The Botswana Gazette
Independence supplement to the Botswana Gazette Wednesday 25th September - 01 October 2013
Independence through the eyes of Gobe Matenge “Independence gave rise to a sense of unity forged out of a shared colonial past and hope for a previously unimagined future,” Gobe Matenge LAME MALEFHO
T
he 1960s can be described as an era that was full of promise as it is during those years that many of Africa’s nations finally gained their independence from their colonial masters. The era is considered a watershed moment for the continent following decades of long anti-colonial struggles which many of the continent’s nations are still struggling to come to terms with to this day. For Botswana, her transition from a British Protectorate was relatively peaceful as the country was in actual fact not a colony but an administrative protectorate. Unlike many other African countries, the country had little resource wealth at the time, something that made her unattractive to her protector, Great Britain. Her poverty, according to historians was a blessing in disguise as it helped facilitate her violence free transition into independence. For many Batswana the Independence Day holidays are a time to take a muchneeded break as the year slowly winds down and memories of the significance of this important day are beginning to fade. But for some, like veteran civil servant, entrepreneur, and historical icon Gobe Matenge, the memories of the bygone era are still as vivid today as they were when Botswana made the decision to follow her
own path to self-determination. Gazette reporter Lame Malefho visits 87-year-old Gobe Matenge at his home to talk at length about his attachment to independence and what 47 years has meant to him. G.W. as he is affectionately known, has given the better part of his life to working for the government of Botswana as a civil servant and today his immense knowledge about politics and governance has afforded the recognition as an authority on the subject of Botswana’s early developmental history. “Those moments gave rise to a sense of unity forged out of a shared colonial past and hope for a previously unimagined future. I was there during the days leading to independence. I was there during the operation move, when it was decided that the office of governance would be moved to the then Gaberones to Mahikeng to prepare for independence. I was also there during Sir Seretse Khama’s government, working under him. Seretse was a visionary, he had a progressive mind and above all he understood that he could not run a whole country alone,” says old Matenge. Matenge started his career working under the civil service in 1947 in Francistown. He was later transferred to the imperial reserve in Mafikeng where he worked for 10 years under
the Bechuanaland Protectorate. He reminisces and describes the mood before independence. “In yester years, the country was known as the Bechuanaland Protectorate as it was under care of the British government with the headquarters based in Mafikeng. It is important to note that even though we were under the British government, Dikgosi were a huge part of society, and we looked up to them to guide us. They influenced people’s ways of doing things. But what I can say about the days leading to independence is that, they were very
exciting days. A lot of political parties were being formed and people such as PG Matante, Motsamai Mpho, Sir Seretse Khama, Sir. Ketumile Masire and others played a significant role in the formation of these parties. This was our first taste of what it meant to be democratic and independent.” He goes on to say that, “Following talks of taking independence, it meant now that the seat of government would be moved from Mafikeng and Gaborone made the capital city of Botswana. People then started to prepare for independence and
structures had to be built. I remember the likes of Hugh Marrie Hudson who came here to make sure that the operation move was going accordingly. What I appreciate about the British government is that they were there with us every step of the way to help us attain independence. One of the things we overlooked as Batswana though is that we didn’t realize the amount of money it would cost for the developments and infrastructures that come with independence. Fortunately, we had minerals we could fall back on to generate revenue and finally in 1966, I sat amongst many in the crowd, watching as we took independence and Sir Seretse Khama becoming our first president. Ga re tsaya Boipuo ka 66 go ne go nale boitumelo jo bo ntsi, Batswana ba itumeletse go nna mangwe a mahatshe aa ipusang (when we took independence in 66, there was joy all around, Batswana we were happy to be amongst the countries who were independent),” he reminisced. As to what 47 years of independence mean to him today, Matenge explains that, for him it represents how far the country has come and what it has achieved since independence. “In every Motswana, independence should be more about what we have done and what we hope for in future. We need to be thankful for the developments that exist today and encourage those coming after us to do more because we have created a solid foundation where there was not much. When Gaborone started, the seat of government was in what is known today as Village. There was a police station there, a few offices and just bushes all around and today the city has grown and stretched to the south, north, and even east.” “We did the best we could to ensure that all Batswana have a right to education. So for a young Motswana today, it should be the ability to create jobs and develop the country further. The problem is that youth today want things now, at a fast pace but they need to understand that sometimes patience is everything. After all that is how we attained independence. It took time, it didn’t just happen over night.” Matenge will celebrate his Independence Day holidays with his family and friends and reminisce with friends on yester years.
GAZETTE e Botswana
“Kitso ke maatla”
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The role of education in the lives of Batswana since independence
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GOSEGO MOTSUMI
W
ith the country’s Vision 2016 striving for ‘an educated and informed nation’ the Government of Botswana has continued investing a considerable portion of her resources in the development of the country’s education system. According to the Human Development Report of 2010, Botswana’s total investment in knowledge (including investment in public and private spending on higher education) has increased over the years. Due to the effects of the global financial and economic crisis, the government of Botswana re-organized and identified priority areas while the economy recovers, and Education has been identified a key factor in helping to turn around the country’s fortunes. The Ministry of Education and Skills Development was allocated the largest share of 31.1% out of all ministries on the budget proposal for the years 2011/2012. This demonstrates the commitment that the government has towards the education of its citizenry. As a result of the Government’s efforts to improve the education system to train locals, the country currently boasts a high literacy rate standing at 82.9%, which is higher than most SADC countries and equivalent to international standards. It is ranked 5th in the SADC region behind Zimbabwe (90%), South Africa (86%), Namibia (83.3%) and Lesotho (83.0%). According to the African Economist magazine, Botswana is the 12th most literate country in Africa and the ratings are based on the common definition of literacy, which is the ability to read and write at the age of 15 and above. It terms of its history, formal education was
introduced into the country with the arrival of the London Missionary Society followed by the introduction of various educational institutions such as vocational training institutions, adult education, non formal education, teacher training institutions and the University of Botswana. As Botswana subscribes to the philosophy of a free education for all, education has been free for a long while. Education has played a major role in the lives of Batswana, as they have become active participants in the transformation of their societies. Through self-rule, Batswana were able to participate in adopting a democratic system of Government that allowed them to express their views and make their choices freely. Education has also given Batswana a sense of worth and they take pride in the fact that they can earn a living for themselves. Through the government’s diverse and widely accessible programmes, they have the choice to train in various professions and skills to meet the manpower requirements of the growing economy. According to a report from the National Commission on Education, “since gaining independence Botswana has made remarkable progress in ensuring that adequate educational facilities are made available to the entire population. During the 1981 census, approximately 83.5 percent of children in primary level were attending school, provision for secondary and tertiary education had escalated dramatically and great strides had been made in improving literacy levels and providing practical education. Between 1979 and 1992 enrolments in primary schools rose by 91 percent, in secondary schools by 342 percent and at the University of Botswana by 315 percent.”
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Most influential figures since Independence LAME MALEFHO
A
s Botswana celebrates forty seven years as an independent African nation, it is important to recognize citizens who have played a significant role in shaping the country’s policies, education systems, governance, as well as those individuals who have shaped the sports and entertainment landscape. Sir SeretseKhama He was the first president of the Republic of Botswana when she first took independence in 1966. Seretse served the country as president until his death in 1980 and during his presidency, the country was able to establish itself as a peaceful and prosperous nation that used its mineral wealth to build infrastructure, improve health, and provide universal education for all.He was known as a leader of great principles and championed the fight against racism under the backdrop of aparteheid in a region that was in the gripped by freedom struggles, racial enmity and corruption. KgalemangTumediso Motsete (KT Motsete) The face of KT Motsete is immortalizsed in today’s P20 bank notes. He is recognized as one of the founding fathers of the country and is the composer of Fatshe Leno La rona, Botswana national anthem. In his honor, a school was named after him in his homevillage of Serowe (KgalemangMotsete Community Junior Secondary School) and in January 1993, KTM choir was founded by Gomolemo Motswaledi to honor and celebrate his life in music. David Magang Magang’s name today represents wealth, perseverance and hard work. In yester years, he was the first Motswana lawyer to open a private law practice. He later joined politics in the 70s and held a number of high ranking ministerial portfolios under Presidents Ketumile Masire and Festus Mogae. Today, he is a beacon of hope for young property developers as he created the northern suburbs of Phakalane and he later authoreda tell-all autobiography in 2008 titled,The Magic of Perseverance. Linah Mhohlo
Mohohlo is what most women in the industries of Finance and Accounting aspire to be. She has played a key role in the economy of Botswana as Governor. She first became governor of the Bank of Botswana in 1999 after 23years with the bank. She sits on a number of boards in major companies in Botswana
and elsewhere and has received many awards through her career, some of which include, The Banker Magazine’s Central Bank Governor of the year in 2001 for Africa and the Middle East, Euromoney’s Emerging Markets Central Bank Governor of the year for Sub Sahara Africa in 2003, Presidential Order of Honor award in 2004, African Times Africa Leadership Award in 2007 and many more. Mhohlo is a frequent speaker at conferences including the World Economic Forum and Africa Progress Panel. Clara Olsen
Clara Olsen has launched the careers of some of the country’s established journalists as the first woman in Botswana to own a newspaper in 1987. She dedicated her life’s work to giving a voice to marginalized women through her work as a woman’s activist, politician and media entrepreneur. Dr Gaositwe Chiepe When Botswana took her independence in 1966, Dr Chiepe became the country’s first director of education tasked with crafting a system that would educate the nation and creating a home grown curriculum. Her long career in education saw her fighting prevalent attitudes and stereotypes that did not encourage women to advance in educational endeavors. The country’s progressive education policies, which are designed to give all children access to basic education and maximize enrolment levels, stem from efforts made by Dr Chiepe and her colleagues during her years in the education portfolio. Today, Botswana has one of Africa’s highest literacy rates and one of the continent’s highest progression rates from primary to secondary and tertiary education. Dr Margret Nasha
Dr Nasha is a graduate from the University of Botswana in the Humanities. She started her career as a public broadcaster, producer, news writer and reader. She is passionate about the empowerment of women and children’s rights. Nasha has influenced the way Batswana view parliament by being the first woman to hold the position of Speaker of the National Assembly since the establishment of the legislative house. Festus Mogae
ranked women’s 400m athletes in the world. In her career, she has brought home many awards including the Gold at the 2011IAAF World Championships in the women’s 400m race, and for three consecutive years, she won the IAAF Samsung Diamond League which was formerly known as the Samsung Diamond League. For someone who is supposedly at the twilight of her career, she continues to bring out stellar performances and unmatched consistency from a Motswana athlete. Nigel Amos
He is recognized as the third president of Botswana who occupied the office from 1998 to 2008. He played a significant role in the fight against HIV/ AIDS and the stigma attached to it. He is credited as one of the first heads of state in the world to publically test for HIV and he was one of the first African leaders to chair his country’s National AIDS Council. Mogae continues to chair the council today. Under Mogae’s administration, Botswana became the first country in Africa to provide free ant-retroviral therapy to all of its citizens in need. He remains active in his HIV/AIDS advocacy through his non-profit organization. John Selolwane
Bra John, as he is affectionately known is a legendary guitarist who has played along side many international jazz legends. He is most recognized for his work on Paul Simon ’s ground breakingalbum and tour for Graceland. His career began in the 70’s and over the years he has come to represent the sound of jazz music in Botswana. Amantle Montso She is Botswana’s most famous athlete. Montsho started her professional career in 2003 and went on to become arguably the most influential sports personality in the country. She is one of the highest
Although his career is still in its budding stages, Nigel has accomplished what many other athletes only dream of, an Olympic medal. The 19 year old started his professional career last year and his 2012 Summer Olympics silver medal in the men’s 800 m race was the first Olympic medal for his country. His time of 1:41.73 established a new World Junior Record behind the new World Record set by David Rudisha and is currently tied with Sebastian Coe for the third fastest individual ever in the heat. Some of his achievements include a gold medal at the 2012 IAAF World Youth Championships in Barcelona, Spain where he set a new junior world record of 1:43.79.
The Botswana Gazette
Botswana is connected
INDEPENDENCE SUPPLEMENT Chief Executive, Paul Taylor was quoted saying, “Broadband access is no longer a privilege, but a right to be enjoyed by all citizens, We are confident that through WACS, internet speed and connectivity will increase considerably at a price that makes internet services affordable for many of our citizens. Having created a conducive environment to develop the country’s communication capacity, the availability of mobile phones, computers and other digital devices has also considerably made lives simpler since independence. The dispersion of information through modern technology has contributed significant to development and improved speed in productivity. The world is literally at people’s fingertips and for Botswana the possibilities are limitless The Botswana Telecommunications Authority Annual Report, which was released earlier this year, reported that over the past 10 years cellular phone subscriptions have increased tremendously from 332,264 to 2,953,116. The report writes that, ‘This is not surprising
considering that a lot of innovative products being offered by mobile telephone operators have come to be part and parcel of our daily lives particularly with the advent of social networks and applications which are popular among the young population. The capabilities found in mobile telephone handset have grown beyond providing a phone call to banking, chatting, Internet surfing and many others.’ One of the most monumental things that information technology has been able to do is to bridge the gap between continents. Boarders between countries have become mere physical confines. There is no longer a need to travel long distances for official meetings. The concept of a ‘store’ has shifted from just physical commercial spaces to include online shopping websites that are also recognized as commercial spaces. For Botswana businesses especially, this presents a simple model of doing business internationally where it may have been a complicated process trying to get your product across oceans to trade.
Molepolole
Groceries • Clothing • Toys • Banking • Dining
GALALETSANG MOLABI
F
rom a sleepy, desert nation in 1966 to an emerging, modern country, the telecommunications landscape in Botswana has transformed immensely. Geographically dispersed communities were once linked together by costly road infrastructure and a landline network whose roll out proved equally challenging and costly for a country that has only been in existence for 47 years. This unique challenge to connect a sparsely populated country the size of France was probably Botswana’s greatest challenge. The industrial age had passed and the world was moving towards the information age. To have a fighting chance at developing her economy she would have to connect to the rest of the world. For Botswana, investing in technology and the infrastructure to facilitate its uptake has been of paramount importance. Since independence, the country has invested heavily in undersea fiber optic infrastructure. The first connection and investment was to the East African Submarine System (Eassy) – an extensive undersea fibre-optic cable that went live in July 2010. Her investment in this project was about US$100-million. The next project Botswana invested in was the The West Africa Cable System (WACS) where the government committed committed US$37.5 million for an undersea fibre-optic cable system in order to slash internet connection rates and provide faster internet service in the country. In a statement about the project earlier this year Botswana Telecommunications Corporation Group
Tenants
Contacts
Tenants
Contacts
Shabba’s Fish & Chips
3971606
Taku(Shoe Shop)
5921080
Seabright Restaurant
5910232
Dodos(Shoe Shop)
0027117839680/ 3
Kentucky Fried Chicken(KFC)
3930694
Cell City(Cellphone Shop)
3901172
Bank Gaborone
5921417
Letshego
5915606
Botsvision Opticians
5915510
Tops(Liquor Store)
3160911
Bahari Sports Shop
3906162
Superfit Gym & Wellness Centre
71833611
/ 73448269
Cashbuild
5921232
Karibu Fashions
3906161
Woolworths
5915528
Treasure Hair Salon
3163638
Furnmart
5921466
Deliciel Children’s Clinic
3913843
Higher IQ Square( Square Pharmacy) 3956707
Heads & Faces(Hair Salon)
5921527
Barclays Bank
5920234
Jb Sports(Clothing)
5921111
Style Clothing
3182040
Infashion Clothing
71484448
Jewellery Box
3952036
/ 71888618
First National Bank
3642646
Cb Stores
5920241
Munorama(Internet Cafe)
5921364
Dunns
5921502
Infinity Bookstore
71618335
Pep
5921059
BTC
5921194
21St Century Fashions
5920577
Spar
3160911
The Jots Clothing Boutique
5921425
Options Cellular
3170713
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Managed by Centre Management Tel: (267) 3913057 Fax(267) 3972598
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BTCL Phonebook Cover Competition We are now accepting submissions for the 2014 Phonebook Cover Design Competition. The competition is open to Primary and Secondary schools in Botswana. THE THEME The art should depict the tagline: “Keep in touch”
Your chosen designs can be submitted at the following offices; BTCL Shop for Submission
Area
Megaleng Office
Gaborone
The prize money for the top three schools will be: P30 000 - First Prize P15 000 - Second Prize P10 000 - Third Prize
Molepolole Office
Kweneng District
Kasane Office
Chobe District
Maun Office
Ngamiland District, Gantsi
Francistown Office
Francistown, North East & Orapa
Lobatse Office
Lobatse, Jwaneneg & Kanye
THE • • • • • •
Palapye Office
Central Region (Palapye, Serowe, Mahalapye, Selibe-Phikwe)
THE REWARD
•
COMPETITION RULES: The competition is open to schools within Botswana only Artwork must be original work of the school Only one submission per school will be allowed The artwork must depict the theme “keep in touch” Entries must be delivered to BTCL by September 30th 2013 Art pieces will be judged at regional level where three pieces will be selected per region and couriered to Gaborone for the final judging The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into
For further information contact 73100054 and 73001322 Terms & Conditions Apply
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The evolution of Banking in Botswana since independence KAGO KOMANE
A
ccording to research, the banking sector was formally introduced in Botswana in 1950, with the establishment of the Standard Bank and the Barclays Bank as the first banks in the country. Because the country belonged to the Rand monetary system at that period of time, the South African rand was used locally until the mid 1970s when the Central Bank; also known as Bank of Botswana (BOB) was established along with the introduction of the Pula. Years later, the First National Bank was established in the year 1991, which was then followed by the Stanbic Bank a year later. Bank of Baroda was later introduced in 2001 while Bank of Gaborone was established in 2006, followed by a few others. As a central Bank, BOB plays a supervisory role over banks in Botswana and has made significant strides in doing so. Its objectives as stated in the Bank of Botswana Act includes; promotion and maintenance of monetary stability and proper functioning of a soundly based financial system in Botswana, fostering of monetary, credit and financial conditions conducive to economic development as well as provision of assistance in the attainment of national economic goals. The central Bank also has the mandate to license privately owned Banks operating locally according to the provisions in the Banking Act, which lists the criteria that must be Main Branch: Capital House, Plot 17954, Old Lobatse Road. Tel: +267 3907801 Gaborone followed before an application for banking license Broadhurst Branch: Plot 5665/6, Broadhurst Industrial. Tel: +267 3185948 can be approved. According to Bank of Botswana, this is for the purpose of supporting financial Mogoditshane Branch: Plot 4216 Unit 1 (Near Supa Save Complex), Molepolole Road. Tel: +267 3931324 stability by ensuring that only sound and reputable banks can operate in the country. Francistown Branch: Plot 488, Blue Jacket Street. Tel: +267 2417689 Remarking on the developments of the banking sector during the Botswana Institute of Bankers Annual Dinner recently, BOB Governor Linah Mohohlo said the positive result of the increasing number of banks is that it has given the sector the much needed competitive boost it needed. She said YOU that this is evidenced by the range of products that are now available as well as the expanding branch networks. “The traditional dominance of large banks is being progressively eroded and the new generation of “small” banks is making impressive gains in market share. I should also add my personal satisfaction on the degree of localization that has been effectively and progressively achieved. Fifteen years ago, there were no Batswana running banks at the level of CEO; now many are requisitely qualified and appropriately experienced to occupy senior level positions in the sector,” she said. Mohohlo also noted that BOB has been complementing these developments which she said have helped to shape the development of the banking sector in Botswana. She said, “These include the steps undertaken to ensure that BOB Certificates remain a tool for bona fide liquidity absorption. There has also been the capping of the upper limit for cheques; there are guidelines on maintaining deposit interest rates at reasonable levels and retail banking services that were provided by the Bank of Botswana were terminated.” She also noted that, even though competition among banks has become more intense in a number of respects, and with demonstrable benefits for customers, the complaint that banks charge high for poorly delivered services continues to resonate, seemingly undimmed from fifteen years ago. She explained that, in part, this may reflect higher standards required by modern-day customers, and said that failure to make progress on reducing the period for cheque clearance, or reducing the long queues in banking halls and at ATMs are symptomatic of under-investment in banking infrastructure.
“As we reach our milestone so does Botswana.”
Heard of a bank with NO minimum balance and Capital Bank to NO maintenance charges onwould savingslike account?
wish all batswana a Happy Independence Day
At Capital Bank we don’t have minimum balance requirement and monthly maintenance fee on our savings accounts offered to customers. For more information, visit www.capitalbank.co.bw or visit nearest branch of Capital Bank’s management andyour staff wish all residents
Botswana and visitors to the country, a blessed festive season and a safe New Year celebrations! Call or visit your nearest Capital Bank branch and find out how we can help you secure
a prosperous 2013!
Head Office: +267 3907801 | Broadhurst: +267 3185948 | Mogoditshane: +267 3931324 | Francistown: +267 2417689
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GROWING WITH THE NATION OF BOTSWANA
ST. MARY’S PRIMARY SCHOOL Plot 1040, Lenganeng, Tlokweng
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