Who Are the Tswana?
The Tswana (Batswana) are a Bantu-speaking ethnic group of approximately 5 million people, forming the majority in Botswana (where they comprise 80% of the population) and a significant minority in South Africa and Namibia. They speak Setswana, one of South Africa's official languages. The Tswana organized into chieftaincies that successfully maintained independence during the colonial "Scramble for Africa," becoming the British Bechuanaland Protectorate that evolved into modern Botswana. The country's remarkable post-independence success—stable democracy, diamond wealth, AIDS response—reflects Tswana political culture's strengths.
The Kgotla System
The kgotla is the traditional Tswana assembly—a public forum where community members gather to discuss issues, settle disputes, and make collective decisions. Chiefs preside but cannot act without kgotla consensus; the saying "a chief is a chief by the people" expresses this participatory principle. Anyone may speak at kgotla; decisions emerge through discussion rather than voting. This institution, predating colonialism, provided a democratic framework that Botswana's modern democracy built upon. Kgotla still function today for local matters, representing a living tradition of African democratic practice often overlooked in discussions of democracy's origins.
Botswana's Success
Botswana is often called "Africa's success story"—transforming from one of the world's poorest countries at 1966 independence to upper-middle-income status through diamond revenues wisely invested in education, health, and infrastructure. Corruption remained low; democracy stable. This success partly reflects Tswana political culture: consultative leadership, respect for institutions, ethnic homogeneity reducing conflict. The country's response to its severe HIV/AIDS epidemic—universal treatment, prevention programs, leadership acknowledgment—demonstrated effective governance. While challenges remain (inequality, dependence on diamonds), Botswana contradicts Afro-pessimist narratives and demonstrates African-led development success.
Cattle and Rain
Cattle are central to Tswana culture and economy—wealth, status, and social relationships have traditionally measured in cattle. Bride wealth (bogadi) is paid in cattle; cattle feature in ceremonies, proverbs, and daily life. The importance of rain in this semi-arid region is reflected everywhere: "Pula" (rain) is the national motto, currency name, and common greeting. Rainmaking rituals historically addressed drought. Cattle posts in rural areas maintain traditional herding despite urbanization. This cattle-centered culture, common across southern African peoples, shapes Tswana identity even as modern economy diversifies.
Contemporary Challenges
Despite success, Botswana faces challenges. Diamond dependence creates vulnerability; reserves will eventually deplete. Youth unemployment is high despite economic growth. The San (Bushmen) minority has faced displacement from ancestral lands in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, generating human rights concerns. HIV/AIDS, though better managed than elsewhere, still affects many families. Income inequality has increased with economic growth. How Botswana diversifies its economy, addresses inequality, and manages its minority populations will determine whether its success continues or whether it becomes another resource-dependent state facing decline.
References
- Schapera, I. (1938). A Handbook of Tswana Law and Custom
- Acemoglu, D., Johnson, S. & Robinson, J. (2003). An African Success Story: Botswana
- Tlou, T. & Campbell, A. (1997). History of Botswana