BATHO BAME

In September 2020, Botswana will commemorate 54 years of independence. Part of our vision is that by 2036, we should be a high-income country, with an export led economy underpinned by diversity, inclusive of sustainable growth driven by high levels of productivity. The government has proven no efforts to direct the nation towards that. As of today Botswana still stands at and continues to breed high unemployment rates. People are losing their jobs with each passing day yet the government presents no concrete remedial plans. Our country continues to experience an impending economic meltdown catapulted by the covid19 pandemic and of course by other economic shocks. The future looks blurred, bleak and perilous, a situation too horrific to envision.

All the things happening in this once hopeful beautiful country of Botswana have brought me to think of two wise aphorisms created by our forefathers.

1.   Ngwana yo o sa lelelng o swela tharing: the child that does not cry, dies inside the baby carry bag.

What it simply teaches is that, “silence kills”

2 .Moseka phofu ya gaabo ga a swe lentswe: the eland’s owner’s voice does not die out.

This means that one must fight impatiently for what rightly belongs to him or her.

The proverb is used to express the African thought of transparent dialogue in regards to addressing issues of corruption in the sociopolitical landscape.

I feel the need to express that these proverbs do apply to Botswana’s current position, concerning the socio-political struggles the government is undergoing. Recently, a few opinion leaders have took it upon themselves to voice out their frustrations, concerns and pleas to the government in regards to the current state of the country.

The khiring-khiring khorong hit-track local musician, ATI, was recently arrested for protesting against a government that does not provide or cater for the marginalized and poor citizens of the country. ATI persistently made pleas to meet the President of Botswana to discuss with him what he feels is social injustice to the people of the land without much avail. The ruling party took him lightly and his concerns for the socio-economic status of the nation bounced on deaf ears.

Two days ago, the famous Yarona FM radio presenter, Leungo Pitse, was dismissed from his job, for publicly voicing out his frustrations with a corrupt and opaque government. His issues of concern related to the unfair issuing of tenders, increased electricity bills, expensive food, and high tax and continually unaccounted for missing funds.

Penene Ponono the comedian cried out for the creative arts industry in Botswana. On a Facebook post, he pleaded with the national TV director to use and revive local content and programmes instead of importing content from international producers. He gave an example of one soapy, famously broadcasted on Botswana Television, “the bold and the beautiful”. He stated that there are no validated reasons as to why the local productions are rejected while such graphic, non-educative international programmes are aired.

All these happenings bring us back to our 2 proverbs. These national freedom fighters need to be applauded for their courage to speak out and become children with a voice as opposed to Ngwana yo o sa leleng. We still look on with hope that their fervent, zealous attitude to fight for the silent masses, may see us an inclusive and sustainable growth in Botswana, and hence bring forth positive results.

The saying goes “moseka phofu ya gaabo ga a swe lentswe”… may their voices be written down in the books of history; may their protests never die.