NATION BUILDING

DEFINITION OF CONCEPTS AND TERMS

-Nation- Citizens of a certain area or people who belong to a country
-Nationalism- The spirit of belonging to a particular group/nation and the
determination to defend ones nation
-Patriotism-The feeling of love, respect, devotion, loyalty and pride in ones
country/nation
-Sovereignty- self-governing and independent politically, socially and
economically
-Mfecane/Difaqane- Intertribal wars that took place in Southern Africa which
were started by the Nguni speaking people around 1800
-Colonialism- The period in which less powerful nations were controlled by the
more powerful nations
-Negative Nationalism- When a certain group of people is abused basing on race,
colour or beliefs
-Peace- Is when there are no wars, violence, conflicts, arguments and quarrels
-Tolerance- Is when one accepts things, ideas or people
-Proclamation- It simply means law

SETTLEMENT AND DISTRIBUTION OF PEOPLES IN SOUTHERN

AFRICA AROUND THE 1800s
-The Bantu migrations resulted in some groups settling in Southern Africa from
West Africa, around Cameroon areas
-They migrated to the Eastern and Southern parts of Africa for various reasons
such as, Looking for Iron Ore grounds, Fleeing from the tsetse fly infested areas
which killed both people and their livestock, For adventure, Looking for good
hunting and farming areas, Running away from leadership inheritance disputes,
New settlement areas etc
-Some groups settled in Southern Africa the likes of Sotho-Tswana, Nguni, Rozwi
etc
-Some groups found the Khoisan [Basarwa] as the first inhabitants of Southern
Africa including Botswana
-After some years then came the white settlers who had conflicts with the Bantu,
the Bantu were forced into different parts of Southern Africa who then pushed the
Khoisan into deserts
-The Tswana Speaking Groups and the Bakalanga settled in present day Botswana
as a result of Bantu Migrations and post Bantu migration conflicts
-The Bakalanga are believed to have been part of the Butua/Khami/Danangombe
kingdoms in present day Zimbabwe and were dismantled by the Rozwi Empire
-Some Tswana Speaking communities became part of Botswana as a result of
Mfecane conflicts eg. The Batlwokwa [Mmanthatisi]
-Tswana speaking groups settled in present day Botswana from South Africa

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HOW THE MFECANE CONFLICTS IN SOUTHERN AFRICA AFFECTED
THE LIVES OF BATSWANA FROM 1820s to the 1900s

POSITIVE IMPACTS/EFFECTS
-Defaqane wars brought the emergence powerful kingdoms such as the Bangwato
by absorbing some weaker groups eg. Bateti, Basarwa, Batswapong etc
-Some communities formed alliances against external attacks/aggression eg.
Batawana, Basubiya and Bayei against the Kololo of Sebetwane
-Some Tswana Communities learnt some military tactics/strategies eg. Bangwato
introduced the Kgamelo system as a defensive mechanism
-The concept of Multi-ethnicity was somehow promoted because stronger groups
incorporated the defeated ones
-Also mfecane hardened some merafe not readily accept colonialism
-Acquisition of European manufactured goods like guns by some groups in order
to defend themselves against the Ndebele and Kololo
-intermarriages across ethnic groups were enhanced to strengthen the kingdoms

NEGATIVE IMPACTS/EFFECTS
-Loss of life, most of Batswana died during the raids by other militant groups
such as the Kololo of Sebetwane and the Ndebele of Mzilikazi
-Displacement of Communities, many merafe were displaced and the got
scattered everywhere there by losing touch with relatives and friends
-Some dikgosi lost their lives eg. Kgosi Makaba 11 of Bangwaketsi
-Some dikgosi lost their powers as merafe were dismantled during attacks and got
fragmented and weakened
-Some young males and females were captured as warriors and servants
respectively
-Dispossession-Some merafe lost their property, their cattle, land and grains were
taken by the marauding groups
-Some merafe were forced to pay tribute to the more powerful ones eg. Kololo
and Ndebele got tribute from the Bakwena, Bangwaketsi, Bangwato and
Bakalanga
-Some Communities eventually lost their cultural values, language, beliefs and
norms that resulted in detribalization

THE ORIGINS OF THE ETHNIC GROUP AND HOW THEY BECAME A

PART OF THE NATION OF BOTSWANA

a) BAKALANGA
Some Bakalanga ethnic groups are believed to have originated from the present day
Zimbabwe. They have linguistic similarities with the Shona. They also share
historical experiences. They occupy North East district. Of course some are said to
have originated from South Africa. They broke away from the Pedi ethnic group.
They occupy central district e.g. Marapong. Bakalanga form part of the so called
minority tribes in the Botswana`s constitution, they are in the majority in the
country`s multi-ethnic nation. They have similar cultural experiences and practices

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with the Tswana Speaking communities because they intermingled and inter-married
for a peaceful co-existence

b) TSWANA SPEAKERS
It is believed that they originated from South Africa. Some are Bangwato, Bakwena,
Bahurutshi, Bakgalagadi, Batlokwa, Bakgatla and Balete. They occupy different
regions in Botswana. Their languages are mutually intelligible which means that their
languages have similarities. They form the so called the major ethnic groups of
Botswana in the constitution. They share historical experiences and cultural practices
and custom.

MULTI-ETHNICITY AS AN IMPORTANT COMPONENT OF NATION

BUILDING BOTH IN BOTSWANA AND INTERNATIONALLY
-Multi ethnicity instills a sense of peaceful co-existence by ethnic groups to
promote national cohesion
-Our national philosophy ‘KAGISANO’ enhances national unity
-Forges increased toleration and mutual respect e.g. intermingling, freedom of
worship etc
-Social harmony/unity-different ethnic groups tolerate each other and cooperate to
achieve common goals
-National conversion-we are bonded by common /national identity in the form of
national principles and symbols e.g. language
-Maintenance of law and order-socialization processes among diverse cultures
creates an upright moral nation through discipline
-Forges cultural identity/belongingness-we identify ourselves as one because we
share common features e.g. territory

THE ROLE PLAYED BY BATSWANA DIKGOSI AND IN THE FACE OF

THE THREATS OF ASSIMILATION AND OR TAKE OVER BY THE BSA
COMPANY AND THE BOER STATES OF GOSHEN AND STELLA LAND IN
THE 1850`s UNTIL 1895
-Attempts made by Dikgosi to seek British protection against the Boers
-The sending of petitions by Dikgosi protesting against the planned incorporation
of the Three High Commission Territories into the Union of South Africa in 1910
-Dikgosi`s [Bathoen, Sebele, Khama] trip to Britain to present their case to the
British colonial government in 1895 to protest against the transfer of their land to
the BSAC

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THE ROLE PLAYED BY THE MISSIONARIES IN THE FACE OF THE
THREATS OF ASSIMILATION AND OR TAKE OVER BY THE BSA
COMPANY AND THE BOER STATES OF GOSHEN AND STELLA LAND IN
THE 1850’S UNTIL 1895
-They supplied Batswana with guns to defend themselves against invaders
-They assisted in keeping the BSA Co and Boers away from taking the land of
Batswana
-They appealed to the British Government or the Queen to grant Batswana
protection e.g. WC Willoughby
-They advised the Dikgosi to present their case to the colonial government
regarding the proposed transfer of the protectorate
-They taught Batswana how to read and write in order to understand political
issues

THE PROCESS LEADING TO THE DECLARATION OF THE

PROTECTORATE AND THE RESPONSES OF THE BATSWANA DIKGOSI

a) FACTORS WHICH LED TO THE DECLARATION OF THE

PROTECTORATE
-The German presence in Namibia in 1884
-Boer expansionist tendencies as demonstrated by their occupation of Goshen and
Stella land as they would finally take the whole of Bechuanaland
-Protection of the road to the north: Britain’ ambition was to rule Africa from
Cape to Cairo to prevent Germans from occupying Bechuanaland
-The strategic position of Botswana, protection of missionaries, traders, hunters
and settlers
-The need to safeguard the British commercial interests, minerals which were
discovered in Southern Africa
-Britain thought that Bechuanaland would be a source of cheap labour to the
mines and farms in South Africa
-Prestige: Britain believed that it would be a sign of British strength in global
politics to have more colonies

b) RESPONSES OF THE DIKGOSI CONCERNING THE DECLARATION

OF THE PROTECTORATE
-Mixed reactions to the declaration of the protectorate by the Dikgosi
-Sechele, Sebele, Lentswe 1 were suspicious and said the protection was imposed
on them because they did not ask for it and there was lack of consultation
-They said they were not under any external threat either from the Ndebele,
Kololo or Boers
-They feared losing their independence, powers and land
-Khama was the only one who readily accepted/embraced the protectorate rule
-The Dikgosi collectively and cooperatively opposed this move at the Kopong
Conference in 1889

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THE CHALLENGES OF THE 1934 NATIVE ADMINISTRATION
PROCLAMATION AND NATIVE TRIBUNAL PROCLAMATION IN
RELATION TO THE POWERS OF THE DIKGOSI AND THE KGOTLA AS
A SOCIAL, POLITICAL AND JUDICIAL INSTITUTION

a) THE 1934 NATIVE ADMINISTRATION PROCLAMATION

-The Kgotla as a social, political and judicial institution lost dignity
-The proclamation undermined the authority of bogosi and weakened the kgotla
as a place where morafe`s decisions were made
-This proclamation eroded the powers of the Dikgosi because they had to rule
with the agreement of the tribal council
-The Protectorate Administrative officials like the Resident Commissioner and
Magistrates had legal authority over Dikgosi
-High Commissioner could approve, recognize, suspend, depose/ dethrone/banish
a Kgosi
-Dikgosi had to consult the colonial officials before implementing any proposed
decision
-Dikgosi collected taxes or tribute from their subjects with the permission from
the Resident Commissioner

b) THE 1934 NATIVE TRIBUNAL PROCLAMATION

-New law courts were formed
-Magistrates and Judges presided over cases in courts
-The Kgosi remained the chief judge of his people in customary matters
-Appeals were to be taken to the District Commissioner
-Chiefs were forced to obey all instructions and orders from the Resident
Commissioner
-Chiefs were obliged/forced to keep records of their administrative and legal
actions
-Chiefs were not allowed to try major cases like Homicide/murder, rape, treason
and those involving the whites

THE ROLE OF THE AFRICAN, EUROPEAN, JOINT ADVISORY

COUNCILS AND THE LEGCO IN PREPARING BATSWANA FOR
INDEPENDENCE

a) AFRICAN ADVISORY COUNCIL (1920`s)

-Introduced mainly to eliminate unhappiness among the educated Batswana who
wanted the opportunities to participate in running the affairs of their country
-It encouraged nationalism by rejecting the proposed idea of joining the Union of
South Africa
-It encouraged the feeling of unity amongst ethnic groups to fight for
independence
-Its members recognized the importance of speaking with one voice rather than
for their ethnic communities so that eliminated individualism
-It advocated for economic development of the protectorate

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 -They used this platform or council to criticize the colonial government
-Some dikgosi opposed proclamations through African advisory council
-It refined Batswana nationalists with political education who later changed the
status quo of the country from protection to independence

b) EUROPEAN ADVISORY COUNCIL (1920`s)

-It advocated for the incorporation of the protectorate into either the Union of
South Africa or Southern Rhodesia
-Its main duty was to advise the administration on matters affecting white people
in the protectorate
-They also wanted to be given the political mandate of running the affairs of
Bechuanaland
-It was formed along the race lines in an attempt to counter the African Advisory
Council of the black Batswana

c) THE JOINT ADVISORY COUNCIL (1950`s)

-Members used the forum to demand for more say in running the affairs of the
Protectorate
-It forged cooperation between members of the African Advisory Council and
European Advisory Council
-Equal representation called for discussion on matters of concern
-The experience gained by Batswana from this council helped them in the
building of Botswana
-It was a better platform where they could be heard by their colonizers
-Its native members became members in the LEGCO which trained them for
leadership in the future Botswana
-It helped make major decisions which affected all the people
-It enhanced trust between the two groups

c) THE LEGILATIVE COUNCIL (LEGCO)

-Its members used it to demand for political independence
-Africans used it to make suggestions for the country’s improvements
-It encouraged racial cooperation thus paving the way for multi-racialism or non-
racial society
-Its members used it to criticize the colonial administration for its failure to
develop the country
-The natives used the forum to enhance their sentiments for nationalism “we can
do it better for ourselves”
-Some dikgosi wanted a body with legislative powers to replace the toothless
AAC and JAC
-It helped in laying the foundation for the constitution helping to make laws
-It also formed the basis for the formation of Political parties

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THE CONTRIBURION OF BATSWANA DIKGOSI IN PRESERVING THE
LAND OF BOTSWANA
-Batswana Dikgosi used their regiments/mephato to defend their land against the
invasion by the Ndebele, Kololo and the Boers
-Bathoen, Khama and Sebele, their protest in England saved the land of the
Batswana from colonization by Rhodes and his BSACo
-They also requested that their lands should not be sold
-The Dikgosi mobilized many humanitarians and members of the anti-slavery
groups who also wanted the British government to protect African rights by
supporting the dikgosi`s stand
-The dikgosi also got support from the London Missionary Society (LMS) the
church who wrote letters to the British government protesting against the
proposed handover of the Protectorate to the BSACo
-The dikgosi wrote petitions opposing the incorporation of the protectorate into
the Union of South Africa and were publicized in the British newspapers
-They also managed to solicit the attention of the sympathetic British politicians
concerning the planned transfer of the protectorate to South Africa
-Some dikgosi put a strong case against the transfer, threatening to take their case
to London, and fight it in the British law courts
-Dikgosi refused to sign treaties and concessions
-It was mainly of the statesmanship and resistance of the Batswana dikgosi that
the land of the Batswana was preserved as separate from Southern Rhodesia and
South Africa
-Their resistance enabled the Batswana in 1966 to achieve their own independent
country, the Republic of Botswana

HOW COLONISATION CONTRIBUTED TO EARLY NATIONALISTS

MOVEMENTS
-Less development-Neglect of the Bechuanaland in terms of development by the
British made Batswana develop a feeling of oneness
-Low salaries-Exploitation of Batswana at work places by being paid low wages
-Discrimination-Racism and segregation made Batswana to fight for equality
-Erosion of powers of the Dikgosi-Introduction of harsh colonial laws like hut
tax, dog tax and proclamations
-Education-Emergence of educated people with nationalist sentiments/feelings
who wanted to be involved in governing the country
-War-Participation in World War II by some Batswana helped in widening their
political horizons
-Migrant Labour System- Exposed some Batswana to South African politics and
their experiences in leading nationalist movements
-Formation of political parties-The emergence of modern political parties to
demand political independence from the colonial rule
-Lack of meaningful representation in government-Batswana wanted to
participate fully in the running of the affairs of the protectorate to shape its
destiny

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HOW NATIONALISM CONTRIBUTES TO NATION BUILDING
-Nationalism forms the hub of any nation building, integrity and development
-It helps to shape people`s attitudes and behaviour
-It helps in mobilizing people towards a common goal, purpose and destiny
-It creates a self-driven and self sustaining initiative in people to develop
themselves without waiting for external support or aid
-It instills positive sense of love and pride in people for their country i.e.
Patriotism demonstrated by Nelson Mandela of South Africa
-It makes people to believe in themselves as a nation i.e. Self identity
-It may have negative attributes such as making people think that their country is
better than others
-Provides political education to citizens e.g. Respect for nations integrity,
sovereignty, security, constitution, anthem, flag, currency etc.

DISCUSS HOW NATIONALISM AFFECTED THE LIVES OF BATSWANA

-Cultural fertilization-Enriches culture because people learn one another’s culture
-Promotes unity- brings peace/tolerance/acceptance of different tribes
-Self reliance-Speeds up development as people pull in the same direction e.g. self
reliance
-Absorption-Some cultural groups were assimilated
-Improved democracy-Paved the way for independence through formation of
political parties
-Belongingness-Instils pride/identity/belongingness which led to Batswana to
participate in national projects
*Cultural Erosion-Loss of culture as some groups who were assimilated adopted
new culture
*Brought about tribalism-promotes big brother attitude/tensions within tribal
territories e.g. Bangwato and Bakalanga

THE IMPORTANCE OF NATION BUILDING

-It fosters unity among people
-It fosters mutual trust thereby eradicating rivalries, hatred, suspicions etc
-It ensures and promotes political stability and social harmony
-It provides a sense of common destiny and direction e.g. Vision 2016
-It speeds up the pace of development as members of the nation exert themselves
for a common purpose
-It encourages good governance and lessens political crisis arising from tribalism,
favouritism, nepotism, gender imbalances and xenophobia
-It instills pride among members of a nation to encourage good governance
-Maintains law and order through socialization processes that exists in ethnic
groups

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HOW BOTSWANA`S FIVE NATIONAL PRINCIPLES CONTRIBUTE TO
NATION BUILDING

a) DEMOCRACY
-Allows and guarantees freedom of speech and association e.g. political parties
-Allows nationals to elect the government of their choice
-Allows the existence of multi-parties
-Grants regular, free and fair elections through the ballot box i.e. decision making
-Promotes consultation, transparency and accountability on national issues e.g.
Referendum, Kgotla meetings etc
-Ensures free flow of information to and from the leaders and the led
-instills tolerance/freedoms through sayings like ‘Mmualebe o a bo a bua la
gagwe’

b) DEVELOPMENT
-It mobilizes the country’s resources to improve peoples’ lives
-It promotes national development and investment policies and strategies
-Ensures that resources are equitably distribution of resources to all
-It encourages sustainable management and utilization of resources
-Instills upliftment or growth with the saying ‘Mokoduwe go tsoswa yo o itekang’

c) SELF-RELIANCE
-It encourages people to become independent and avoid depending on government
hand outs
-It discourages dependency syndrome or “give me attitude” for food through
ipelegeng programme for the rural unemployed people
-It promotes the spirit of self-employment for people to start their own businesses
with the help of loan/grant facilities e.g. CEDA
-Increase the production of goods and services for people to have enough
-It encourages the communities to make use of natural resources found in their
local environments i.e. Eco-tourism and Game farming
-It encourages citizens to strive for economic independence for them to be self
sufficient
-Encourages hard work or independence with sayings like ‘Mpha mpha ya lapisa
motho o kgonwa ke sa gagwe’

d) UNITY
-It eliminates ethnic, racial, gender and religious differences e.g. intermingling
-It fosters cooperation and tolerance for the good of the nation thus peace
-It promotes political stability for the benefit of the nation
-instills cooperation through idiom ‘Kgetsi ya tsie e kgonwa ke go
tshwaraganelwa’

e) BOTHO
-It encourages respect and discourages all forms of anti-social behaviours
-Helps to cultivate acceptable behaviour

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 -It encourages tolerance for each other
-Ensures compassion i.e. ready to assist the disadvantaged
-instills tolerance through idiom ‘Thong botho’
-Promote the image of Botswana as a compassionate and caring nation

CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED IN NATION BUILDING

-Negative legacies of colonialism-adverse effects of “divide and rule”, territorial
disputes affect national unity
-Corruption –bribery, nepotism and favouritism destroys nation building
-Dictatorship-Less open political participation such as undemocratic regimes
-Lack of education-Low levels of education affect the development of the
country
-Discrimination-Marginalization of some groups like minority communities,
women, disabled and children
-Unequal recognition of languages-Lack of promotion of all languages as
mediums of instruction/curriculum delivery affects peace
-Uneven distribution of resources-Unbalanced developments throughout the
country can breed conflicts the country i.e. rural areas versus urban areas
-Unemployment-Lack of employment opportunities to the youth brings
frustrations which may result in instabilities
- Natural disasters-Poverty, diseases like Hiv/Aids and floods destroys nation
building
-Terrorism- military interventions/coups and rebel groups which topple
democratically elected government normally result in civil wars

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF NATIONAL SYMBOLS IN NATION BUILDING

-Symbols convey vital messages about the history, heritage, culture and visions of
the nation
-They help in developing pride and love for the country
-They create a sense of unity among people
-They provide sense of independence
-They put the country on the international map for recognition
-They provide sense of identifying with a nation
-Examples include flags, anthems, monuments, statues, coat of arms, currency,
slogans/motto Pula!! Etc.

DEFFERENT STAKEHOLDERS IN NATION BUILDING

1) GOVERNMENT
-It has the mandate and therefore legitimate to use state power
-It has resources at its disposal to use for nation building
-It makes and enforces laws pertaining to nation building
-It can influence or give direction to other stakeholders in nation building
-The government prohibits inequalities or any practice that undermines nation
building
-It undertakes balanced developments throughout the country

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 -It develops a curriculum which promotes cultural values of all people
-It introduced national service meant at integrating different groups
-It recognizes all groups equally
-Changes laws that were discriminating against certain groups of the society

2) INDIVIDUALS
-Building bonds of friendship across tribal and regional lines e.g. Intertribal
marriages
-Influence or convince members of their ethnic groups about the importance of
nation building
-They can pressurize the government to organizations and societies which
promote nation building
-They can pressurize the government to outlaw activities and practices which are
not nation building oriented

3) NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS (NGO`s)

-They fund some programmes geared towards enhancing nation building
-They promote cultural values which cement people’s unity
-NGOs like Emang Basadi have succeeded in the change of policies which
discriminate against women
-Educate people on human rights issues e.g. Ditshwanelo
-Assist disadvantaged members of the community e.g. Red Cross
-They promote transparency, accountability and good governance by the
government
-They help and motivate communities to make sustainable use of natural
resources found in their areas for the betterment of the whole country

4) ETHNIC GROUPS/SOCIETIES
-Ethnic groups co-exist in attempt to promote national building e.g. intermarrying
-The different ethnic groups or societies provide the checks and balances in
society e.g. Pitso ya Batswana, Society for the Promotion of Ikalanga Language
(SPIL), Kamana Kao, First people of the Kgalagadi and Mbungu-wa-Kathimana
-The minority tribal pressure groups preach Homogeneity that is why they formed
Reteng a cultural coalition of ethnic pressure groups
-Reteng preaches sameness and conformity and no celebration of their negligible
differences

5) THE YOUTH
-They all from different ethnic groups participate collectively in Youth clubs,
national sporting activities, music groups drama etc
-They press for the constitutional reforms so that the laws can become youth
friendly
-They make friends across ethnic or racial lines which is good for nation building

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 6) BOGOSI
-Helps in the law making processes
-It helped to group different ethnic groups to preserve the land of Botswana
-The Bogosi advises the government on matters affecting Setswana culture
-Promotes government policies and national principles
-Role models of local communities
-It helps in settling disputes in customary courts to promote peace
-Encourage intermarriages and counsels couples
-Active role in resource distribution e.g. liaise with land boards in land allocation
-Encourages the spirit of consultation and transparency
-Acts as the custodian of culture for continuity for future generations
-The chiefs want law and order to be maintained by all to enhance social harmony

ASSESSMENT OF NEGATIVE USES OF NATIONALISM IN ANY ONE

COUNTRY IN AFRICA AND GLOBALLY

1) NEGATIVE USES OF NATIONALISM IN AFRICA

a) SOUTH AFRICA
-It created and nurtured Apartheid in that country
-It separated developments for Whites and Blacks
-It promoted discrimination on the basis of colour, race, creed etc
-It was used to deny the Africans political rights
-There was an unequal distribution of developments and wealth e.g. Areas
occupied by Africans were neglected by the White minority regime

b) RWANDA
-It was used to fuel genocide in that country
-The minority Tutsis were ruling the majority Hutus
-There was lack of integration in the army
-The Hutus were denied educational opportunities
-There was mistrust among the ethnic groups
-There was maltreatment and abuse of one ethnic group by the other

c) SUDAN
-The African Arabs in the South of the country who are Muslims ill treat and kill
the Africans who are Christians in the North of the country
-The southern part of the country is more developed than the north
-The government of the country is mainly African Arabs dominated that is there is
no or less political power sharing among two groups

2) NAGATIVE USES OF NATIONALISM OUTSIDE AFRICA OR

GLOBALLY
-The Kurds war in Iran
-The Middle East Crisis between Israel and Palestinians
-The crisis in Yugoslavia during the time of Milosevic

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-The Germany Hitler’s Nazi protected pure Aryan by exterminating the Jews
-The killing of the Kurds by Saddam Hussein in Iraq

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