A personal perspective
What image comes to mind when you hear the word …………
Animals?
Kalahari Desert?
The Bushmen?
No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency?
Not sure where it is??
It’s here!!
South Africa Zimbabwe Namibia Zambia And its neighbours are …….
Botswana is unique!
What makes Botswana unique?
African ‘success story’
Stable democracy
Economic development
Model of African development Poorest country in world in 1966 Highest average economic development in world since % desert 0.7% arable land Stability breeds success
Rule of law Not a day of public unrest since independence in 1966 Landmark Supreme Court cases overturned government policy Conflict with Namibia over Caprivi Strip resolved in ICJ
From Kgotla Kgotla: political centre + court Every tribe has a Kgotla Customary law Meeting place, ceremonies etc. Consensus-seeking Anybody can speak!
Constitutional democracy Parliament + Courts Courts British common law Traditional customary law To Parliament
Three Wise Men 1885 Khama III, Sebele I & Bathoen I sought UK protection from invading Zimbabwe and South Africa tribes UK set up Bechuanaland protectorate No UK interest in Botswana: no resources Botswana received protection but was never occupied Strong political leadership
Kgotla Chief Visionary Symbol of pride in Botswana Chief Seretse Khama
British & South African anger over his marriage to Ruth, a white English woman Batswana never had a problem with the marriage Sir Seretse Khama overwhelmingly elected President in 1966 Powerful symbol of democracy, equality & justice for all Seretse Khama & Apartheid
What’s the smartest thing that Sir Seretse Khama did before independence in 1966?
Keep the discovery of diamonds a secret
……otherwise Botswana probably would still be the Bechuanaland Protectorate!
Growing international reputation
Botswana role in WWII
Regular contributor to UN peace keeping missions Operation Restore Hope in Somalia Rwanda after genocide and in Mozambique BDF currently in Eritrea/Ethiopia and in Darfur, Sudan Peace-keeping role
Diamonds-based investment strategy 50/50 partnership with De Beers Profits used for education, health & infrastructure Strategic outlook on development
AIDS eradication Significant impact of AIDS Government resolve National Strategic Framework 2010 – 2016 Prevention, Reduction, Care & treatment
Corruption is a serious problem in Africa Transparency International rates Botswana highly in terms of its low corruption (30 out of 177 countries) Australia is ranked at 9, the USA at 19 New Zealand is ranked No. 1 Zero tolerance on corruption
President Khama critical of rogue African states & tribal conflict & human rights abuses Strong supporter of UN peace-keeping missions Model of African development Strong leadership in attacking dictatorial regimes
President Khama critical of Mugabe regime & political corruption
Diplomatic relations
Bilateral relationships Botswana aid in NSW bush fires Strong business & mining links Student exchange program Current moves to establish a Botswana – Australia Association in Canberra Botswana – Australia relations
Botswana is one of a few African countries to avoid colonial occupation and/or oppression Botswana flag underlines the importance of racial equality and positive black/white relations in Africa Equality & Human Rights
Gender equality Landmark case 2012 SALC brought gender inheritance case to High Court Women granted right to inherit property Customary law contravenes the Constitution
Unity Dow: first female High Court judge
Vision 2016 Political resolve: democracy is hard! Investment in education Prosperity, productivity & innovation Compassion, justice & community Safety & security Openness, democracy & accountability Morality & tolerance Unity & pride The future