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NATION-BUILDING

What is Mfecane?
Mfecane or Difaqane refers to inter-tribal wars in Southern Africa between 1810s and
1840s. Mfecane is a Nguni word meaning ‘crushing’ while in Sotho the wars were called
‘Difaqane’ meaning ‘scattering’.

Positive effects of Mfecane wars on Batswana

 Emergence of strong dikgosi: Powerful chiefs such as Sekgoma and Sechele
emerged as a result of resisting attacks. These chiefs successfully defended their
people and built stronger kingdoms
 Realisation of the value of guns: During Mfecane Batswana realised the
importance of guns and as a result they strived to acquire as many guns as they
could from traders.
 Introduction of Kgamelo system: Kgosi Kgari introduced kgamelo system of
loaning cattle to his people so that he could strengthen his leadership and support.
 Acquisition of new defensive or military tactics: Tswana communities have
learnt some military tactics, strategies and organisations from their confrontation
with Mfecane invaders e.g. settlement on hills for defensive purposes and the use
of short stabbing spears.
 Improved cooperation and unity between Tswana groups: During Mfecane
Tswana groups helped each other whenever there was an attack by a foreign
group.
Negative effects of Mfecane wars on Batswana
 Destruction of settlements: Some homes were burnt down and valuable property
destroyed by invaders.
 Loss of able-bodied people: Strong men and women were captured by invading
groups. Male captives were often forced to join the armies of intruders and
women captives turned into wives.
 Depreciation of Tswana chiefs’ sovereignty and power: Some Tswana chiefs
lost their powers due to failure to successfully defend their people against more
powerful invaders.
 Loss of lives: Many Batswana including some chiefs like Makaba of
Bangwaketse and Kgari of Bangwato were killed during the wars and other
people died of thirst and starvation as they were running away for safety.
 Loss of cultural and ethnic identity: Some Batswana were captured and
incorporated into foreign groups whilst others joined stronger Tswana groups.
 Loss of valuable property: Batswana lost valuable property such as cattle and
grains which were taken by invaders. Some cattle were lost due to payment of
tribute to stronger groups.
 Disruption of Tswana lifestyle: Batswana were forced to flee from their homes,
villages, lands and cattle posts. This disrupted their economic activities which
were mainly based on subsistence arable and pastoral farming.
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Threats to the lands of Batswana

a. Threats of the Boer states of Goshen and Stellaland
In 1852 the Boers and the British signed an agreement called the Sand River
Convention in which Britain would give independence to Boers living in the Transvaal
and stop the selling of guns to Africans.
After signing this treaty the Boers attacked the Bakwena at Dimawe and Kolobeng. In
1853 peace was restored but the Boers’ desire to take away the lands of Batswana
continued. In 1881 the Boers seized the land of Batlhaping and created an independent
republic called Stellaland. In 1884 the Boers conquered and occupied the lands of the
Tshidi-Barolong and established another independent state called Goshen. The
establishment of Goshen and Stellaland prompted the British to declare Bechuanaland a
protectorate because the two states threatened to block the ‘road to the north’. Goshen
and Stellaland were dissolved and taken over by Britain after declaring Bechuanaland a
British protectorate in 1885.
Roles played by dikgosi in the face of Boer threats
Batswana dikgosi played an important role in preventing the take-over of their lands by
the Boers. They used the experience gained from Mfecane wars to repel Boer attacks.
Dikgosi welcomed European missionaries and traders. Through this interaction Batswana
acquired guns which they used to fight against the Boers. Some dikgosi like Sechele
defied orders from the Boers. For example, Sechele refused to surrender guns to the
Boers. Tswana dikgosi also formed alliances whenever they had a common enemy. This
alliance system proved beneficial during the battle of Dimawe. Dikgosi tried to ask for
protection from the British but they were always turned down until 1885.
Roles played by missionaries in the face of Boer threats
Missionaries worked hand in hand with Tswana chiefs in peaceful times and during hard
times. Batswana welcomed missionaries into their societies partly because they wanted to
attract more traders so that they could acquire guns. Usually British traders preferred
areas where there were missionaries because they thought the areas were safe. Some
missionaries like W.C. Willoughby persuaded the British government to offer protection
to Batswana.

b. Threats of assimilation
After declaring Bechuanaland a British protectorate the British government aimed at
incorporating it into the Union of South Africa. Britain did not want to spend any money
in developing the protectorate as she thought the land was too poor. Britain thought that
the assimilation would be advantageous in the sense that more Batswana would provide
cheap labour in the South African mines.
Roles played by dikgosi in the face of threats of assimilation
Tswana chiefs openly criticised the incorporation. They sent a petition to the High
Commissioner in Cape Town that they were against the incorporation. Dikgosi feared
that the incorporation would result in loss of their powers and lands. They also feared that
the Boers would ill-treat Batswana as they had done in the past. As a result of the chiefs’
protests the British government decided not to assimilate the protectorate into the Union
of South Africa.
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Roles played by missionaries in the face of threats of assimilation

The missionaries openly condemned the assimilation as they thought the Boers would
interfere with their mission activities. They supplied Botswana with guns to defend
themselves against any invaders. Missionaries also thought the assimilation would
facilitate further terrorism on Batswana by the Boers. The Boers disliked British
missionaries because they sold guns to Africans and as such missionaries thought that
they would not be welcomed by the Boers. Missionaries from London Missionary
Society thought that the Boers would favour those from the Dutch Reformed Church. In
addition British traders also feared competition for trade with the Boers.

c. Threats of take-over by the British South Africa Company (BSACo)

The BSACo was a commercial company formed by a British businessman called Cecil
John Rhodes. After attempts to incorporate Bechuanaland into the Union of South Africa
failed, Britain wanted to handover the protectorate to the BSACo. The BSACo was
already in control of Rhodesia. After taking full control of Rhodesia and after the
discovery of gold in the Tati area Rhodes wanted to take over Bechuanaland so that he
could build a railway line connecting Rhodesia to the Cape. The British colonial
government was in favour of handing over the protectorate to BSACo.
Roles played by Dikgosi in the face of threats of take-over
Upon hearing about Britain’s intention of handing over the protectorate to the BSACo, in
1895 Khama 111, Bathoen and Sebele went to Britain to protest against the take-over.
During their protests they were supported by missionaries such as John Mackenzie,
humanitarian organisations and the British public.
Due to pressure from chiefs, missionaries, humanitarian groups and the British public,
Britain decided not to hand over the protectorate. Finally the hand over was cancelled and
the British government promised to develop the protectorate.

Roles played by missionaries in the face of threats of take-over

The missionaries assisted Tswana dikgosi in resisting the proposed take-over. They
advised dikgosi to present their case to the colonial government. Some missionaries like
John Mackenzie accompanied dikgosi on their way to Britain to protest against the
proposed takeover by the BSACo. Missionaries demanded assistance from human rights
organisations and the British public. Some acted as interpreters and secretaries for
Tswana chiefs as they presented their case to the colonial government.

Process leading to the declaration of the protectorate

Batswana had long asked for British protection at a time when they were terrorised by the
Ndebele and the Boers. Britain refused to grant Batswana protection as they thought it
would be too expensive to maintain the protectorate. Missionaries unsuccessfully tried to
convince the British government to offer protection to Batswana. Suddenly in 1885 when
Batswana had lost hope about the protection the British government declared
Bechuanaland a British protectorate. Sir Charles Warren was sent to inform Batswana
about the declaration of the protectorate. At first he informed the Germans in South West
Africa (now Namibia) and then moved to Stellaland and Goshen to inform the Boers.
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Warren then informed Khama 111, Sechele and Gaseitsiwe respectively. Other Tswana
chiefs were not directly informed.

Responses of Dikgosi to the declaration of the protectorate

The declaration came as a surprise to many dikgosi and as a result they had contrasting
reactions about it. Only Khama III wholeheartedly welcomed the protectorate as he
thought the land of Batswana would be protected against the Boers and the Ndebele.
Other Tswana chiefs like Sechele, Letsholathebe and Linchwe accepted the protectorate
unwillingly. The chiefs thought that the protection was no longer necessary because the
Boers and the Ndebele had stopped attacking Batswana. They feared losing their
independence, powers and lands as it happened to their counterparts in South Africa and
Rhodesia (modern day Zimbabwe). There were questions and misunderstandings of what
protection meant. Some dikgosi collectively opposed the declaration of the protectorate at
the Kopong Conference of 1889.

Reasons for the declaration of the protectorate

 Protection of the ‘road to the north’: By taking over Bechuanaland Britain
wanted to protect the ‘road to the north’. This road was used by British traders,
missionaries and hunters as they interacted with Africans on the South of Africa.
 Competition with other European colonial powers: Bechuanaland was also
declared a British protectorate in order to prevent Germany and Portugal from
occupying the lands of Batswana as this would block Britain’s expansion to the
north.
 Establishment of Goshen and Stellaland: Creation of the two independent Boer
states also threatened to close the ‘road to the north’ which was mainly used by
British traders, hunters and missionaries.
 Discovery of diamonds and gold in South Africa: Discovery of minerals in
South Africa made the whole Southern African region to be economically
important and therefore Britain hoped that Bechuanaland would be of economic
importance in future especially after the discovery of gold in the Tati area in
1867.
 Desire for cheap labour: Britain thought that Bechuanaland would be a source of
cheap labour to the newly established mines in South Africa.
 Pressure from British missionaries: Missionaries from Britain wanted
Bechuanaland to become a British colony so that their mission activities could be
protected against competition from other missionaries such as those from Dutch
Reformed church and the German Lutheran church.
 Prestige: Having many colonies was seen as a symbol of power and wealth and
therefore Britain wanted to have as many colonies as possible so that she could be
respected by other countries.

Contribution of Dikgosi to the preservation of the lands of Batswana

 During Mfecane dikgosi strived to acquire guns from British traders and
missionaries.
 During Mfecane Tswana chiefs formed military alliances and managed to resist
attacks by invaders such as Ndebele and the Kololo.
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 During the colonial period Dikgosi successfully resisted efforts by the British to
incorporate Bechuanaland into the Union of South Africa. They openly criticized
the British and wrote petitions against incorporation to the High Commissioner in
Cape Town.
 In 1895, upon hearing about British’s plan to handover Bechuanaland to the
BSACo, Kgosi Khama III, Bathoen and Sebele went to England to protest against
the handover.
 Dikgosi managed to enlist the support humanitarian organisations and British
public and politicians who managed to convince the British colonial government
not to handover the protectorate.
 In 1936 Tshekedi Khama and Bathoen tried to sue the colonial government for
introducing new proclamations that reduced the powers of dikgosi. They were not
successful but their complaints led to some positive changes in the new laws.
 During the threats of assimilation and takeover Dikgosi managed to enlist the
support of British missionaries who acted as advocates against whatever negative
developments were planned against Botswana.
 Some dikgosi like Khama III refused to sign any treaties or agreements with the
Boers or the BSACo.

Challenges to the 1934 proclamations in relation to powers of dikgosi and the kgotla
as a social, political and judicial institutions
After declaring Bechuanaland a protectorate the British imposed a system of government
called ‘indirect rule’ in which Batswana were going to be ruled through their dikgosi.
As time went on the British shifted from indirect to direct rule. The High Commissioner
could make laws that were supposed to be obeyed by all chiefs. Chiefs often ignored
those laws as they interfered with their powers, customs and traditions. This angered the
then Resident Commissioner Charles Rey who decided to punish dikgosi by introducing
two new proclamations in 1934. The two proclamations were meant to reduce the powers
of dikgosi. The two proclamations were:
a. Native Administration Proclamation: Before this proclamation dikgosi’s position
was hereditary and could only be removed by his people. The chief was assisted by royal
relatives and headmen and also ruled with the consent of the people. This proclamation
reduced the powers of dikgosi and the kgotla in the following ways:
 A person to be installed chief could be approved or disapproved by the Resident
Commissioner.
 A tribal council was formed to perform some of the functions of the kgotla.
 The chief ruled with the consent of the tribal council.
 Dikgosi had to consult the Resident Commissioner before making decisions
affecting people.
 Dikgosi were no longer allowed to collect tax or raise funds without permission
from the resident commissioner.
 A kgosi could be removed, suspended or banished by the colonial government.
 Dikgosi were ordered to keep written records of their administrative activities.

b. Native Tribunal Proclamation: This proclamation reduced the judicial powers of

dikgosi and the kgotla. Before this proclamation kgosi was the chief judge and tried all
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cases. Ordinary people were allowed to comment in kgotla proceedings. After the
introduction of this proclamation:
 New law courts called tribunals were formed to replace the kgotla.
 Kgosi was no longer chief judge; his judgment could be rejected by members of
the tribunals. Kgosi remained chief judge of his people in customary matters.
 Dikgosi no longer tried serious cases like murder, rape and treason. Such cases
were tried in tribunals by magistrates and judges only.
 Ordinary people were not allowed to comment in legal proceedings, only
members of the tribunal could comment.
 Dikgosi were expected to make a written record about kgotla proceedings and
jugdements.

The Role of African, European and Joint Advisory Councils in preparing Batswana
for Independence
a. African Advisory Council (AAC)
The AAC was formed in 1919 to include educated Batswana in the running of the
protectorate. The AAC prepared Batswana for independence in the following ways:
 Unified Botswana’s diverse ethnic groups and built a spirit of nationalism.
 Batswana used the AAC as a platform to convey their grievances to the Resident
Commissioner.
 It gave Batswana political and administration experience.
 It enlightened Batswana about the possibility of self-rule.
 Batswana used the AAC to demand more say in the administration of the
protectorate.

b. European Advisory Councils (EAC)

The EAC was formed in 1920 to deal with matters affecting White settlers. It was also
chaired by the Resident Commissioner and other members were White people elected
through constituencies. The main ambition of EAC was to incorporate Bechuanaland into
the Union of South Africa. This council did not benefit Batswana that much as it was
exclusively for White people.

c. Joint Advisory Council (JAC)

As time went on Batswana complained that having separate councils for Blacks and
Whites was a sign of racial discrimination. This resulted in the formation of the Joint
Advisory Council in 1950. The JAC prepared Batswana for independence in the
following ways:
 Batswana used the JAC to demand the rights to be included in the making of laws
governing the protectorate.
 It facilitated exchange of ideas between the White people and Batswana.
 It gave Batswana more political and administration experience.
 JAC was used to criticise the colonial government for lack of development and
poor working conditions.

d. The Legislative Council (LEGCO)

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Batswana were no longer satisfied with the activities of AAC, EAC and JAC which they
felt were powerless. Many educated Batswana like Tshekedi Khama and Bathoen wanted
to be given the power to make laws. In 1961 the three councils (AAC, EAC and JAC)
were dissolved and replaced by the Legislative Council. Prominent members of LEGCO
included Seretse Khama, Tshekedi Khama and Ketumile Masire. LEGCO prepared
Batswana for independence in the following ways:
 Gave Batswana a chance to make laws and change government policies.
 Gave Batswana political and leadership experience in the running of the
protectorate.
 Batswana successfully used LEGCO to end colonial rule.
 LEGCO drafted laws and policies that introduced independence to Botswana.
 LEGCO formed the basis for formation of political parties which led the country
to independence.
 Promoted nationalist sentiments which resulted in the formation early nationalists
movements that had a common goal.

How colonialism contributed to early nationalist movements

As time went on the British shifted from indirect to direct rule. Batswana criticised the
colonial government and demanded self determination for the following reasons:
 Neglect of the protectorate: Batswana paid hut tax but the British government
did not use the money collected to develop the protectorate and its people e.g.
educational and health facilities were in poor conditions.
 Low salaries for African civil servants and poor working conditions: Africans
who worked for the colonial government were given low salaries compared to
Europeans.
 Unequal status of chiefs: The colonial government recognised some chiefs and
always ruled in their favour whenever there was a conflict between a “major and
minor chief”.
 Policy of ‘divide and rule’: Some tribes were put under the authority of others.
This led to oppression of smaller ethnic groups by major ones. This led to
conflicts between ethnic groups e.g. conflicts between Bangwato, Bakalaka and
Babirwa.
 Favouritism of White people: The colonial government favoured the views of
Whites than those of Africans.
 Participation in advisory councils: Batswana’s participation in advisory
councils and LEGCO enlightened Batswana about ways of running the
protectorate.
 Colonial education: The growth of colonial schools gave Batswana a chance to
attain formal education and led to the emergence of intelligent Batswana such as
Simon Ratshosa who contributed to the formation of LEGCO.
 Participation in World War II: Involvement of Botswana in the world war
widened Batswana’s political knowledge. They used this experience to make
some changes in the protectorate e.g. Phillip Matante who is one of the founders
of BPP.
 Migrant labour: Some Batswana who worked in South Africa were members of
African National Congress and Pan African Congress. When they returned home
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they used the experience to form political parties or nationalist movements e.g.
Motsamai Mpho who is also one of the founders of BPP.

How nationalism contributes to nation-building

Colonialism brought together Africans from different ethnic groups to form organisations
or movements for more organised resistance and struggle for independence from
colonialism. Nationalism contributes to nation-building in the following ways:
 Helps people to change their behaviour and interest so that they mobilise their
country’s resources for the benefit of the whole nation.
 Makes people to have common goals which can be collectively achieved.
 Encourages people to stand up and carryout their own development projects
without relying on outside support.
 Playing a part in the country’s activities cultivates pride and belongingness
amongst people.
 It creates a self-driven and self-sustaining initiative in people to develop
themselves without waiting for external support or aid.
 Promotes love and pride in the citizens for their nation e.g. nationalism is a
driving force for citizens of a nation in sacrificing or defending the country
from internal and external threats.
 Sensitise people about their rights, freedoms, justice and thereby driving them
to struggle for justice, democracy and liberation.

The importance of nation-building

Belonging and living together harmoniously as a nation is important as it:
 Encourages unity among people; unity is important as it promotes cooperation
and sharing of intelligent ideas.
 Promotes cultural and ethnic tolerance amongst ethnic groups.
 Encourages people to trust each other and eliminate differences brought about by
colonialism.
 Ensures stability (peace) and social harmony (kagisano).
 Speeds up development as members put more effort to achieve maximum
benefits.
 Encourages good governance and reduces political crises resulting from tribalism,
nepotism and favoritism.

Importance of Multi-ethnicity in nation-building in Botswana and internationally

Botswana is a multi-ethnic state. This means that it is made up of many ethnic groups
who form one nation collectively known as Botswana. Multi-ethnicity is important for
the following reasons:
 It promotes cultural exchange between different ethnic groups.
 Exchange of culture promotes mutual understanding and peace amongst the
diverse ethnic groups.
 Interaction of people from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds will promote
cultural tolerance and reduce tribal differences brought about by colonialism.
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 Promotes common identity and belonging which are important aspects of nation-
building.
 Provides the nation with people with diverse skills and intelligence. Abundance of
skilled people promotes economic development.
.
Challenges faced by Botswana in nation-building
 Nepotism and favouritism: Due to multi-ethnicity some people with power often
favour their relatives or people from their ethnic groups in aspects like job
allocation and awarding of tenders.
 Legacy of colonialism: The policy of ‘divide and rule’ has made some people to
feel that they are more superior to others resulting in oppression or discrimination
of people from other ethnic groups.
 Gender inequality: The involvement of women in national activities at top level
is still inadequate as women have limited opportunities when it comes to senior or
managerial positions and this makes it difficult for women to achieve their goals.
 Unequal distribution of resources: Some areas are poorly developed and as
such people from those areas often feel that their areas are being neglected in
terms of development and distance themselves from national projects aimed at
developing the whole nation.
 Cultural differences: Botswana has numerous ethnic groups with diverse
cultural practices. Each ethnic group wants to promote its culture e.g. some
Setswana non-speaking groups like Bakalanga and Wayei want their languages to
be introduced in schools.
 HIV/AIDS: This epidemic drains the country of important financial and human
resources. More resources are channelled towards prevention of the scourge
instead of developing other aspects of human life.
 Poverty: Many people in rural areas are still exposed to high levels of poverty.
As rural areas offer limited employment opportunities rural dwellers have limited
sources of income and hence poor standard of living.
 Influx of illegal immigrants: Political and economic instability in neighbouring
countries such as Zimbabwe have forced many immigrants to flock into Botswana
for greener pastures. Illegal immigrants also increase the rate of crime in the
country.
 Corruption: This practice leads to delayed economic growth, collapse of
businesses and waste of government resources. Corruption also destroys the good
image of the country.

Contribution of Botswana’s five national principles to nation-building

a. Democracy
 It gives people freedom of expression or association. People can criticise the
government without fear or intimidation.
 Allows people to have an input in decision-making of the country.
 Helps leaders to recognise and respect human rights i.e. prevents abuse of power
by leaders.
 It ensures consultation and free flow of information between leaders and
electorates.
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 Promotes peaceful co-existence between people, leaders and various institutions

as their activities or actions will be transparent.

b. Self-reliance
 Encourages Batswana to be independent and not to rely on government or foreign
aid.
 Discourages the ‘give me spirit’ e.g. CEDA and NDB offer loans to Batswana so
that they can start their own businesses.
 Encourages Batswana to mobilise their resources and participate in the country’s
development projects.
 Promotes citizen empowerment in managing the affairs of the nation.
 Promotes wise use of the country’s resources for the benefit of all Botswana.
c. Unity
 Encourages cooperation and a tolerance for the good of the nation.
 Facilitates joint efforts and exchange of ideas.
 Eliminates ethnic and cultural differences between ethnic groups.
 Encourages stability and social harmony amongst Botswana’s diverse ethnic
groups.
d. Botho
 Encourages respect, courtesy, discipline and self-critical awareness.
 Encourages social harmony and assistance to the less fortunate members of
society such as destitutes and orphans.
 Prevents people from violating constitutional laws.
 Helps cultivate moral behaviour and moulds children into responsible adults.
 Promotes the image of Botswana as a democratic, compassionate and a caring
nation.
 Promotes mutual understanding between people from different ethnic and cultural
backgrounds.
e. Development
 Mobilises the country’s resources for the upliftment people’s standard of living.
 Motivates all citizens to participate in the country’s economic activities.
 Ensures that resources of the country are equitably distributed and enjoyed by all
members of the nation.
 Promotes development and investment policies and strategies best suited for the
economic context of the nation.
 Promotes unity between people as they tend to work together for a common goal.

The Role of Stakeholders in Nation-Building

a. Government
 It has the mandate and legitimate power to rule the nation.
 Mobilising the country’s resources for the benefit of the whole nation.
 Formulation and enforcement of laws used to govern the country.
 Giving direction to other stakeholders on issues of nation-building.
 Protection of basic human rights and freedoms.
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 Provision of basic infrastructure throughout the country including the remotest

areas e.g. hospitals and clinics.
 Provide basic education to citizens of the country
 Creation of employment opportunities across the country.

b. Non-Governmental Organisations
 Promoting cultural values which strengthen relationships between various ethnic
groups locally and abroad e.g. Red Cross.
 Promoting transparency, accountability and good governance by monitoring the
activities of those in power e.g. Ditshwanelo, Amnesty International.
 Helping the less fortunate members of society such as destitutes, disabled and
orphans e.g. Red Cross.
 Assisting government in policy formulation e.g. Ditshwanelo.
 Funding some development projects such as construction of basic infrastructure
like roads and hospitals.
 Representing the interests of minority or disadvantaged groups e.g. Survival
International.
 Putting pressure on government to ensure that human rights and freedoms are not
violated e.g. Amnesty International and Transparency International.
 Educate people about sustainable use of the environment e.g. KCS, Somarelang
Tikologo.
 Improve people’s standard if living by equipping them with life skills e.g.
YWCA.

c. Individuals
 Respecting the rights of other citizens.
 Forming organisations that will promote interaction between various ethnic
groups e.g. Kamanakao and Mbungu wa kathimana
 Upholding the constitution and policies of the nation.
 Influencing or educating members of their own tribes about the importance of
nation building.
 Taking part in activities aimed at developing the nation.
 Protecting the country from external and internal enemies.
 Using resources in a sustainable manner.

d. Youth
 Participate in national and community activities such as crime prevention village
development committees.
 Taking part in decision making e.g. voting.
 Interact positively with youth from other ethnic groups.
 Educate their peers through forums such as youth clubs or associations.
 Sensitise government about their needs through the right channels e.g. through
Youth Parliament.

e. Bogosi
 Encourage national unity between different tribes.
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 Teach people about the importance of nation-building through kgotla meetings.

 Advise government on issues affecting Tswana traditions and customs.
 Settle disputes in customary courts without any bias towards a particular ethnic
group.
 Enforce law and order in the community by punishing offenders.

f. Ethnic groups
 Promotion of intermarriage across ethnic groups so as to build bonds of friendship
between different tribes.
 Formation of cultural organisations to represent the interests of various ethnic
groups.
 Formation of a forum where different ethnic groups can come together to discuss
issues of concern.
 Educating people from all ethnic groups about the importance cultural tolerance
in nation-building.

Significance of National symbols in Nation-building

National symbols are used to identify the nation or citizens of a particular nation.
Botswana’s national symbols are:
 Coat of arms
 National anthem
 Motto Pula
 National Flag
 Currency
 Language
 Identity card (O mang)
 Passport
These symbols are important because they:
 Make people develop pride and love for their country.
 Create a sense of unity among people because using similar symbols make
people feel that they belong together.
 Make people to have respect for their country.
 Advertise or sell the country to the international community.
 Some give out important messages e.g. the national anthem calls for
Batswana to stand up and work for their country and to live harmoniously
with each other.
 They portray the country’s image to the international community.

Examples of negative uses of nationalism in Africa

a. South Africa
 During the apartheid era South Africa was ruled by a White minority government.
 The White minority government promoted discrimination based on colour, race
and creed.
 Black South Africans were not allowed to take part in elections.
 There was no equality before the law. All laws favoured the whites.
 The Whites and Blacks did not share facilities such as schools and hospitals.
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 Marriage between Blacks and Whites was against the law.

 Developments were always made in favour of White South Africans.
 Black schools had provided courses different from white ones.
 Black people living in ‘white areas” were forced to carry a pass or reference book
containing personal details including racial group.