup dolomite in the Kanye area. Phase 1 BRGM, France (1986) 2 Vols. + appendices + maps. x) Kanye dolomite groundwater basin hydrogeological investigation and development project phase 2 TB 10/1/85 main report, Volume 1. xi) Serowe - Groundwater Resources Evaluation Project Final Report August 1988 CTB No
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10/2/7/84-85 Swedish Geological SGAB International. xii) Mmamabule Groundwater Resources Investigations Phase 1, Contract No. 10/2/14/86-87, Final Report by Aqua Tech Groundwater Consultants (Pty) Ltd in association with WLPU Consultants. Volume 1 -text, Volume 2 - appendices. xiii) A study of the hydrochemical Facies of groundwater Southern Africa, MSc. thesis University College of London, September 1987 by Chilisana Marobela. xiv) Assessment of the Groundwater Potential of the Waterberg area east of Mochudi (southeast Botswana) Vol. 1: text Vol. 2. Maps by S Keller. SMALL SCALE MAPS i) The tectono-Metamorphic Complex of Eastern Botswana, 1:500 000 (1971). ii) Precambrian geology of Northeastern Botswana, 1:250 000 (1974). iii) Mineral occurrences and metallogenic districts of Botswana, 1:1000 000 (1975). iv) Elevation contour map of Botswana, 1:2004 000 (1976). v) Photogeological map of Botswana, 1:1000 000 (approx.) 1978 (2 sheets). vi) The distribution of the Karoo System in Botswana, 1:2004 000 (1981). vii) Geological framework of western Botswana and adjacent areas, 1:2004 000 (1983). viii) Geological map of Botswana, 1:1000 000, 2nd edition (1984) (2 sheets). ix) Areas held under Reconnaissance Permits, Prospecting Licenses and Mining Leases, 1:2004 000 (updated half yearly). x) Progress in geological Mapping as at 31 December 1991 xi) Groundwater pollution vulnerability map Republic of Botswana 1:1000 000. GEOLOGICAL MAPS 1:125 000 MAP AREA Baines Drift Chadibe Dautsa Dibete Distribution of post Karoo System dykes in the Shashe area. Dukwe Francistown QUARTER DEGREE SHEET 2228B,2229A,part of 2228D 2327B 2022C 2326C 2127A 2026C 2127B
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Folley Gaborone Ghanzi Jwaneng Kalkfontein Kanye Kodibeleng Lobatse Mabule Machaneng Magogaphate Mahalapye Maitengwe Mamuno Marico River Metlobo Mmamabula Mmathethe Mochudi Moeng Moijabana Mokgware Hills Molepolole Molopo Farms Project
2127C 2425D 2121D & 2122C 2424D 2220B 2425C 2220B 2425C 2425D 2327A 2128C 2326B 2027A 2220A 2426B 2524B 2326D, part of 2327C 2525A 2426A 2227D 2226C 2226D 2425B 2423C, 2423D, 2424C, 2525C and parts of 2523A, 2523B, 2523D & 2524C 2026D & 2126B 2022D & 2023C 2326D, part of 2327C
Mosetse-Matsitama area Ngwako pan Notwane and Limpopo River
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Palapye Phikwe Phitsane Ramsden Sebina-Tshesebe Selebi Semolale Serowe Shashe (second edition) South Ngamiland Tlalamabele Tsabong Tsetsebjwe Zanzibar
2227C 2127D 2525C & 2525D 2121C 2027C, part of 2027D 2227B 2128D & 2129D 2226B 2127A 2022D, parts of 2022C, 2023C 2126A Sheet 32 2228A 2228C GEOLOGICAL MAPS AT OTHER SCALES
i) North Nganziland, Quarter degree sheets 2121B, 2122A and 2122B 1:250 000 (1974). ii) Structural map of quarter degree sheet 2027, 1:250 000 iii) Geological reconnaissance map of the Rumba area, Northeast Botswana, Quarter Degree sheet 2027, by BGR . iv) Ghanzi Quarter Degree Sheets 2121D and 2122C 1:25 000 v) Ghanzi/Makunda Quarter Degree Sheets 2220A, B, C and D,2221A, B, C, and D 2222A, B, C and D 1:250 000 vi) Ngwako Pan quarter degree sheets 2022D and 2023C 1:125 000 HYDROGEOLOGICAL RECONNAISSANCE MAPS Hydrogeological Reconnaissance map of Botswana at 1:500 000 scale (11 sheets). Groundwater Resources map of the Republic of Botswana of 1987 scale 1:1000 000 (2sheets). GEOPHYSICAL MAPS AND REPORTS Reconnaissance Aeromagnetic survey of Botswana, 1975-1977, sponsored by the Canadian international Development Agency.
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Interpretation of the Reconnaissance Aeromagnetic Survey of Botswana, final report, by C.V. Reeves, Paterson Grant and Watson Ltd. September 1978 (including report and catalogue of Data, maps sold separately). Individual Map Sheets: Aeromagnetic Contours at 1:500 000 Scale (10 sheets) Aeromagnetic profiles at 1:500 000 Scale (10 sheets) Surficial and basement interpretation maps at 1:250 000 Scale (35 Sheets) Basement interpretation maps at 1:500 000 Scale (8 sheets) Superficial interpretation maps at 1:500 000 Scale (8 sheets) Synoptic interpretation map at 1:1000 000 Scale (2 sheets) Airborne Magnetic Survey of Eastern Botswana, Sponsored by the European Economic Community. Final technical report on airborne magnetic survey of eastern Botswana, by Geosurvey International GMBH, July 1986. Report, Interpretation of the Airborne Magnetic Survey of eastern Botswana, by Prakla-Seismos AG and Stolberg Ingenieurberatung GMBH, July 1987. Individual Map Sheets: Aeromagnetic Profiles at 1:125 000 Scale (35 sheets) Magnetic interpretation at 1:125 000 Scale (35 sheets) Aeromagnetic Contours at 1:250 000 Scale (8 sheets) Magnetic interpretation at 1:250 000 Scale (8 sheets) Airborne electromagnetic and magnetic survey in the Magogaphate area, eastern Botswana, sponsored by the European Economic Community. Final Report by Compagnie Generale de Geophisique, September-November 1989 (7 volumes and map roll including interpretation report, 198 blueline maps and 33 color maps) Individual map sheets: Photomosaic base at 1:250 000 scale (33 sheets) aeromagnetic contours at 1:25 000 scale (33 sheets) aeromagnetic profiles at 1:25 0000 scale (33 sheets) electromagnetic anomalies at 1:25 000 scale 33 sheets
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aeromagnetic contours and EM anomalies at 1:25 000 Scale (33 sheets) Interpretation at 1:25 000 Scale (33 sheets) Tau - Amplitude colour Profiles at 1:25 000 Scale (33 Sheets). REGIONAL GEOPHYSICAL MAPS Aeromagnetic color contour map, (all of Botswana) at 1:1000 000 scale. Magnetic Anomaly Map of eastern Botswana (color) at 1:1000 000 scale.
MOLOPO FARMS PROJECT Aeromagnetic Maps - Molopo Farms Project scale 1:250 000 Bouger Gravity Maps - Molopo Farms Project scale 1:250 000. Station elevation map - Molopo Farms Project scale 1:250 000. GRAVITY National Gravity survey Bouger anomaly map. Scale 1:1000 000(2 sheets). BOTSWANA GEOSCIENTISTS ASSOCIATION PUBLICATIONS Botswana journal of Earth Sciences, Vol. 1, April 1991. Seminar on mineral Policy in Botswana, February 1988, BGA Special Publication No 1, edited by N. P Lock. PETROLEUM EXPLORATION PACKAGE With the assistance of Petro-Canada International Assistance Corporation and the European Economic Community, an integrated hydrocarbon exploration program was undertaken from 1987-1990 in the Nosop-Ncojane and Passage Sedimentary basins in Western Botswana. The program included 1123km of reconnaissance reflection seismic, regional gravity and magnetotelluric data and culminated with the drilling of a 4000m borehole in the Nosop area. The data related to petroleum exploration remain confidential until 31 March 1993, but may be obtained on signing a confidentiality agreement.
1. Interpretation of the results of stratigraphic well Masetlheng Pan-1 in the Nosop-Ncojane Basin of southeast Botswana, by Stoakes-Campbell Geoconsulting and Boyd Exploration Consultants. 2. The biostratigraphy of the GSD-PCIAC Masetleng Pan-1 well, Botswana, report by G. Dolby and associates. 3. Petrophysical Report on the PCIAC-GSD Masetleng Pan-1 Well, Botswana, by P. Kubica, PCIAC. 4. Potassium-Argon dating of seven samples from PCIAC-GSD Masetleng Pan-1 Well, Botswana.
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5.Petrographic analysis of core, sidewall core, and cutting samples from Masetlheng Pan-1, Botswana, by Altamin Resources (1978) Ltd and PCIAC. 6.Photographs of core from GSD-PCIAC Masetlheng Pan-1 Well, Agat Laboratories. 7.QC report on the VSP survey in the well Masetlheng Pan-1 on behalf of PCIAC and SSD, by W.G. McDowell, GSD. 8.Geochemical evaluation of the PCIAC-GSD Masetlheng Pan-1 well, Botswana and an oil seep sample from Namibia, by Altebaeumer and Altebaeumer. 9.Well history report, GSD-PCIAC Masetlheng Pan-1 including geological log, by PCIAC. 10.Schlumberg wireline geophysical logs for PCIAC-GSD Masetlheng Pan-1. 11.Geophysical (seismic) survey of the Nosop-Ncojane and Passarge Basins, Botswana, by J. A. Wasilenkoff, PCIAC (includes paper copy of seismic sections) 12.Processing and interpretation of gravity and magnetic data. 13.Interpretation of Gravity, magnetic and MT sounding data, by Compagnie Generale DE Geophisique.
MIGRANT WORKERS Data on the number of Batswana recruited and working in South African mines are presented in Tables 6 and 7.For 1999, data is available up to June only. Any enquiries or questions about the results should be directed to Labour Statistics Unit at Tel: 306409 Fax 306235
SELECTED NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

YOUTH BOTSWANA NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL (BNYC) Reverend Mpho Moruakgomo Executive Director Private Bag BO 108 Gaborone Tel: 313 907 Fax: 580 898 Email: bnyc@info.bw Botswana National Youth Centre (NYC) Susan Mpe, Chief Executive Officer PO Box 1370 Gaborone Tel: 322 110 Fax: 322 899 Email: nyc@botsnet.bw Childline Botswana Mr. G. Richards, Chairperson PO Box 202195 Gaborone Botswana Girl Guides Association (BGGA) Ms. Sethogo Sechele, Coordinator PO Box 231 Gaborone Tel/Fax: 352 076
Botswana Young Peoples Convention (BYPC) Mr. Thatayaone Gabositwe, Executive Director PO Box 403243 Gaborone Tel: 313 907 Fax: 580 898 Email: bypc@info.bw Gethsemane Village Centre Mr. Michael Nonde Salim, Chairman PO Box 80878 Gaborone
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Tel: 300 900 Fax: 301 367 Junior Achievement Botswana (JAB) Ms. Tshidi Tlhong, Director PO Box 432 Gaborone Tel: 311 117 Fax: 580 448 Email: jabotswana@info.bw
Tel: 7216 2525 Junior Chamber Botswana Mr. Joseph Pheto, National President PO Box 40380 Gaborone Tel: 302 991 Fax: 302 990 Email: jpheto@debswana.co.za Website: www.juniorchamber.org
AGRICULTURE, ENVIRONMENT, AND NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT FORUM ON SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE (FONSAG) Ms. Diana Mompoloki, Coordinator Private Bag BO 136 Gaborone Tel/Fax: 307 506 Email: fonsag@global.bw Environmental Conservation Society (ECS) Mr. Malan Morolong, President University of Botswana PO Box 70365 Gaborone Tel: 355 2090 Fax: 356 591 Forestry Association of Botswana (FAB) Ms. Lesogo Motoma, Executive Director PO Box 2088 Gaborone Tel: 351 660/309 081 Fax: 351 660 Email: fab@info.bw Khama Rhino Sanctuary Trust Mr. Letlhare, Chief Warden PO Box 10 Serowe Tel: 430 713 Fax: 435 808 Email: krst@mopane.bw Permaculture Trust of Botswana Mr. Russell Clark, General Manager Rasebolai Postal Office PO Box 31113 Serowe Tel/Fax: 432 428 Email: permcult@botsnet.bw Thusano Lefatsheng Conservation International Mr. Innocent Magole, Director PO Box 448 Maun Tel: 660 017 Fax: 661 798 Email: cibots@info.bw Website: www.conservationinternational.org Environmental Heritage Foundation (EHF) Mr. Oggie Maruapula, Project Manager PO Box 2088 Gaborone Tel: 314 431 Fax: 300 316 Email: oggie@info.bw Kalahari Conservation Society (KCS) Mr. Felix Moggae, Acting Chief Executive PO Box 859 Gaborone Tel: 374 557 Fax: 314 259 Email: kcs@botsnet.bw Website: www.delin.org/kalahari Kuru Development Trust Mr. Rein Dekker, Chief Executive PO Box 219 Ghanzi Tel: 596 244 Fax: 596 285 Email: rdekker@info.bw Somarelang Tikologo Ms. Mmathuba Sunstrum Executive Secretary Private Bag 00376 Gaborone Tel: 313 709/580 687 Fax: 313 709 Email: somatiko@info.bw Veld Products Research & Development
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Mr. Tebogo Matlhare, Managing Director Private Bag 00251 Gaborone Tel: 399 170 Fax: 399 171 Email: thusanol@info.bw
Mr. Stanley Mateke, Managing Director PO Box 2020 Gaborone Tel: 347 047 Fax: 347 363 Email: veldprod@info.bw DISABLED
BOTSWANA COUNCIL OF THE DISABLED (BCD) Mr. Barry Eustice, Executive Secretary Private Bag 00459 Gaborone Tel: 373 599 Fax: 311 784 Email: bcd@info.bw DEVELOPMENT ARM OF THE CHURCH BOTSWANA CHRISTIAN COUNCIL (BCC Mr. David Modiega, Director PO Box 355 Gaborone Tel/Fax: 351 981 Email: bcc@info.bw Mennonite Ministries David & Sandra Franklin, Coordinators PO Box 33 Gaborone Tel: 351 090 Fax: 584 084 Email: mmbots@info.bw
Tirisanyo Catholic Commission (TCC) Sister Marie Jose Garcia, Director PO Box 42 Gaborone Tel/Fax: 356 970 Email: tcc@info.bw MEDIA MEDIA INSTITUTE OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (MISA) Mr. Modise Maphanyane, National Director Private Bag BO 86 Gaborone Tel: 371 972 Fax: 561 199 Email: misa@info.bw Website: www.misabotswana.co.bw Southern African Media Development Fund (SAMDEF) Mr. Metlhaetsile Leepile, Fund Manager Private Bag BO2 Gaborone Tel: 580 951 Fax: 561 199 Mmegi Publishing Trust Mr. Motlhaeeng Ntebela, Executive Secretary Private Bag BR 298 Gaborone Tel: 352 464 Fax: 305 508 Email: mmegi@global.bw Worldview Botswana (Dilomakwati) Ms. Goboletswe Moatshe, Director Private Bag 00366 Gaborone Tel: 584 110 Fax: 584 112
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Email: mleepile@samdef.info.bw
Email: view.bots@info.bw
SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION FOR RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION (CORDE) Ms. Ratang Dijeng, Executive Director PO Box 1895 Gaborone Tel: 323 865 Fax: 323 971 Email: corde@ it.bw Agency for Cooperation in Research and Development (ACORD) Ms. Mary Garvey, Executive Secretary PO Box 431 Gumare Tel: 674 392 Fax: 674 537 Email: acord@info.bw
WOWEN IN DEVELOPMENT WOMEN'S NGO COALITION Ms. Vivian Mazunga, Executive Secretary Private Bag 00342 Gaborone Tel: 585 004/5 Fax: 584 685 Email: womens_ngo_coa@info.bw Botswana Council of Women (BCW) Ms. Keaise Moeti, Coordinating Secretary PO Box 339 Gaborone Tel/Fax: 352 109 Metlhaetsile Womens Information Centre (MWIC) Ms. Tholona Phoko, Acting Director Private Bag 0042 Mochudi Tel: 377 618 Fax: 377 195 Email: mwic@bc.bw Young Womens Christian Association (YWCA) Ms. P. Vanqa, Director PO Box 359 Gaborone Tel: 353 681 Fax: 357 783 Email: bywca@mega.bw Batswana Against Poverty Association (BAPA) Ms. Annetjie Dikeledi Dewah, Treasurer PO Box 40828 Gaborone Tel/Fax: 312 944
Kagisano Society: Womens Shelter Project Ms. Ida Mokereitane, Executive Officer Private Bag XO46 Gaborone Tel/Fax: 308 691 Women Against Rape (WAR) Ms. Stefania Rosetti, Coordinator PO Box 319 Maun Tel/Fax: 660 865 Email: war@info.bw
HEALTH, POPULATION AND HIV/AIDS BOTSWANA NETWORK OF AIDS SERVICE ORGANISATIONS (BONASO) Mr. Martin Mosima, Coordinator PO Box 3219 Gaborone Tel/Fax: 570 582 Botswana Family Welfare Association (BOFWA) Mr. Daniel Motsatsing, Acting Director Private Bag 00100 Gaborone Tel: 300 489 Fax: 301 222
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Email: bonaso@botsnet.bw Medical and Dental Association of Botswana Dr. B.B. Bagwasi, Chairman PO Box 20155 Gaborone Tel: 570 780
Email: bofwa@info.bw Population Services International (PSI) Mr. Ivor Williams, Managing Director Private Bag 00465 Gaborone Tel: 585 029 Fax: 323 892 Email: psibotswana@botsnet.bw Website: www.psiwash.org
CULTURE AND ARTS THAPONG INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS' WORKSHOP TRUST Ms. Veryan Edwards, Acting Director PO Box 40146 Gaborone Tel/Fax: 561 771 Email: thapong@mega.bw Ghetto Artists Mr. Solomon Kamwendo Managing Director PO Box 20068 Monarch Francistown Tel: 206 177 Fax: 216 583 Email: ghetto@info.bw
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND TRAINING RURAL INDUSTRIES PROMOTIONS COMPANY (RIPCO) Mr. KV Morei, Director PO Box 2088 Gaborone Tel: 314 431/2 Fax: 300 316 Email:ripco@info.bw Botswana Federation of Secondary Teachers Mrs. H. Mogotsi, Executive Secretary PO Box 404341 Gaborone Tel/Fax: 570 845 Email: bofesete@botsnet.bw Exporters Association of Botswana Mr. Loago Raditedu, Executive Director Private Bag 00167 Gaborone Tel:311 883/4 Fax: 311 001 Email: eaob@exporters.bw Website: www.exporters.bw Serowe Brigades Development Trust Mr. L.B. Jacob, Coordinator PO Box 121 Serowe Tel: 430 415 Fax: 431 474 Bobonong Brigades Development Trust Ms. Masedi Botumile, Coordinator PO Box 525 Bobonong Tel/Fax: 819 237
Botswana Workcamps Association Julia T. Bothasitse, Coordinator PO Box 1185 Mochudi Tel/Fax: 578 610 Email:bwn@info.bw Kweneng Rural Development Association Mr. Balongang Mmusi, Coordinator Private Bag 007 Molepolole Tel/Fax: 320 385/7
- 236 HUMAN RIGHTS DITSHWANELO - BOTSWANA CENTRE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS Ms. Alice Mogwe, Director Private Bag 00416 Gaborone Tel: 306 998 Fax: 307 778 Email: admin.ditshwanelo@info.bw Kamanakao Association Ms. Lydia Nyati-Ramahobo, Coordinator PO Box 502490 Gaborone Tel: 356 910 Fax: 309 427 Email: ramaholn@mopipi.ub.bw Emang Basadi Ms. Keboitse Machangana Private Bag 0047 Gaborone Tel/Fax: 309 335 Email: ebasadi@global.bw
Kgeikani Kweni Trust (First People of the Kalahari) Ms. Mama Rampadi, Executive Officer PO Box 173 Ghanzi Tel: 596 445 Fax: 596 439 Email: fpk@info.bw
OTHER Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis (BIDPA) Mr. Jan Isaksen, Director Private Bag BR29 Gaborone Tel: 371 750 Fax: 371 748 Email: jani@bidpa.bw Website: www.bidpa.bw The Botswana Society Mr. Trevor Burnett, Executive Secretary PO Box 71 Gaborone Tel: 319 673 Fax: 319 745 Email: botsoc@botsnet.bw Website: www.botsnet.bw/botswanasociety.htm Lifeline Botswana Mrs. Cheryl Barclay, Director PO Box 21283 Bontleng Gaborone Tel/Fax: 311 290 Email: lifeline@botsnet.bw Botswana Orientation Centre (BOC) Ms. Granny Molefe, Acting Director PO Box 1482 Gaborone Tel: 584 451/372 964 Fax: 584 436
Habitat for Humanity (HFH) Mr. Ronald Johns, Executive Director PO Box 703 Gaborone Tel: 307 418 Fax: 303 879 Email: hfh.bots@info.bw Website: www.hfh.org Skillshare International Ms. Tiny Healy, Country Director PO Box 00471 Gaborone Tel: 352 284 Fax: 357 784 Email:botswana@skillshare.org Website: www.skillshare.org
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SELECTED NGO ORGANIZATIONS

BATSWANA AGAINST POVERTY ASSOCIATION (BAPA) The Batswana Against Poverty Association (BAPA) was officially formed in 2003 in order to help the poorest of the poor, the economically disadvantaged, and the unemployed. The mission of the organization is to help the poor through self-reliance and training approaches to help themselves out of the cycle of poverty, ignorance and disease. BAPA believes that poverty is eradicable and this can be achieved through participatory approaches. BAPA creates an enabling environment in various development/business activities in order to help Batswana help themselves out of poverty and achieve sustainable livelihoods. To achieve this mission, BAPA provides advocacy by acting as a lobbying group for the plight of the poor and the disadvantaged. Through this end, BAPA hopes to influence political decisions, legislation and policies to be sensitive to the needs of the poor. The organization also intends to build capacity of its target groups in business, financial and supervisory management as well as technical skills through its education programme. BAPA conducts various courses for its members and teaches them to utilize their available skills. BAPA believes that the poor have the ability to pay back loans if they are given access to them, therefore, the organization created a micro-financing programme in order to provide credit management to groups wishing to create micro-businesses as a means of generating employment. The organization also concentrates on promoting group mobilization in order to develop job creation and income generation. BAPA works with its members to design and develop projects in a variety of fields, including health, education, manufacturing, and agriculture. BAPA has facilitated the formation of groups all over the country, and operates in both rural and urban environments. The organization concentrates on assisting the more disadvantaged members of society, especially groups involving women and children. BOBONONG BRIGADES DEVELOPMENT TRUST Community Development Activities: Bobonong Brigades offers vocational training in building, carpentry, textile production and auto-mechanics. The Brigade manufactures blocks/bricks, furniture, garments, and does building design and construction. Bobonong Brigades also retails automative spares and accessories, bedding and clothing. The Trust is managed by a Board of Trustees. Kindly address all correspondence to The Coordinator.
BOTSWANA COUNCIL OF THE DISABLED The Botswana Council of the Disabled is a non-governmental organisation concerned with the overall coordination of associations who are directly or indirectly involved with the welfare of people with disabilities. Activities:
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Advocates on behalf of persons with disabilities Promotes standards within its member organisations so as to encourage quality programming for people with disabilities Undertakes regular visits to its members to discuss, advise, and assist where needed Advocates to secure funding for its members from the Government of Botswana Publishes a quarterly newsletter Organises workshops for its member organisations
Services by BCD members: Pre-school day care stimulation programmes offer training in activities of daily living, e.g. washing, eating, dressing and toileting. Other programmes additionally offer physio, speech and occupational therapy. Educational programmes are offered for children with visual, hearing and moderate mental disabilities. Physio-units are operated for residential, daycare and outpatient disabled clients. Community Based Rehabilitation programmes help establish community based income generation/job creation projects for economic empowerment of their disabled members. Vocational Training and sheltered employment opportunities are offered by some NGOs, giving their clients training skills and jobs in some programmes. Some members play a very vital role of advocacy for the equalisation of opportunities for all people with disabilities.
BOTSWANA FAMILY WELFARE ASSOCIATION The Botswana Family Welfare Association (BOFWA) was founded in September 1988, following a recommendation made at a seminar jointly held by Botswana Government, World Bank and the International Planned Parenthood Federation, attended by local NGOs and Government officials. The Association was legally registered in June 1989 as a charitable, not-for-profit making organisation involved in providing education and creating awareness of Family Planning for a better understanding of population issues. Mission: "Botswana Family Welfare Association (BOFWA) is a voluntary Family Planning Association affiliated to the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF). BOFWA promotes service delivery, organisation and management and advocacy for the provision of sexual and reproductive health to enhance better family life for youth, men, women, and families. BOFWA plans to strengthen, expand and sustain effective services, organisation and management, advocacy and effective collaboration with Government, other sectors and NonGovernmental Organisations. BOFWA aims at providing quality service to all its clientele by the year 2002 and beyond."
- 239 Vision: Recognised for quality and accessible sexual and reproductive health services Objectives: to promote the right of knowledge and the practice of family planning as a basic human right; to ensure the maintenance of satisfactory standards in the delivery of its services and programmes; to operate as the leading non-governmental organisation in sexual and reproductive health in the country and to cooperate, to the fullest extent possible, with government, non governmental organisations and international agencies in the execution of its mandate.
The Association has continued to meet the above objectives by operating two youth centers in Lobatse and Gaborone. It has also run outreach programmes (seminars/workshops) in urban and rural areas, targeting the youth in and out of school, community leaders, men, women, politicians,etc. Almost all of the beneficiaries have assisted in spreading the gospel of quality life through planned parenthood principles. The operations of the Association are carried out by staff and volunteers. The staff structure is headed by the Executive Director who manages, organises, plans, and directs the entire programme. BOTSWANA GIRL GUIDES ASSOCIATION Mission: "To enable girls and young women to develop their fullest potential as responsible citizens of the world." Botswana Girl Guides is a voluntary organisation whose prime responsibility is to the young girls who participate in its activities. We must maintain a clear focus on delivering services that will help them become self-reliant and responsible members of the society in which they live. We believe in the holistic development of humanity with special focus on the young girl. We will do this with close assistance from the parents of their girls and their community to ensure tangible benefit for all those involved. Vision: Our commitment is to the holistic development of the girl child. We offer a fun environment for providing the necessary life preparedness skills. Our service complements and supports the child moulding efforts of the girl's family and other organisations involved with her development. To do this effectively, we will continue to develop our leadership and management skills within a culture of creative problem solving at the lowest levels. We will focus on developing life preparedness skills in the areas of health, moral education, home management, leadership, out-of-door life and incorporate culture based entertainment. BOTSWANA INSTITUTE FOR DEVELOPMENT POLICY ANALYSIS BIDPA is an autonomous, non-governmental research institute established by a deed of trust. Our key areas of interest are development policy analysis and capacity building. The geographical focus of our work is Botswana, but we may also engage in work on a Southern African regional basis. Within our ares of concentration, we will seek to: Conduct and promote research;
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Monitor the performance of Botswana's economy and management of public policy implementation as it relates to economic and social development; Provide consultancy service and offer advice to government, private firms, NGOs and international organisations; Offer technical and/or financial assistance for the facilitation of policy analysis; Present or publish results of research and consultancy work; Assist professional training and public education of Batswana in matters relating to policy analysis.
Mission: To promote and conduct research, analysis and publication on development policy issues which are of relevance to Botswana and the Southern African region. To monitor the performance of the Botswana economy and the management of public policy implementation, especially with regard to the implications for economic and social development. To offer advice and consultancy services to agencies of Government and other clients under suitable contractual and other arrangements. To provide technical and financial assitstance, directly or indirectly, to individuals and organsiations in Botswana as deemed desirable for purposes of facilitating policy analysis. To assist professional training and public education of Botswana citizens in matters relating to policy analysis and encourgae collaboration between expatriates and local professionals in these matters in ways which build, or augment, national capacities for performance and understanding of policy analysis. To employ staff members who will themselves, or jointly with other organisations or qualified people, carry out research, consultancy, training and education projects, including arrangement and management of contractual relationships designed to facilitate such activities by persons affiliated with the Instittue. To present or publish, as the case may be, the outcome of its policy analysis, orally or in writing, to individuals, organsiations, or the general public at large. To mobilise and administer funds to be used for achievement of the objectives and performance of the functions of the Institute.
Publications:BIDPA is continually developing its output of publications, with the aim of disseminating the results of research and consultancy projects, as well as public education and monitoring of the economy. Major publications include: BIDPA Briefing: an economic and policy commentary newsleter, published approximately eight times a year; BIDPA Working Papers: presenting the initial results of research projects, or work in progress; and BIDPA Publications Series: longer publications containing the final results of research projects, conference proceedings, etc. All publications can be obtained by contacting the BIDPA LIbrarian. Some of them are also available on the Web site; www.bidpa.bw. Areas of Specialisation: BIDPA's research and related activities focus on three main areas:
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Incomes, Welfare and Poverty Macroeconomic Forecasting, Projects and Planning Structural Change in Botswana's Economy
Past projects in the first area include a major study of Poverty and Poverty Alleviation in Botswana (for the Government of Btoswana); contributions towards the first Botswana Human Development Report and the Situation Analysis of Women and Children (both for UNICEF) and numerous ongoing research projects by BIDPA researchers. The major project in the second area has been the reconstruction of the Government's Macroeconomic Model of Botswana (MEMBOT). The third area has been a major source of activity, giving rise to studies on the economic impact of AIDS in Btoswana, the determinants of non-mining investment, and the impact of changing international trade relationships. BOTSWANA NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL The Botswana National Youth Council (BNYC) is an autonomous council established in 1974 through a Presidential Directive. It brings together NGOs, private sector, and Government to plan, coordinate and implement programmes of significance to young people. The Council is guided in its operation by the 2002 National Youth Policy, its Constitution, and Strategic Plan. The council is nonsectarian. It is a channel through which Government disburses funds for youth work to NGOs affiliated to the Council, and it is an advisory body to the Government on all matters pertaining to youth development. Mission: "Our mission is to empower young people through implementation of a coordinated range of programmes in pursuit of the stated goals and objectives of the National Youth Policy and those prescribed by the general membership of the Council from time to time." Objectives: To advise on matters pertaining to youth development To mobilise, guide, encourage, plan, initiate, and facilitate youth activities/programmes To coordinate youth activities at programme level amongst the various stakeholders To publicise government policies and programmes affecting the youth To promote, coordinate, direct, and mobilise resources for research on aspects concerning the development of the youth as to inform policy To play an advocacy role on youth concerns
Programmes: Food Security -- focuses on improving household food security and instilling spirit of respect for agriculture amongst youth. Activities include: backyard gardening, rearing of high yielding milk goats, and poultry production, etc.
- 242 Community Youth Resource Centers -- aims at establishing and converting community halls into youth resource and recreation centers. Activities include: dissemination of information, provision of out and indoor games, and digital satellite television. Youth Economic Empowerment -- seeks to equip youth with economic survival skills and a sense of entrepreneurship. Activities include: enterprise development through Sechaba youth enterprises. National Youth Development Fund -- seeks to promote youth enterprises and economic self reliance. The fund will be open to all youth economic activities and other deserving youth social concerns. HIV/AIDS Adolescent Reproductive Health -- confronts problems associated with adolescent reproductive health such as teenage pregnancy. Activities include: peer approach counselling by teens, teen mother's programme, adventure unlimited and general counselling. Youth Exchange Programme -- provides exchange of information amongst youth globally. Activities include: exposing youth through involvement in international fora. Children In Especially Difficult Circumstances -- aims at rehabilitating and creating opportunities to afford these children a decent future. Resuscitate the Spirit of Volunteerism -- encourages and strengthens the spirit of volunteerism as to create an atmosphere of consent amongst youth for self-help. Activities include: establishing a year-round recruitment plan and training of volunteers. Institutional Capacity of Affiliates -- focuses on strengthening and reinforcing the capacity of the affiliates. Activities include: provision of necessary equipment, human resources, and effective planning tools. Citizen Responsibility -- instills in our youth moral teaching, good citizenship, promotes children's rights and positive aspects of Tswana culture within the wider Tswana concept of BOTHO. BOTSWANA NETWORK OF AIDS SERVICE ORGANISATIONS (BONASO) BONASO is the Botswana Network of AIDS Service Organisations. The key role of BONASO is to coordinate the activities of various organisations operating in the AIDS/HIV sector to ensure efficient utilisation of resources. BONASO also plays a significant role in the development of institutional capacity of its members. From time to time, BONASO undertakes essential capacity building exercises to ensure that NGO staff are well equipped with technical skills required for the smooth running of their organisations. Thirdly, and more importantly, BONASO serves as a mouthpiece for all NGOs and CBOs dealing with HIV related work. BONASO has a seat at the National AIDS Council (NAC). The NAC is the highest body in the country responsible for policy and decision making on all HIV related issues. The NAC is chaired by the Minister of Health. Mission: "BONASO facilitates the sharing of information, ideas, and resources in HIV/AIDS related work between NGOs both nationally and within the Southern African region. BONASO strives to develop a sense of unity among all its member organisations and to develop a common strategic way of thinking on policy, social, economic, political, legal;, ethnic and religious matters affecting Botswana."
- 243 Achievements: BONASO has succeeded in sending members to attend regional and international workshops and conferences BONASO has succeeded in bringing out a newsletter for sharing information among its members BONASO has conducted and/or helped to facilitate workshops on Information, Education and Communication Strategies and make proposals on behalf of NGOs during the formulation of the current national policy on HIV/AIDS in the elaboration of the Botswana HIV/AIDS Medium Term Plan II. Other more recent training activities include workshops on participatory methodologies in planning, proposal writing and resource mobilisation. BONASO has produced a three year strategic plan (2003-2001) and has Annual and Quarterly work plans BONASO has established an office and has a full-time staffing position BONASO has successfully coordinated the commemoration and activities of World AIDS Day. BONASO is able to help mobilise financial resources BONASO was nominated to host the up coming regional SANASO Conference BOTSWANA ORIENTATION CENTRE The Botswana Orientation Centre (BOC) is a non governmental organisation providing language and cultural training for expatriates in Botswana. It is the only instituion in the country which promotes cultural tolerance for a democratic society and assists expatriates to make a smooth transition into the Tswana culture. The Centre was established in 1977 by 12 international development organisations with a view to share resources for pre-service language training and cultural orientation of expatriate development workers. In the late seventies, about 15 organisations were registered as members making regular use of BOC's services. The Centre went through a process of major reorganisation in 1992 with the aim of attaining selfsustainability. Nevertheless, it received funding from two organisations in the Netherlands until recently -- HIVOSuntil 2002; and SNV until 1997. Setswana Courses: BOC currently offers two courses: full and part-time, on cultural orientation and language training. The courses are conducted by a team of highly experienced and skilled teachers. Full time: The full-time course is a one month course including: a one-week village live in experience where participants spend a week with a host family in a village near Gaborone; visits to historic sites; and lectures from resource persons in the community. The participants are accompanied by their instructors during the village live-in programme. This programme gives the participants a broader view of social issues in Botswana, and offers the opportunity to appreciate the Tswana way of life.
- 244 Part time: The part-time courses are evening classes for eight weeks each. Part time courses have been designed for the busy working expatriates. This course offers purely language instruction and discussions on cultural aspects. Special courses: BOC also offers special course on request as per the need of the client. All courses are held at the BOC office in Gaborone, near the University of Botswana. For further information, please contact The Director. THE BOTSWANA SOCIETY What is The Botswana Society? The Botswana Society, established in 1968, is an independent organisation dedicated to the preservation of Botswana's cultural heritage. For over two decades, the Society has grown in importance and is now recognised as a major contributor to the education of people both in and out of Botswana about various aspects of the country, its environment and its people. Through the publication of books, papers, and articles, subjects of historical, scientific, and cultural significance are recorded for all time. The Society also holds workshops, lectures and symposiums addressing subjects of National importance. The Society is solely funded by membership subscriptions, kind donations, and the sale of its own books and promotional items. For more information about the Society, please contact the Executive Secretary at the address above. BOTSWANA WORKCAMPS ASSOCIATION Botswana Workcamps Association (BWA) is a non-governmental, non-profit making voluntary organization registered in April 1980 under the Societies Act. It is also known as Lekgotla la Baithaupi and is headquartered in Boseja North Ward, Mochudi. BWA aims at giving participants a deeper understanding and concern for the social, economic and physical problems of the area. It encourages the community at large to take greater interest in young people and develop a spirit of self-help. Through work camps it encourages participants to work for the removal of the barriers and the prejudices between those of different ages, sexes, social and economic backgrounds, races, political leanings and religious beliefs. The work camps develop group leadership skills and accelerate development efforts in order to carry out specific tasks that might not otherwise be accomplished. They also generate awareness that everyone has a contribution to make towards national development. There are many types of work that are undertaken at the camps, and volunteers often find their duties vary from project to project. Areas of work include: Environmental: planting trees, garbage collection, recycling, barriers for soil erosion prevention and maintaining foot paths and trails.
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Construction: public toilets, schools (classrooms), community halls, irrigation channels, clinics and brick molding. Renovation: historical monuments, archeological sites, cultural centers, clinics, community centers and other kinds of repairs Social work: with/for children, refugees, handicapped people, the elderly, homeless people, and women groups. CHILDLINE BOTSWANA
Childline Botswana was formed in October 1990 by founders Doreen Khama and Fay Smith. The organization is run by social workers who offer both telephonic and walk-in services. The mission of Childline Botswana is, to help abused children and their families. Childline helps by providing emergency services for all children in danger and/or distress. The organization also helps parents who are experiencing difficulties with their children, who may have abused them or fear that they may abuse them in future. Childline also helps parents who may have been abused as children, and gives concerned members of the public an opportunity to reports cases of suspected child abuse. Lastly, Childline acts as a referral service for professionals (medical personnel, teachers, social workers, etc.) who may want assistance in dealing with cases of child abuse. COOPERATION FOR RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION (CORDE) CORDE is a Botswana Development Trust directed by its members who are production and service enterprises. CORDE focuses on the need for unity and cooperation among the growing small and micro enterprises (SMEs). As the mainstream market economy does not recognize and adequately support them, CORDE assists to facilitate collaboration among SMEs in the hope that they will ultimately become a significant force in the Botswana economy. The mission statement of CORDE is to support and strengthen workers and community managed member enterprises to become viable through the provision of training and business advisory services.CORDEs vision is to create profitable and sustainable member group enterprises throughout Botswana. DITSHWANELO THE BOTSWANA CENTRE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS Ditshwanelo, the Botswana Centre for Human Rights, is an advocacy organization that plays a key role in the promotion and protection of human rights in the Botswana society.This mission statement of the organisation is to affirm human dignity and equality irrespective of gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, social status, or political convictions. In pursuit of this mission, the Centre seeks to educate, research, counsel, and mediate on issues of human rights with specific reference to the marginalized and disempowered. Due to the organisations commitment to the indivisible nature of human rights, the mission often extends to regional and international levels. Through the identification of communities needs, tangible action plans are then established and implemented. The desired improvements of the human rights status are the targeted results which the Centre aims to bring about. The objectives of the organization include: To ensure that DITSHWANELO responds promptly to crisis situations which demand urgent action
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To ensure that DITSHWANELO effectively performs its role as a human rights watchdog, nationally, regionally, and on the continent of Africa, and To contribute to the development of a human rights culture in Botswana through law reform, test cases, and advocacy work. EMANG BASADI
Emang Basadi Women's Association was established in 1986 by a group of women who were concerned with the promotion of legal, social, cultural and economic status of women in Botswana. From 1986-1992, Emang Basadi focussed on their legal awareness campaign. Thus the organisation's activities were focussed upon the area of women's legal rights. Workshops, seminars and conferences were conducted in collaboration with other women's organisations, making women aware of the discriminatory aspects of the laws, as well as advocating for reform of the laws. In 1993, Emang Basadi felt it was time to change the focus of the organisation due to the establishment of other organisations dealing with the same issues and the limited progress in changing discriminatory laws. It was felt that in order for women's issues to be taken seriously, there was need for strong representation of women in decision-making structures at both national and local levels. It was against the above background that Emang Basadi initiated the political education project. However, the vision of Emang Basadi remains the same today as it was when Emang Basadi was established in 1986. Emang Basadi has two branches, one in Gaborone and one in Mahalapye. The two branches each run their own programmes. Objectives: To identify the problem issues related to women through discussion and research, in particular participatory research To develop action-oriented strategies with a view to changing the socio-economic and legal position of women in Botswana To mobilise and increase awareness among women and the public in general about the specific problems faced by women in all sectors of the Botswana society To highlight the role of and enhance concrete recognition of women's participation in national development To work towards greater social equality and the removal of all cultural and legal barriers which hinder the advancement of women Programmes: GABORONE BRANCH Political Education -- At the 1993 Annual General Meeting, a decision was made to embark on a political education project which aimed at increasing women's participation in politics and decision making. The project is divided into two components of Women Decision Makers and Voter Education. Women Decision Makers targets women prospective candidates, women's wings of political parties, women councillors and parliamentarians, and women at other levels of decision making (i.e. the private sector and in the parastatals). The activities are geared toward awareness raising, advocacy, leadership training, and support services for women who are in leadership. The Voter Education programme targets youth, political parties, and members of the public. Activities under this component are meant to raise public awareness of gender issues and
- 247 women's right to lead, lobby for support and advocate for change, as well as offer training. Most importantly, this component is intended to sensitise the general public on the importance of the vote, as well as on the link between the vote and the betterment of their lives. Information, Resource and Referral Centre -- Emang Basadi consistently receives requests from policy makers, women politicians, students and the public in general to provide information on various aspects of gender and women's issues. The organisation was not able to produce materials due to lack of funds, lack of time to devote to research, and lack of space to enable visitors to read what we have in our modest collection. In addition, women MPs and councillors regularly requested us to collect information through research on specific issues coming up for discussion in Parliament and Council, and Emang Basadi staff did not have the requisite skills and time to devote to this. Therefore, the organisation found it essential to have a full time programme officer to provide the above mentioned and much needed services. The construction of the Resource Centre has recently been completed and is now in operation. Organisational Development -- Responding to the need for a strong expanded and more sustainable organisational structure, Emang Basadi has decided to make organisational development one of its key foci. An evaluation done by CORDE in June of 1995 drew attention to a number of constraints facing Emang Basadi, including the serious human resource limitations and the long term sustainability of the organisation. MAHALAPHYE BRANCH Counselling Services Programme -- The Counselling Services programme emanates from Emang Basadi's objective of developing action oriented strategies and mobilising women to take steps that will change their social, economic, political and legal status. This service is offered in recognition of the problems experienced by women and youth of Mahalapye and its surrounding villages. These include marital problems, rape and battery, as well as child abuse. The branch has developed a core of peer counsellors. In cases where the peer counsellors are unable to assist, the branch accesses expertise from other organisations. Training and Awareness Building Programme -- The lack of awareness on the part of women on their rights and other issues, have been identified as a major hurdle to their advancement. This programme is meant to increase awareness among women and especially the public in general about the problems faced by women. Economic Empowerment -- This programme was initiated to meet the economic constraints faced by members of Emang Basadi in Mahalapye identified in previous discussions and in the planning sessions with the members. Poverty was raised by members as a critical area of concern which was a major hurdle to the attainment of equality and impeded the advancement of women. Although Emang Basadi is primarily a lobbying and campaigning organisation, it recognises the need for the branch to develop a strategy that will alleviate the increasing absolute poverty experienced by women in Mahalapye. ENVIRONMENTAL HERITAGE FOUNDATION (EHF) The Environmental Heritage Foundation (EHF) was formed in 1997 as a result of the Environmental NGO/CBO Empowerment Project. The mission of the EHF is, to promote the generation and value management of funds for the empowerment of communities that implement environmental conservation project activities. This is realized on a partnership with NGOs/CBOs, the Government, and the private sector, at local, national and international levels. A cornerstone of EHFs operating philosophy is its conviction that local communities and community-based organizations must be involved in local projects so that they can chart their
- 248 own course and claim ownership.In order to achieve this end, the broad goals of EHF were set as to promote general management capacity building within the NGO/CBO sector to secure sustainable activities, promote environmental resource management capacity within NGOs, promote cooperative and/or partnerships, and to initiate the development of a model for the management and implementation of funds earmarked for community environmental conservation and empowerment projects. In order to achieve EHFs vision, the organization aims to accomplish three primary objectives: Enhanced internal institutional capacity of EHF through the acquisition of suitably qualified and adequate human resources together with appropriate infrastructure Strengthened capacity of project partners in human resources, organizational management, and financial support for effective implementation of EHF programmes Diversified project management portfolio and operational base of the EHF for the Foundation to provide quality managerial and consultancy services in environmental projects and policy formulation and to undertake profitable investments. EXPORTERS ASSOCIATION OF BOTSWANA Exporters Association of Botswana (EAOB) is a non-governmental trade organization registered under the Botswana Registrar of Societies Act to facilitate global trade and enhance economic growth and diversification from traditional exports to non-traditional exports (manufactured goods and services). The target of EAOB is to assist Batswana become employable, even to themselves; equip Batswana with relevant trade and industrial skills; instill innovation and creativity; and increaseproduction and market volumes in quality and quantity to ultimately increase profits. EAOB's programs are designed to deliver up-to-date counseling, advocacy, representation, training, technical assistance, market development, foreign business match-making and joint venture, and arrange viable financial packages internationally, to the members. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs)interested in the services provided by EAOB are eligible to become members of the Association. Some of the benefits of becoming an EAOB member include: increased profits and additional markets, extended product services life cycles, and increased numbers of customers. FORESTRY ASSOCIATION OF BOTSWANA The Forestry Association of Botswana (FAB) is a non-governmental and non-profit making organisation active in forestry extension, education, research, promotion of public participation in tree planting, propagation of indigenous tree species and management of community woodlands. FAB was founded in 1983 by a group of people concerned about the depletion of natural woodland and its likely consequences for the rural economy. In particular, concern was over the cutting of live trees for fuelwood. These problems are still at large today and FAB has since developed programmes to address them. Mission: "We undertake to improve the quality of life of Batswana through forestry work in research, education, extension and lobbying; laying emphasis on partnerships with disadvantaged citizens and communities." Objectives:
- 249 To work in partnership with disadvantaged individuals and communities to improve their living standards through forestry and other environmental activities To promote the advancement of public awareness and education on the importance of tree planting, with emphasis on indigenous species To promote ecologically sound indigenous forest management practices through research and extension work To encourage among communities sustainable utilisation of natural woodlands and maintenance of biological diversity To actively assist and co-operate with Government, private sector, and non governmental organisations involved in forestry and environmental management and lobby as the need arises To act as a focal point for all non governmental forestry activities in Botswana Programmes: Community Based Woodland Management -- FAB encourages every community to set aside at least 20 hectares of land within their village locality as an indigenous woodland management site. The site is fenced off to allow for natural regeneration and enrichment planting. Around the Home Tree Planting -- Five villages are selected annually and 250 households are targeted in each village. Each household receives five tree seedlings (3 indigenous and 2 exotic) and are planted under the supervision of an FAB staff member. After 12-18 months a follow up is done and households with above 80% survival rates are given two trees as incentives. Agroforestry -- Farmers are encouraged to plant indigenous fodder tree species in parts of their farms (usually five hectares) which they intercrop with the conventional crops (maize, sorghum, etc). Schools Programme -- This involves the establishment of Tree Nurseries in Community Junior Secondary Schools to serve as the outdoor classroom for students studying forestry. Tree Seed Collection, Testing, Storage, and Sale -- FAB collects seeds of indigenous trees countrywide and cleans and tests them for germination before they are ready to be sold. Indigenous Tree Nursery -- FAB has the largest indigenous tree nursery in Botswana with an annual production of 50,000 seedlings. The seedlings are produced to meet FAB's programme requirements and sales to major developers and the general public.
FORUM ON SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE FONSAG was established in 1990 and is registered as a society consisting of four categories of members: NGOs, CBOs, individuals and relevant government institutions. FONSAG is the Commonwealth Liaison Unit for Botswana. Mission: "To provide a forum and network for promoting needs oriented sustainable and environment friendly agricultural practices through partnership with farmers, government and private institutions involved in the formulation and implementation of agricultural, industrial and related policies. These are achieved by advocating for agricultural and related policy changes through information, education and communication, backed by empirical and practical research and the maintenance of an effective network. Objectives:
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To establish mechanisms necessary for information and experience exchange, education and communication in the areas of sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation as well as natural resource utilisation and management. To support adaptive research to support policy change towards sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation and proper natural resources utilisation and management. To develop institutional capacity for implementing its programmes in an effective and sustainable manner.
Activities: Lobby Governmnet on agriculture and environment related issues Maintain a database on sustainable agricultural practices, environmental conservation and proper natural resources utilisation and management Organising seminars, workshops, conferences for gathering and disseminating information relevant to its area of focus Publishing relevant information through print and electronic media Conducting relevant baseline surveys and literature reviews on policies relevant to sustainable agriculture GHETTO ARTISTS PRODUCTIONS Ghetto Artists Productions is a community based organization that uses popular theatre as an education tool to sensitize the community on issues regarding HIV and AIDS and promotes positive behavioral change. The organization, headquartered in Francistown,was originally formed in 2002 by a group of youths students, school leavers, and peer educators who had a vision of using the performing arts as a medium of communication and change agent. The mission of the organization is, to enhance communal life skills, knowledge and reflection through reach out programs on social problems using cultural artistic forms such as dance, music, story telling and acting. The objectives of Ghetto Artists include: To use popular theatre as an educational tool on social problems as it reaches all sectors of the community Using cultural artistic forms, to raise societal awareness on HIV/AIDS and foster positive behavioral change To provide training for schools, industries and the out of school on the theory and practice of drama relevant to their situations To enhance participants theatrical skills as well as foster community awareness on the role of the theatre in a rapidly changing society To promote, preserve and protect the Tswana culture.
The organization operates several programmes, including industrial theatre, out of school youth, in school youth, printing and photography, and social research.
- 251 HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Habitat for Humanity (HFH) is a self-help Christian housing organisation that works together with people of all faiths to build simple, affordable two room houses. HFH provides startup money to local communities who then select homeowners and run projects. HFH is currently working in Gasita, Serowe, Serule, Francistown, Kasane, Kavimba and Ghanzi. How does it work? Building costs remain low because homeowner families assist with the labour for their homes. Habitat for Humanity makes no profit from the sale of its houses, the price includes only the cost of materials, labour and inflation. It is paid back over approximately ten years The average monthly payment is P 45.00 Payments stay in the community and are used to build more homes Who does it help? Families which are in the greatest need, people who are willing to work together with other homeowners to put in the many hours of labour necessary to build each house, and applicants who earn between P 200 and P 600 a month, and have a plot in their own name Why? In order to build homes, and lives In order to encourage a caring humane community and to create a better human habitat in which to live JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT BOTSWANA Junior Achievement Botswana (JAB) is an international, non-profit organisation, which was established in Botswana in 1994. Mission: "To empower young Batswana to succeed in the world of work and to cultivate a spirit of enterprise and self-reliance among them." Programmes: Business Basics -- Four basic themes introduce students to the economic concepts and information about the world of work. Incorporated in the curriculum are real-life situations, group discussions, puzzles, and activities that create enthusiasm for learning, such as practising interviewing, completing job application forms, and designing advertisements. Company Programme -- The Company Programme is JAB's original programme and the cornerstone to experiencing running one's own business. Groups of students set up, run and financially liquidate a mini-manufacturing company.
- 252 They sell shares to raise capital to set up their company; elect a Managing Director, Finance Manager, etc.; do market research; manufacture and market a product or service; manage financial records; handle human resource issues and face the day-to-day problems, challenges, and joys of taking responsibility for running their own business. At the end of the process, they liquidate the company and return the original investment to the shareholders. Throughout the process, teachers and business advisors provide advice and guidance. KAGISANO SOCIETY WOMENS SHELTER PROJECT The Kagisano Womens Shelter Project campaigns for the prevention of violence against women and children. Everyday in Botswana, thousands of women are battered or emotionally abused by their partners. The Mission of the Womens Shelter Project is, to provide temporary emergency refuge for abused women and their children. The project also offers counseling services to women survivors of domestic violence and their children while they are temporarily residing at the shelter. The objectives of the Kagisano Society include: To provide a temporary shelter for women and their children who are survivors of domestic violence To offer women in residence and their children counseling and support services towards a better life To offer counseling and support services to non-residents of the shelter affected by domestic violence To raise public awareness about the unacceptability and illegality of violence against women To network with NGOs, Government and other organizations of civil society currently tackling the issue of domestic violence
The Kagisano Society makes people aware of domestic abuse problems by giving them the right information for behaviour change. The Project uses leaflets, posters, radio and public seminars to change attitudes, generate debate and dispel myths. It has succeeded in raising public awareness and sending out a clear message that such behaviour should not be tolerated. The Project also works with statutory and voluntary organizations to influence policy and to develop innovative working practices that tackle the root causes of violence, agencies concerned with the issues of violence against women, and lobbies government for changes in policy and legislation. KALAHARI CONSERVATION SOCIETY (KCS) The Kalahari Conservation Society (KCS) is dedicated to the conservation of Botswanas environment. Since 1982, KCS has instigated, facilitated or financed over 50 conservation projects, worth P10 million. The ecological zoning of the Okavango Delta, management plans for Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park, studies on elephant impact on vegetation and migrations of zebra and wildebeest in Savuti, are only a few of the higher-profile projects that KCS has been associated with. KCS aims to effectively link conservation and human needs. With a rapidly expanding population, Botswana wants to promote the wise utilization of natural resources and the conservation of the
- 253 environment. The challenge is to provide for the needs of the Batswana and improve their quality of life without harming the environment or reducing vital natural resources. KCS is also involved with research and monitoring conservation efforts. The collection and interpretation of data on natural resources is essential to making informed decisions about the way to plan, legislate and educate. KCS has been in the forefront of information gathering and interpretation. As a result of this factual and scientific approach, KCS is a respected voice when intervention or debate on conservation issues is necessary. Of all its conservation efforts, KCSs education endeavors have the greatest potential for influencing the future of Botswanas environment. The Society has provided funding for teaching aids and workshops and assisted in the integration of conservation issues into the countrys school curriculum. KCS plans to concentrate on the development of education materials that raise the level of environmental awareness. KCS receives support from organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the United Nations, the European Union, the Norwegian Agency for Development (NORAD), the Swedish Society for the Conservation of Nature, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). KAMANAKAO ASSOCIATION The Kamanako Association was formed in March 1995 and concentrates on developing and maintaining the remnants of the Shiyeyi language and culture as part of the overall Setswana culture. The Wayeyi constitute about 40% of the population of the North West District in Botswana. The Wayeyi were the first settlers of the Okavango Delta and are the main makers of the famous Botswana baskets and the mokoro-poll bearers in the Delta. The objectives of the Association are: To carry out and disseminate research on Shiyeyi language and culture To cultivate an appreciation of and knowledge about the Shiyeyi culture To promote the storage, retrieval, dissemination and development of the Shiyeyi literary and cultural materials To develop literacy programs for adults and children and to collaborate with other organizations interested in the promotion and maintenance of language and culture KHAMA RHINO SANCTUARY TRUST The Khama Rhino Sanctuary was created in 1989 by a group of Serowe residents who were committed to the idea of establishing a nature reserve and re-introducing wildlife to their local area. In 1993, the Ngwato Land Board allocated land around the Serwe Pan to the Trust. The site covers 4,300 hectares and provides a unique example of the natural resources of the sandveld/hardveld area on the edge of the Kalahari Desert. The site proved to be an important location for the preserve, as it provides excellent feeding and living conditions for rhinoceros as well as other grazers, browsers, birds and wildlife. The objectives of the Khama Rhino Sanctuary include: To establish, develop and manage the Khama Rhino Sanctuary on behalf of the community
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To protect the environment within the Sanctuary and to protect and nurture endangered rhinoceros and all other fauna and flora To establish, maintain and preserve the bio-diversity within the Sanctuary To generate revenue for the local community from tourism and other uses of the Sanctuarys renewable resources To provide environmental education to Batswana and to the general public, facilitating and supporting research relating to nature conservation in general and the rhino in particular
There are currently 15 rhinoceros in the Sanctuary. The first four were translocated to the Sanctuary in 1993 from northern Botswana. Since then, several rhinos have come and gone, but the Trust is proud to announce that three more babies were born last year, and another three more females are currently pregnant. This highlights the success of the Sanctuarys protection and breeding programme. Confidence in the Sanctuary Trust and its achievements has been expressed by the Southern African Rhino Specialist Group, who are keen to establish Khama Rhino Sanctuary as a breeding center for repopulation of the white rhino in Botswana.In addition, Botswanas Department of Wildlife and National Parks has also reaffirmed its commitment to using the Sanctuary to reintroduce black rhino into the country. KURU DEVELOPMENT TRUST For more than 10 years, the Kuru Development Trust (Kuru) has grown into a sustained indigenous development organization in the Ghanzi District of Botswana, committed to the development of the San. Kuru is a Naro word meaning to do or create. Kuru started as a Community Based Organisation (CBO) in the community of DKar and initiated a number of projects in other settlements. In 2002, Kuru went from being a local-CBO to being a regional and peoples owned support programme. Since 2002. Kuru has acquired funding and has restructured itself to begin fulfilling the following mandate: to assist marginalized communities in Botswana with the establishment and development of self-sustainable Community Self Help Organisations, which will increase the capacity of these communities to gain control over their social and economic lives and which will be able to define, direct and implement the communitys own development. Kuru has developed a wide range of activities in the fields of agriculture, income-generation, training, pre-school activities, and art and culture. Kurus leadership consists of a Board of Trustees made up of about 20 elected community representatives from the villages or settlements where Kuru works. Once elected, the Board appoints an Action Committee, consisting of a group of community leaders who have been part of the history of Kuru. The oversee all the daily activities and takes care of all personnel matters and has final say in all project activities. LIFELINE BOTSWANA Lifeline Botswana was registered as an NGO in December 1999. The organization,headquartered in Gaborone, offers free, anonymous counseling to members of the community. The center is manned entirely by volunteers and is open every weekday afternoon, with some occasional mornings. Lifelines counselors are the foundation of the Centre and therefore, in order to maintain a high standard of counseling and ethics, they are supported with personal debriefings, ongoing training, and a secure support base. Training courses are held on a regular basis in order to encourage
- 255 members of the community to become involved with the organization. Lifelines basic training course is extensive and includes personal growth, life skills, communication and counseling skills. Following the initial training course, counselors are then prepared for the special needs of each community. Currently there is a strong focus on HIV/AIDS counseling, as Lifeline in Southern Africa is the foremost and most experienced body in giving support to people living with HIV/AIDS. The five year plan for Lifeline Botswana includes: Offering free telephone and in-person counseling Training members of the community as lay counselors Training facilitators/counselor trainer from within the ranks of counselors Training for other NGOs Corporate training in communication and HIV/AIDS counseling Outreach centers for peer counseling Establishment of a dedicated HIV/AIDS line and a womens help line MEDIA INSTITUTE OF SOUTHERN AFRICA Mission: "MISA is a dynamic, membership-driven network of regional chapters coordinated by a professional regional secretariat which seeks through monitoring, training, capacity building, research and the distribution of information -- to foster free, independent and diverse media throughout Southern Africa in the service of democracy and development, as envisaged by the 1991 Windhoek Declaration on Promoting an Independent and Pluralistic African Press." Vision: A well established MISA Botswana possessing the required resources -- human, financial, building and the necessary infrastructure -- that will enable MISA to continue its strategic path to aggressively build up and protect the local independent media. Objectives: To promote and defend freedom of expression and of the media; to take appropriate steps where such freedoms are violated and to seek to remove obstacles and impediments to the free flow of information in accordance with Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which states that, "Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers." To assist in building the institutional capacity of the independent media in Botswana by arranging sponsored training for media personnel to ensure professionalism in news gathering and reporting, promoting media diversity To establish links with local, regional and international individual and organisations who subscribe to MISA objectives for purposes of cooperation, solidarity and support To conduct such other activities as may be deemed necessary in promoting freedom of selfexpression, media diversity and self-sufficiency of the private independent media
- 256 To encourage the independent media to assume social responsibility and to publish information and statistics on literacy rate, AIDS/HIV, poverty, etc in Botswana so as to promote public awareness of such epidemics and to pressure Government to develop and implement projects to remedy the situation MENNONITE MINISTRIES Mennonite Ministries is a non-profit making Society whose main aim is to provide services to the community at large without regard to race, ethnicity or religion. The organization has been active in Botswana since 1968 and has placed over 300 development workers and missionaries around the country. The objectives of Mennonite Ministries include: To extend the gospel of Christ To provide a Bible teaching ministry to existing churches, groups and individuals To carry out ministries of benevolence and service in areas such as health, education, development, agriculture, social services and other areas of human need To provide personnel, funding and other kinds of assistance to local organizations working in development To cooperate with such governmental and other agencies as may be engaged in activities similar to the aims and objectives of Mennonite Ministries. METLHAETSILE WOMEN'S INFORMATION CENTRE Metlhaetsile Women's Information Centre provides legal aid, counselling, and education to empower women for a stronger Botswana... because the time for change has come. In Setswana, "Metlhaetsile" means "the times have come". In 1991, a Botswana attorney founded the private, non-profit Metlhaetsile Women's Information Centre, which took on a full time staff in 1993. The Centre is located in Mochudi, a major rural centre with a population of 25,000, located 50km north of the capital, Gaborone. The Centre is staffed by two attorneys (the Director and a legal aid attorney), a Social Worker, an Office Manager/Workshop Coordinator, and support staff. Local and international student interns and volunteers occasionally supplement the permanent staff. Through the Director, the Centre is accountable to a Board of Trustees, consisting of seven local women in various leadership positions. Activities: Provides subsidised legal assistance to approximately 60 poor women every week. The majority of cases deal with divorce, child maintenance, rape, and physical abuse. The Centre is the only legal service in Mochudi, and one of only two facilities in Botswana that provides legal aid to those unable to pay for private representation. Operates a counselling service for individuals and families that dovetails with the legal aid clinic. Family counselling is well-received for its focus on supporting the family unit, showing that women's empowerment is positive for the entire community. Educates women about their rights under Botswana law -- including child maintenance, women's status within marriage, rape, wife battering, and political participation.
- 257 Educates women and youth about family planning, AIDS prevention, and issues of violence. Helps women deal with the aftermath of physical assaults, through counselling and work with local law enforcement agencies to improve services. Promotes legal and political reforms to benefit women -- through litigation, lobbying, and cooperation with other organisations. Cultivates a constituency of women committed to working for improvement in the status of women in Botswana. Promotes the creation of a culture of human rights in Botswana. MMEGI PUBLISHING TRUST The trust was founded in 1988 by a group of Batswana community leaders and intellectuals. It is a non-governmental organisation that seeks to promote the development of civil society. Pursuant of this objective, the Trust: promotes public awareness of the importance of writing and publishing is involved in the publication of newspaper, books, and literary works operates a legal defence fund for journalists, writers, and human rights activists
Membership to the Trust is open to any member of society, either in person, or as a nongovernmental, community development organisation or other bodies interested in the development of journalism, writing, or publishing and desirous of promoting the objects of the Trust. The Board of Trustees has the prerogative to accept or refuse any application for membership without giving any reason for such refusal. Benefits to Members: Economic Empowerment:Members can invest as individuals or organisations in companies in which the Trust has a stake. At present the Trust has a controlling stake in the Mmegi newspaper. Other plans include setting up a Setswana edition of Mmegi and regional editions of the same paper. The Trust also has investment in property. The Mmegi Publishing House, a book publishing venture, is another project that the Trust is developing with a view to floating a Private company in which members can buy shares within the next few years. Political Enfranchisement: The Trust is patronised by people who do not sit at the tables of power. But through its organs, such as newspaper, members are in a position to articulate their specific interest and thereby influence policies. The Trust does not think that policy formulation is domain of politicians or other powerful interests. NGOs and ordinary people can play critical roles in policy development if they have a forum through which they can put across their points of view. In this way, the development of civil society is enhanced. Human Resource Development: Through its commercial and other activities, the Trust is contributing to the human resource development of Botswana. The policy of the Trust is that it operations be done by Batswana. This can only be done through a concerted policy of staff development.
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Networking: Membership to the Trust enables one to network with like-minded persons or organisations. Networking is good for brain picking, extending one's sphere of influence and generally getting to know what other organisations are doing in the fields of research, training, manpower development, political activism or financial investment. The Trust has, over the years, developed contacts with international NGOs in the Netherlands, the UK, Australia, South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, United States, Canada, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia and West Africa. It is ready to share experiences or information with members who are interested in promotion of various aspects of civil society. NATIONAL YOUTH CENTRE
The National Youth Centre (NYC), a member of BNYC, implements programmes in pursuit with the goals and objectives of the National Youth Policy, the National Action Plan for Youth, and the Strategic Development Plan. The key strategic areas for NYC include: Access to information and resources Sports recreation and leisure Life survival skills
The Adolescent Reproductive Health (ARH) programme offers clinical and counseling services for family planning, pre- and post- HIV/AIDS counseling and voluntary testing, and basic health care facilties. The clinic also hosts a Men, Sex and AIDS project which focuses on empowering and mobilizing men to take an active part in issues of reproductive health. Project strategies include workshops, seminars, presentations and school programmes. On average, the clinic caters to 100 youths per month.The sports, recreation and leisure programme offers activities usually enjoyed by young people in Botswana, including dancing, drama, music and sports. Membership is open to both in and out of school youth. The life survival skills programme is a skills-based approach to education that aims to enhance existing positive and health characteristics of young people and to prevent or reduce risky behaviours by reinforcing and building knowledge, positive attitudes and values. This programme also hosts Youth in Development, a project dedicated to the economic empowerment of the Youth in Botswana. PERMACULTURE TRUST OF BOTSWANA Permaculture Trust is a rural development organsiation that provides assistance in the area of ecological land use management. The Permaculture Trust strongly encourages and supports traditional and cultural values that relate to a sustainable environment. The main components of PTB programmes and activities are in the Ghanzi and Central districts. These include: integrated food production systems, free range poultry, tree nurseries, appropriate housing, water harvesting and agroforestry systems, veld food production and utilisation, conservation of traditional varieties of cultivated seeds and their wild relatives and facilitation of the establishment of Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) Projects. PTB is governed by a Board of Trustees which is elected from among the membershipo during the Annual General Meeting. Our head office is in Serowe and we have a branch office in Ghanzi. A sub-Board is in operation in Ghanzi, which will eventually take over full responsibility for that prgoramme. Some members of PTB staff and Board facilitate during courses, workshops, and seminarss and some have in the past responded to calls within the region for such services. In the past, the Trust has responded to calls from South Africa, Tanzania and Lesotho.
- 259 What is Permaculture? Permaculture is the conscious design of self-sustaining agricultural landscape, rather than dominating the environment, it seeks to enhance it. The word itself is coined from permanent agriculture, and also permanent culture. The Permaculture concept is based on the observation of natural systems, the wisdom contained in the traditional farming systems and modern scientific and technological knowledge. Although based on ecological models, Permaculture creates a cultivated ecology that is designed to produce more human and animal food than is generally found in nature. The aim is to create systems that are ecologically sound and economically viable which can provide for their own needs, do not exploit or pollute and are therefore sustainable in the long term. Permaculture uses the inherent qualities of plants and animals with natural characteristics of landscapes and structures to produce a life-supporting system for city and country, using the smallest practical area. Mission: "The Permaculture Trust of Botswana is a membership-oriented, non-governmental organsiations which seeks to address rural poverty by assissting marginalised communities through the provision of extension support and training. PTB encourages sustainable livelihoods through income generation, promoting the use of natural resources, appropriate shelter construction, backyard food promotion activities as well as the conservation of biodiversity and improved dry-land farming practices." "In pusuance of its organisation objectives, PTB focuses its energies on results oriented projects and activities, which aim at the empowerment of its grassroots development constituency. In its approach to development, PTB uses indigenous knowledge systems as a basis for community mobilisation towards the sustainable use of natural resources. Objectives: The four objectives governing PTB are: To develop and enhance local expertise in the sustainable use of available natural resources To equip rural communities with skills in order to diversify their means of survival through selfhelp programmes in agender sensitive way To strengthen the organisation and management capacity of PTB for efficient and effective service delivery To develop and maintain partnerships and the networking with organisations which further the objectives of PTB Target Groups: Since its inception, PTB has concentrated its development efforts on the poorest sections of the population. Most of the communities, families and individuals PTB is working with fall within the following categories: Remote Area Dwellers (Basarwa); Rural small communal farmers; Female headed households; Village home gardners; Schools. Membership: Membership to PTB is either gained through interest in environmental issues, sustainable development and agriculture and permaculture projects, or through attending at least one introductory workshop. Categories of membership are: Individual, CBOs and Associations, NGOs, Government Institutions, Sponsoring Organisations, Life Membership, and Other. For more information, please contact The General Manager at the address above.
- 260 POPULATION SERVICES INTERNATIONAL Population Services International (PSI) is an unusual non-profit organisation dedicated to improving the health of low-income people world wide. We seek to improve world health through social marketing -- a cost-efficient, results-oriented approach more akin to private businesses than to other non-profits. PSI creates demand for Lovers Plus by culturally relevant advertising and communications from radio and TV to motivate behavioural change and to educated and increase awareness. These creative campaigns employ rural radio, folk theatre, popular songs and even dress fabric printed with AIDS prevention messages. PSI uses commercial marketing techniques and the resources of the local private sector, such as distributors, retailers, research and advertising agencies to achieve a social objective. This ensures that there is widespread distribution of condoms and effective dissemination of information to populations that cannot afford commerically priced products or are not reached by government health programs. The condoms are not given for free to ensure that the recipiants truly want and will utilise them. Ultimately, the availability of our easily-accessible and affordable products will result in fewer individuals contracting the AIDS virus. Currently, PSI is running a Youth Resource Centre situation at the Botswana Youth Centre. The YRC works with HIV/AIDS persons and strives to institute a sense of positive living by equipping them with the necessary information. However, the YRC is also involved in the establishment of anti-AIDS clubs in schools as a way of helping youth make proper, informed decisions and avoid contracting the virus, hence building a healthy nation. Life is a precious gift to all of us and PSI values such. Do what is right and preserve your life. Be wise -- Let's love, live, and condomise. You are the product of the decisions you make. RURAL INDUSTRIES PROMOTIONS COMPANY The Rural Industries Promotions Company (RIPCO) was originally founded in 1974 to establish and operate the Rural Industries Innovation Centre (RIIC), the national appropriate technology development and dissemination center in Kanye that identifies suitable technologies from other countries for adaptation/adoption in Botswana. The mission statement of RIPCO is to create employment for and improve the quality of life of Batswana. While its services shall be available to all, RIPCO shall seek to give preference and special support to the poor and disadvantaged. To the extent that it applies appropriate technology to this goal, RIPCO believes that technology shall be the technology of liberation liberation from hunger, poverty, unemployment, social injustice, and dependency. The organisations objectives include: To make Batswana more economically self-sufficient To research, develop, transfer and disseminate technologies appropriate for Botswana To train and support artisans in the informal sector to get into business To transfer the manufacturing of developed technologies to the private sector To generate income within the constraints imposed by the preceding objectives
RIIC carries out research and development in many fields, including renewable energy in the areas of solar cooking, water heating, agriculture and building technologies. Commercial
- 261 production of RIIC technologies is done by local engineering workshops which meet the qualification criteria. The technologies are ultimately retailed through the Centres central stores. RIIC also operates a village skills training programme which is geared to increase productivity in the informal sector of the economy. The programme provides training in baking, sewing, patchwork, fabric printing and dyeing, blacksmith skills, carpentry, tanning, leatherwork, and business management. In addition to RIIC, RIPCO also operates two commercial subsidiaries: the Pioneer Rural Industries Centre in Palapye, and Barolong Farms One Stop Service Centre for Agriculture in Goodhope. RIPCO is also involved in the management of special projects with the Government of Botswana, international development partners, and local cooperating nongovernmental organizations. SEROWE BRIGADES DEVELOPMENT TRUST Mission: "We aim to equip the youth with industrial skills that will stimulate self-reliant development, as we create employment opportunities for the community and provide commercial services or products that will satisfy customer needs, without compromising product quality." Programmes: Serowe Brigades provides Vocational Training with Production in Enginering, Consturction, Farming, and Forestry. Its priority areas of service to local communities are providing commercial services such as building construction, auto-garage, plant nursery, milk production and slaes and adult education evening classes. SOMARELANG TIKOLOGO Mission: "To improve the quality of life in Botswana by promoting a healthy environment; mobilise members and the public to monitor, promote, raise awareness and lobby for the improvement of the environment in population centers throughout the country; and implement action-oriented community based campaigns to create a society of environmentally active and aware citizens." Get involved: On becoming a member of Somarelang Tikologo (ST), you are welcome to join any of four subcommittees: Environmental Awareness and Planning; Recycling; Waste Management; and Youth. We meet every month (usually after working hours) to discuss and organise our environmental activities. We need you help, so please come along! SOUTHERN AFRICA MEDIA DEVELOPMENT FUND The Southern Africa Media Development Fund (SAMDEF) seeks to promote the development of the emergent independent media in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region through financial and technical support. The fund became operational from April 2003. It is based in Gaborone, Botswana. The fund's raison d'etre is that the development of any democratic society requires unhindered access to the free-flow of as much information and as many ideas as possible. This requires a vibrant, economically viable media supported by a well trained and experienced cadre of professionals working for a variety of media organisations -- and not just the governments as has been the case in most of the SADC countries since their independence. The growth and development of the independent media in the region has been thwarted over the last 30 years by a myriad of problems, which include government over-regulation, limited access to finances, low levels of training and expertise and hyper inflation in most of the region's economies.
- 262 Mission: "The Southern Africa Media Development Fund (Samdef) seeks to strengthen, through financial, technical, and training support, the capacity of the region's independent media to become self-sustaining enterprises. This includes the capacity to effectively produce, manage, market and distribute their products -- be they newspapers, books, broadcast programmes, films, intellectual property or hard or software -- in conformity with the goals of the Windhoek Declaration on Promoting an Independent and Pluralistic African Press." Objectives: To create access to affordable long-term finance for independent private media enterprises To bridge the lending gap between independent private media operations and the commercial banking sector To provide support services to develop the administrative, technical and managerial capacity of private media operations in the region To develop financial products, marketing tools and business development strategies for the emergent independent media To create an economic environment which will enable the independent media to flourish, by creating incentives for investing in the media and media-related industries To collect information and monitor the economic and financial environment of the emergent independent media To facilitate networking to promote the common business interests of the nascent independent media groups and to foster intra-regional and international cooperation within the industry To gradually wean the region's emergent independent media from donor dependency and assist their entrance into the mainstream of economic activities To address all of the above priorities through the implementation of the Windhoek Declaration (1991) on the Promotion of an Independent and Pluralistic African Press -- through constant evaluation, revision and implementation of the Fund's programme of activities in Southern Africa. THAPONG INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS WORKSHOP TRUST Thapong is a non-profit making Trust that started out as a one-time international workshop.In response to the communitys expressed needs, the Trust began running several workshops a year: tlhale, drawing, printing, womens artistry, design, and sculpture.It was eventually recognised that the visual arts community needed a base of operations, and so through the support of the National Museum, Monuments and Art Gallery, land was leased in the Gaborone Village for a Visual Arts Centre. Thapong continues to run a programme of workshops aimed at artists, school-leavers, and art teachers.There is an ethos in the workshops of open mindedness, hard work, and deep concentration.Artists meet and share with each other, allowing for exchanges of ideas, approaches, techniques and experiences.Culture is something truly creative and dynamic and the pressure cooker experience of the workshops is to create a sense of community among artists, to overcome any disadvantages such as lack of training, poverty, isolation and most importantly, for artists to meet and stimulate each other, whatever their background.
- 263 THUSANO LEFATSHENG Formed in 1984 as a non-profit trust, TL works with rural communities facilitating development projects and helping to market a range of veld products. TL has also been instrumental in the establishment of community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) projects around Botswana. The Vision statement of TL is: to be a leading rural development trust working towards the sustainable improvement of the quality of life of the poorer populace in remote areas of Botswana by promoting the responsible use of natural plant and animal resources. TL is firmly of the conviction that the natural resources available in remote rural areas are rightfully the inheritance of those living in those regions. The organization is committed to supporting both the people and the sustainable use of those resources. TLs principle activities include: Extension projects manages several in-depth community based natural resource management projects in Kgalagadi, Ghanzi, Southern, Kweneng, and Chobe districts. Interrelated activities such as institution building, fundraising, mobilizing of interest groups, technical training, etc, come together to create sustainable improvement of community living standards. Commercial activities veld products are sold into the retail market, primarily to pharmacies, throughout Botswana under TLs own trademark and brand identity. Money generated from sales is channeled back into rural communities through the purchase price paid for goods or used to fund specific community based natural resource projects. Research into conservation and product development research into a number of other wild plants with medicinal or nutritional value have potential as sources of additional income for remote rural populations. Cooperation with other organizations TL seeks to cooperate with other organizations involved in veld products or natural resource management in order to optimize the efficiency in which real improvements can be made in the environment and the living standards of rural Botswana. TIRISANYO CATHOLIC COMMISSION The concept of the Tirisanyo Catholic Commission (TCC) began in 1984 after donors requested a coordination of proposals from different parishes in Botswana. The organization was fully commissioned in 1986 as Tirisanyo Catholic Commission for social services and development and in 1987 it became a member of Caritas International.Since its inception, it has been seen as the coordinating arm of the various development projects in the Diocese. TCC was given the mandate to serve as the umbrella body for the Catholic Churchs charitable organizations in the Diocese. It was also seen as the contact point for donors from the North and other organizations interested in the Churchs development activities in and outside the country. The Vision of TCC is to foster integral human development and to promote the formation of communities (and especially the poor) based on justice and love within the overall pastoral care of the church. This process involves creating awareness, education, mobilization of available resources and involving the communities at all stages of development. In order to achieve this Vision, the objectives of TCC include: To animate and assist communities to assume responsibility for their integral development and to show concern for the national social problems
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To provide training programmes and to assist in the formation of personnel at all levels To foster, develop and strengthen regional parish teams To coordinate the various church development programmes and social services To liaise church social concerns with other national and international development and welfare organizations VELD PRODUCTS RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
"Empowering rural communities to utilise and manage their natural resources on a sustainable basis" Veld projects include: foods, medicines, craft materials, tannins, gums, resins, dyes, essential oils, florist materials, ornamental plants, insects, horns, hides, skins, and many other renewable natural resources. Veld Products Research & Development (VPR&D), a Botswana-based non-governmental organisation (NGO), has been working on various aspects of this unique sector for over 15 years. VPR&D was established in 1981 to research and develop a wide range of veld products and to investigate suitable management systems for natural resources in order to ensure sustainable utilisation. VPR&D is located in Gabane, a village 18 kms west of Gaborone. It has its main research sites and nursery facilities there. It is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of individuals who are farmers in the Gabane community as well as senior people in Government and in other NGOs. In addition to its nursery-based research, VPR&D undertakes field activities throughout Botswana and the Southern Africa region. These activities include its community-based project activities as well as its research work on indigenous fruit tree planting trials and agroforestry trial plots located throughout Botswana. Programmes: VPR&D pursues a holistic approach to the utilisation and management of veld products; this not only involves the identification of various natural resources with economic potential but also the development of appropriate processing technologies so as to increase the value added at village level and the development of markets for veld products which are non-threatening to the resource base. Indigenous Fruit Tree Research -- Indigenous fruit trees yield a crop even in poor rainfall years when arable agriculture fails, thereby improving food security for rural households. The growing of fruit trees means less dependence on arable agriculture which, in turn, reduces the workload on women and decreases environmental degradation. On average, one year in three is a crop failure for arable agriculture in Botswana, hence the importance of indigenous fruit trees. The indigenous fruit trees that are being domesticated include: morula monongo mmilo mogorogorwane
- 265 morutlwa morojwa Research is also being undertaken to domesticate the Kalahari truffle. Pests and Disease Control -- VPR&D's research is looking into the viability of both chemical and biological controls of pests and diseases in indigenous fruit trees after identifying the pests and their natural enemies. Product Development -- VPR&D's research, with its emphasis on simple technologies that are appropriate at village level, is developing a wide range of veld products so as to allow rural people the opportunity to generate income throughout the year with maximum value added at the village level. Considerable research has been undertaken in processing indigenous fruits (morula in particular) to produce jams, juices and dried fruit products. Community Based Agroforestry -- VPR&D is investigating an agroforestry system that combines traditional crops, rainwater harvesting and indigenous fruit trees. Through community participation, VPR&D aims to develop a sustainable, appropriate agroforestry system that will improve food security and generate income for rural households in semi-arid areas, particularly in poor rainfall years. Community Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) -- The foundation of VPR&D's programming strategy, for economic and environmental development through the sustainable utilisation of indigenous natural resources, employs a community-governed system for managing the natural resources. The current CBNRM project, VPR&D's "CBMIP" project, is the output of a Participatory Rural Assessment (PRA) exercise which was conducted in three villages in the Western Kweneng district. Buying and Marketing -- Because rural communities experience so much difficulty in marketing their products, VPR&D is working to establish a regional buying and marketing network. Commercial Nurseries -- VPR&D has established commercial nurseries, located in the village of Gabane, for exotic and indigenous fruit trees as well as indigenous ornamental plants. Consultancy and Training -- VPR&D can undertake consultancies in the whole spectrum of veld products including identification, marketing, processing and management. In the near future, VPR&D will also offer training and information resources services in the growing and care of indigenous fruit trees and other aspects of VPR&D's activities. WOMEN AGAINST RAPE (WAR) Women Against Rape (WAR) is a pioneering womens organization assisting women and children survivors of sexual abuse and rape; promoting institutional change to protect women and children against sexual abuse and raising awareness within the whole society on these issues.WAR began in Maun, Botswana in 1993 after two serious rape cases were reported. WAR currently has 115 members in and around Maun (Ngamiland District) and also has 23 members supporting its work in areas that it does not yet cover. Support for WAR through membership includes Parliamentarians, Chiefs, Government officials, the private sector, business persons, and members of the community at large. The organizations objectives include: To provide support, assistance and counseling to survivors of sexual violence;
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To assist victims of sexual abuse in going to the hospital and the police; To provide legal support To campaign for greater awareness and education on the issue of sexual violence with the purpose of reducing this crime; To campaign for changes in the law that would enable survivors to report the crime and obtain legal justice for their assailant; To consolidate WAR in Ngamiland District; and To network with other organizations in the country, e.g. Metlhaetsile, Women in Law, Emang Basadi, and Ditshwanelo. WOMEN'S NGO COALITION
Mission: "We are dedicated to promoting, coordinating, collaborating and networking and capacity building amongst member organisations committed to the empowerment of women in all spheres of private and public life for solidarity for collective bargaining and greater effectiveness." Background: Women's NGO Coalition is a membership organisation composed of NGOs who are responsible for the empowerment of women and the promotion of gender equality in Botswana. These NGOs have embarked on various programmes and activities that target both urban and rural women. The Women's NGO Coalition was established in 2003 with the purpose of coordinating the preparations for and after the Fourth World Conference on Women which was held in Beijing, CHINA in 1995. With the assistance of UNDP and other donor agencies, the Coalition successfully carried out its mandate which resulted in the effective participation of Botswana NGOs in the Beijing process and outcomes. During this process, the Coalition forged meaningful mutually beneficial partnerships with the Botswana Government through the Women's Affairs Department [WAD] located in the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs. Following the Beijing Conference, women's organisations in Botswana met to discuss the future role of the Coalition being the coordination, facilitation, and monitoring of the implementation of the six critical areas of concern identified during the Beijing preparatory process. The areas of concern are namely, poverty alleviation and economic empowerment, education and training, health and population, decision making and power sharing, violence against women, and women's human rights and the girl child. The Coalition was registered in 2002 under the Society's Act. Objectives: To raise public awareness especially amongst women and decision makers on gender gaps, issues, development needs, as well as advocate and lobby for women's empowermen To collect and disseminate information of relevance and use for women's empowerment To facilitate networking amongst member organisations to promote effective collaboration and coordination of activities To provide a focal point for addressing gender issues at national, sub-regional, and international levels To strengthen the capacity of member organisations to ensure efficient service delivery Activities: Completed the Beijing report back on women's issues by holding workshops in small villages in 12 Districts which was done in collaboration with Women's Affairs Department in the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs
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In collaboration with its members, the NGO Coalition organised the sixteen days of activism on violence against women. This was a very important period to sensitise the women and the public in general on the negative consequences of different forms of violence and the fact that it is punishable by law The Women's NGO Coalition and the Women's Affairs Department [WAD] jointly organised a workshop for all parliamentarians on gender issues, namely power sharing and decision making, economic empowerment and violence against women In collaboration with WAD the Coalition held the post-Beijing national workshop in Botswana, which was meant to be a feedback to the different actors in Botswana about the Beijing Conference. Moreover, it was intended to chart a way forward for implementing the National Plan of Action which has been drawn up to put in operation the recommendations made at the fourth World Conference held in Beijing in September 1995. In collaboration with its members, the Coalition was able to organise the International Women's Day (March 8, 1997) activities The Coalition has managed to produce four quarterly newsletters, aimed at informing the public on women's NGO's activities and their role on the six critical areas of concern. The previous newsletter coincided with sixteen days of activism on violence against women WORLDVIEW BOTSWANA -- DILO MAKWATI
Worldview Botswana is a non-governmental organisation which was established in 1989 as Worldview International Foundation. In 1993, it was registered as Worldview Botswana, an independent national non-governmental organisation with a seven member governing Board of Trustees. Worldview Botswana focusses on the use of communication media approach to support human and social development and also promotes the participation of the populace in the development processes through training in: communication skills capacity building planning and management TV/video and radio programme production and training Worldview Botswana recognises the areas of focus above mentioned as the benchmark for the success of any development project. Objectives: To improve development through training and use of appropriate communication methods to support and improve development programme To support development activities within areas of employment creation, income generation, education and literacy, health, child welfare, women in development, agriculture, appropriate communication, education technology, and environmental issues
- 268 To work with local communities to identify their development needs and to build the necessary skills and capacity to undertake activities to meet their needs To facilitate effective communication by developing video and other media related techniques To use modern and traditional communication strategies and media to strengthen democratic process, encourage participation and provide information, knowledge and skills to disadvantaged people on basic development issues To develop closer links between communication specialists and experienced academics dealing with development and communication for sustainable development To establish performances and impact indicators to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the various activities and improve ongoing and future programmes To establish an effective communication network among NGOs in Botswana o strengthen and use mass media to inform, educate, stimulate better understanding and awareness of the importance of people's active participation in peace development and conflict resolution. Promote communication and cultural exchange programmes to secure solutions and build social responsibility To monitor the development of new communication technologies and initiate pilot projects when and where these communication technologies can be appropriately applied to development programmes for sharing information and training To replicate Worldview Botswana practical experience in successful and cost effective development communication methodologies and projects
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FOREIGN POLICY AND GOVERNMENT GUIDE

International Business Publications, USA Washington DC, USA- Botswana

COUNTRY STUDY GUIDE

Printed in the USA

COUNTRY STUDY GUIDE

BOTSWANA STRATEGIC & DEVELOPMENT PROFILES

Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland Botswana adopted its

landlocked; population concentrated in eastern part of the country

33,000 degree of risk: high

Nationality: Ethnic groups: Religions: Languages: Literacy:

Government type: Capital:

Administrative divisions: Independence: Constitution: Legal system:

National holiday: Independence Day (Botswana Day), 30 September (1966)

Suffrage: Executive branch:

Judicial branch: Political parties and leaders:

.bw 5,499 60,000 TRANSPORTATION

Airports: Airports - with paved runways:

Airports - with unpaved runways: Railways: Roadways:

Military branches: Military service

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BOTSWANA

GEOGRAPHY AND NATURE

CLIMATE AND NATURE

HISTORY AND POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS1

EARLY HUNTING, PASTORAL, AND FARMING PEOPLE

IRON AGE CHIEFDOMS AND STATES

NORTH-WESTERN BOTSWANA CHIEFDOMS

GROWTH OF TSWANA STATES

POST-WAR TSWANA COMMERCIAL PROSPERITY

BOTSWANA GAINS INTERNATIONAL STATURE

ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL GROWTH

POLITICAL FIGURES AND RULERS

LARGE VILLAGES & "TRADITIONAL" TOWNS

"MODERN" TOWNS & CITIES

This section based in part on the materials of the US Library of Congress

WOMEN IN THE SOCIETY

1965 1966 1981

LANGUAGE, CULTURE, TRADITIONS

This section based in part on the materials of the US Library of Congress

FILMS AND TELEVISION

SPORTS, RECREATION, HEALTH

This section based in part on the materials of the US Library of Congress

POLITICAL SYSTEM & GOVERNMENT

Vice President Preceded by Born Political party

The department of Tourism has the following divisions:

STUDYING COUNTRY THROUGH THE CONSTITUTION

DEMOCRACY & NUMAN RIGHTS IN BOTSWANA

RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

FAMILY, HOME, OR CORRESPONDENCE

RESPECT FOR CIVIL LIBERTIES

DISCRIMINATION BASED ON RACE, SEX, RELIGION, DISABILITY, LANGUAGE, OR SOCIAL STATUS

STATUS OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

STRATEGIC ECONOMIC AND BUSINESS INFORMATION

AVAILABILITY OF FINANCE AND FUNDING SOURCES

INTERNATIONAL TRADE AGREEMENTS

ENERGY & POWER GENERATION

POLITICAL, INVESTMENT AND LEGAL CLIMATE

LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR INVESTMENT AND BUSINESS ACTIVITY

STRATEGIC LEGAL & BUSINESS INFORMATION

EXPORT-IMPORT AND TRADE REGULATIONS

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND LICENSING REGULATIONS

FOREIGN CORPORATION ACQUISITIONS

CURRENCY EXCHANGE REGULATIONS