The San African

Author: Contributor

  • Song of the Dust

    by teedzani thapelo

    In the warm November light of the Kalahari, a new wind stirred. Duma Boko, newly seated as Botswana’s President, stood before Parliament in his inaugural State of the Nation Address.

    His words cut through the air with the precision of a hunter’s arrow and the weight of ancient stone: “One of our people is unable to rest, far from his home. Country roads hear him yearn. Please take him home; to the place where he belongs.”

    These words, trembling with emotion, marked more than a shift in tone; they heralded a seismic political and moral awakening.

    In announcing that Pitseng Gaoberekwe, a San man forcibly removed from the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) and denied the dignity of burial in his ancestral land, would finally return home, Boko declared a new vision for Botswana—a vision of restoration, inclusion, and unshakable respect for human dignity. His decision to reverse decades of dispossession and bureaucratic hostility not only righted a historic wrong but also signalled a bold reimagining of Botswana’s democratic and cultural future.

    Land Wounded by Loss

    The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is not merely a stretch of desert. It is the sacred heartbeat of the San people, whose stories, songs, and spirits are woven into its golden sands and whispering thorn trees.

    Yet, for decades, the San—Botswana’s first people—were driven from their ancestral lands under the guise of progress. Diamond mining, fenced game reserves, and the relentless march of “modernity” relegated them to makeshift settlements where poverty, disease, and alienation gnawed at their souls.

    When Boko, then a lawyer in private practice, took up their cause in court, he unearthed a truth that echoed through the ages: no law, no decree, no machinery of government could sever the sacred bond between a people and their land.

    Yet, the victory he helped secure with the assistance of British lawyers hired by the San—a landmark ruling affirming the San’s right to return to the CKGR—was met with the cruel inertia of a government intent on delay and obstruction.

    Now, as president, Boko’s trembling voice and solemn declaration bridged the yawning gap between law and justice.

    The announcement of Gaoberekwe’s burial in the CKGR was more than a gesture of redress; it was a song sung to the wounded land itself, an invocation for healing and harmony.

    Philosophy of Dignity

    At the heart of Boko’s vision lies a profound commitment to human dignity—a principle that transcends politics to touch the essence of what it means to be human.

    In restoring Gaoberekwe’s final rest to the CKGR, Boko affirmed that dignity is not contingent upon power, wealth, or influence but is an inherent right, a flame that burns within every soul, however marginalized or forgotten.

    Boko’s human rights philosophy draws deeply from Botswana’s cultural ethos, where the concept of botho—often translated as “humanity”—remains a cornerstone of social values. Botho teaches that a person is a person through others, that individual well-being is inseparable from collective harmony.

    In his speech, Boko extended this philosophy beyond the boundaries of the living, affirming that even the dead possess rights—rights to rest, to belonging, to be remembered in the soil that shaped them.

    This profound respect for the weak and vulnerable echoes globally significant philosophies, from Ubuntu in southern Africa to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

    Yet, in Boko’s hands, these ideals are not abstract principles but living commitments, rooted in the sands of the Kalahari and watered by the tears of those who have suffered dispossession.

    Nation Reborn

    Boko’s new political culture—one that places inclusion and respect for human dignity at its core—holds transformative potential for Botswana. For too long, the nation’s development narrative has celebrated its economic success while sidelining its human costs. The dispossession of the San, the widening gap between urban elites and rural communities, and the erosion of cultural identities have haunted Botswana’s march toward modernity.

    Under Boko’s leadership, these ghosts are not to be ignored or buried; they are to be confronted, acknowledged, and integrated into a new story of national renewal. By elevating the dignity of the marginalized, Boko redefines the measure of progress.

    Development, in his vision, is not merely the extraction of wealth from the earth but the enrichment of every life it touches. It is the creation of a society where no voice is too small to be heard, no person too powerless to matter.

    The decision to bury Gaoberekwe in the CKGR also signals a powerful reclamation of Botswana’s moral authority. It is a declaration that democracy is not merely a system of elections and institutions but a living relationship between a government and its people, grounded in trust, empathy, and mutual respect.

    Horizon Ahead

    Boko’s actions are not without risk. The decision to prioritize human dignity over entrenched economic interests—particularly in a region rich with diamonds—will undoubtedly provoke resistance from those who profit from the status quo.

    Similarly, the cultural shift he envisions will require profound changes in attitudes and structures, challenging deep-seated prejudices and assumptions about who belongs where and why.

    Yet, in this moment, Boko’s vision gleams with the clarity of water in a desert well. By standing with the San, he aligns himself with a broader global movement toward restorative justice and environmental stewardship. He positions Botswana not as a nation beholden to extractive industries but as a leader in sustainable and inclusive development—a beacon for other nations grappling with the legacies of colonialism and exploitation.

    Spirit of the Kalahari

    The Kalahari is more than a backdrop to this story; it is its silent witness and eternal participant. Its vastness mirrors the scale of Botswana’s challenges and opportunities, its resilience a testament to the enduring spirit of its people.

    Boko’s speech, steeped in the symbolism of return and reconciliation, draws deeply from this landscape’s power.

    In Setswana folklore, the Kalahari is often likened to an old storyteller, its dunes shifting like the pages of an ancient book.

    To return Gaoberekwe to its sands is to write a new chapter in that book, one where harmony replaces discord, and respect triumphs over neglect.

    Song Continues

    As the sun sets on the 10th of December, 2024, and the people of Botswana gather in solemn unity to lay Gaoberekwe to rest, the moment will resonate far beyond the CKGR. It will speak to the enduring strength of a people determined to honour their past while shaping their future.

    It will remind the world that progress is not a race to leave others behind but a journey where everyone moves forward together.

    In restoring the dignity of one man, Boko restores the dignity of a nation. His trembling words carry the weight of centuries and the promise of renewal.

    The winds of the Kalahari will carry that promise, whispering through thorn trees and over dunes, reminding all who listen that in the vastness of the desert, every life, every story, every soul matters.

    In this song of the dust, Botswana finds not just its voice but its true self.

  • New Dawn for Women in Botswana: Advancing Rights and Dignity under President Boko

    New Dawn for Women in Botswana: Advancing Rights and Dignity under President Boko

    by teedzAI THAPELO

    The winds of change have swept across Botswana. Following the historic October 30th, 2024, elections, Advocate Duma Boko has risen to the highest office, promising a transformative era for women’s rights and welfare.  

    His appointment of several accomplished young women to key positions signals not only a commitment to gender parity but a deeper reckoning with the structural inequalities that have long held women back in Botswana. Against the backdrop of the 2024 International Women’s Day theme, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” and the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence theme, “Towards Beijing+30: Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls,” the moment calls for critical reflection on what this era might mean for women and society as a whole.

    A Historic Cabinet and the Weight of Progress

    President Boko’s appointments are historic.

    Lesego Chombo, a Miss World Africa titleholder and lawyer, now steers the Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs, embodying a fusion of advocacy, intellect, and representation. Economist Bogolo Kenewendo’s leadership in the Ministry of Minerals and Energy positions women at the forefront of Botswana’s economic future. Emang Bokhutlo-Mutapati’s advocacy for press freedom and ethical journalism takes centre stage as she becomes Press Secretary to the President, amplifying women’s voices in public discourse.

    Together, this team brings diverse perspectives to government, signalling a shift towards inclusivity under the leadership of Botswana post-independence children; a new intellectual generation that is youth-centred, tech savvy, worldly, cosmopolitan, and conscious of the fate and destiny of the nation in the turbulent era of the 21st century, an informed, articulate and analytical generation poised to amplify women’s voices at home and in global agenda debates and decisions.

    For decades, women in Botswana have faced systemic barriers, from discriminatory customary laws to limited access to leadership opportunities in political parties, government and commercial industry. While Botswana’s Constitution guarantees equality before the law, cultural norms and practices have often undermined these rights. By placing women in pivotal roles, the new administration is poised to dismantle these barriers and inspire a generation of girls to envision a different future.

    Cultural Tensions of Gender Progress

    The appointment of young gender advocacy women leaders in a patriarchal society challenges deep-seated cultural norms. In rural Botswana, where customary law often prevails, women’s roles still yearn for advancement beyond the customary recognition of a few women as chiefs. Male-dominated institutions like the kgotla—a communal decision-making forum—have historically sidelined women, especially in marriage matters and inheritance disputes.  

    President Boko’s administration must navigate this terrain delicately, balancing progress with respect for cultural heritage.

    The inclusion of women like Nono Kgafela-Mokoka as Minister of Child Welfare and Basic Education offers hope for addressing these cultural tensions. By investing in gender-sensitive education, the government can empower young girls while engaging communities in dialogue about the evolving roles of women. Education reforms must include curricula that challenge stereotypes and teach boys and girls alike the value of equality, creating a foundation for cultural transformation.

    Economic Empowerment: The Key to Independence

    The appointment of women to economic portfolios underscores a commitment to addressing the economic disparities that perpetuate gender inequality.

    In Botswana, women are disproportionately represented in low-paying jobs, with limited access to capital. President Boko’s vow to implement his party’s human rights-based manifesto provides an opportunity to prioritize economic reforms that benefit women.

    Bogolo Kenewendo’s leadership in the Ministry of Minerals and Energy is particularly significant. The mining sector, a cornerstone of Botswana’s economy, has long been dominated by men. By promoting policies that encourage women’s participation in this sector, the government can redefine economic empowerment.

    Initiatives such as access to training programs, financing for women entrepreneurs, and quotas for women in leadership positions are crucial to ensuring that economic growth translates into gender equality.

    Furthermore, the government’s emphasis on renewable energy, as recently articulated by Vice President and Finance Minister, Ndaba Gaolathe, provides an opportunity to engage women in sustainable development projects. Community-based solar and wind energy initiatives can create jobs for women while addressing energy poverty in rural areas. Economic empowerment is not just about income; it is about giving women the tools to participate fully in shaping their own lives and communities.

    Fight Against Gender-Based Violence

    Gender-based violence (GBV) remains one of the most pressing issues facing women in Botswana. The 2024 theme for the 16 Days of Activism, “Towards Beijing+30: Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls,” highlights the urgency of addressing this crisis. Despite legislative progress, including the domestic violence acts and penal code amendment, implementation remains a challenge.

    Many survivors lack access to justice due to stigma, fear, and inadequate support systems. Under President Boko’s leadership, the government has the opportunity to strengthen these frameworks.

    Lesego Chombo’s role as Minister of Youth and Gender Affairs will be critical in ensuring that resources are allocated to combat GBV effectively. This includes funding for shelters, counselling services, and public awareness campaigns. The administration must also address the gaps in the criminal justice system, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable and survivors receive the support they need.

    The fight against GBV must also involve men and boys. Initiatives that engage men as allies in promoting gender equality can challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours. By fostering a culture of respect and accountability, Botswana can move closer to a society where women are free from violence and fear.

    Constitutional Reform

    Botswana’s legal framework has historically failed to fully protect women’s rights, particularly in areas where customary law intersects with statutory law. President Boko’s background as a human rights lawyer and constitutional scholar positions him uniquely to address these gaps. Constitutional reform must be prioritized to ensure that women’s rights are not subject to cultural exceptions.

    Aspirations of Pan-African Feminism

    President Boko’s administration arrives at a time when Pan-African feminism is gaining momentum across the continent. This movement calls for the decolonization of gender relations and the recognition of African women’s unique struggles and contributions. Botswana’s advancements can serve as a model for other nations, demonstrating the power of inclusive leadership.

    Emang Bokhutlo-Mutapati’s appointment as Press Secretary to the President highlights the role of media in amplifying women’s voices and shaping public opinion. By promoting stories that celebrate women’s achievements and address their challenges, the media can play a transformative role in advancing gender equality. Pan-African feminism also emphasizes solidarity among women across borders, advocating for regional cooperation on issues such as GBV, maternal health, and economic inclusion, and in this administration we have women who are more than qualified to articulate and implement this vision.

    Towards a Society of Equals

    The road ahead is not without challenges. Achieving true gender equality requires not only political will but also a societal shift in attitudes and behaviours. Women’s advancement must be seen not as a threat to tradition but as an opportunity to build a more just and prosperous society.

    As President Boko’s administration implements its human rights-based manifesto, it must prioritize the voices and needs of women, ensuring that progress is inclusive and sustainable.

    The theme of International Women’s Day 2024, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” captures the essence of this moment. By investing strategically in education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for women, Botswana can unlock the full potential of half its population. This investment is not just about fairness; it is about building a society where everyone can thrive.

    Beacon of Hope

    The rise of young women leaders in President Boko’s administration represents more than a political milestone; it is a beacon of hope for all who believe in the dignity and potential of women. From the corridors of power to the classrooms of rural schools, this new era holds the promise of transformation.

    Yet, the journey requires vigilance, advocacy, and unity. Botswana stands at the threshold of history, with an opportunity to lead by example in the fight for gender equality.

    As the world watches, the nation must seize this moment to honour its women, not just with words but with action.

    The vision of a Botswana where every woman and girl can live free from violence, inequality, and fear is within reach.

    It is a vision that will require courage, commitment, and the unwavering belief that progress for women, is progress for all.

  • THE SILENCE OF THE LAW: WHEN THE COURTS FAIL TO REFLECT THE MORAL CONCIOUS OF THE PEOPLE

    THE SILENCE OF THE LAW: WHEN THE COURTS FAIL TO REFLECT THE MORAL CONCIOUS OF THE PEOPLE

    By tlotlego abram

    INTRODUCTION

    President Advocate Duma Boko’s overturning of the court’s judgements must not be misinterpreted as an act of undermining the concept of the rule of law in favour of political expediency but an act, ethical, morally righteous in its nature and in all existing structures of objective and validity assessment, necessitated by a restoration of human dignity and cultural continuance.  His assertions by record of his first state of nation address say:

    “10th of December 2024 the body of Pitseng Gaoberekwe will be buried in the central Kalahari game reserve. His ancestral Home. Your government that under color of court judgements denied him dignity of a burial in his ancestral land has now taken the bold step of abandoning all those judgements and burying him. In this ceaseless quest to uphold dignity we are unshakeable.”

    This utterance, with his voice reverberating from within the echoic parliamentary chambers to the Gaoberekwe family and the nation of Botswana was a message that held the weight of a promise fulfilled. It preconized that Gaborekwe, once held hostage by the sterile chambers of legality given to the mortuary to imprison for two years, will be laid to rest in the ancestral heartland of his clan on world Human Rights Day. This is no ordinary arbitrament. This article explores the failure of the courts to reflect the moral conscious of the people.

    Historical context

    Basarwa encountered, for centuries, marginalization and dispossession, with their deportation from the Central Kalahari Game Reserve standing as an emblem of injustice. Its establishment of 1961 was initially mandated for the protection of the indigenous way of life and the region’s unique multifariousness. However, policies by government prioritised development and resource preservation with an ultimate outcome of Basarwa being displaced. This removal severed their spiritual and cultural ties to the land, reducing their central land to “just but” a geographic entity controlled by the states policy. This historical excursion makes providence of context by which we can view the recent burial dispute.

    Futher Thought  

    It would seem, in this controversial happening between “rights” older than the laws themselves, presents two factors to be in contradiction, the rigidity of legal frames works and the moral imperative of justice. The question that challenges the silence of the law in its failure to reflect the moral conscience of the people is this, should the law continue to uphold rigidity when it conflicts the moral conscience of the people, in this case Basarwa? How does the law serve justice when its processes seem to outpace the very lives it is meant to protect?

    It is an unchallengeable truth that laws are meant to apply equally to all though when divorced from their social and historical contexts they reinforce existing disparities. In this particular matter, the courts, constitutionally so, may have acted in accordance with statutes documents governing land use and burial rights, but this rigid adherence to the law, without mercy and consideration of cultural moral obligations denied the family their deeper and more profound entitlement, the very right to cultural continuity and dignity. By refusing to consider the broader implications of their ruling, the courts treated the law as an end in itself, rather than the vey platform for the realisation of justice. This legal formalism becomes especially and highly problematic when dealing with marginalized communities whose historical dispossession was itself codified by earlier legal frameworks.

    If the law is indeed a social fact with a moral intuition, it means by its primary mandate, while it is to invoke and sustain order, its goal is to be a healer of conflict. However, the invocation of order is in the accommodation of societal values which regulate human life. Therefore, to some extent, the courts in reflecting on the moral conscious of the people, might have to find themselves dematerialising their legal systems to stimulate representation of the moral and spiritual obligation established as the necessary end derived from the necessary act of allowing the burial.

    Conclusion

    It is with this declaration, that Advocate Boko sets in motion a historic act of restitution, one that challenges not court judgements but the very foundation and thought of how justice is perceived in Botswana. The relation of morality to law is unquestionable and therefore all laws, especially those that invoke conversations such as those of moral obligations must be subjected to moral scrutiny. Justice is in its nature a moral concept which is meaningless outside the area of morality.

  • Charting Horizons: Reimagining University Education in Botswana for a Just and Prosperous Future

    Charting Horizons: Reimagining University Education in Botswana for a Just and Prosperous Future

    by Teedzani thapelo

    On October 30, 2024, Botswana witnessed a seismic political shift as the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) emerged victorious in a historic landslide victory. The electorate, driven by aspirations for decent jobs, high wages, and equitable opportunities, entrusted UDC with the mandate to transform Botswana into a nation where human dignity is not merely a slogan but a lived reality.

    In this new era, the place of university education as a catalyst for socioeconomic reform is undeniable. But the question lingers: how can Botswana’s higher education system be recalibrated to equip citizens for a turbulent, crisis-ridden global landscape?

    Decent Jobs and Human Dignity: A Call for Change

    The UDC’s campaign trail resonated with the cry for decent jobs and equitable wages—a message that struck a deep chord in a country where many graduates face the stark reality of unemployment or precarious work.

    University education, traditionally seen as a pathway to personal and societal advancement, is at risk of losing its relevance if it cannot adapt to the demands of a 21st-century economy.

    To meet these challenges, Botswana must reconceive its higher education framework as a dynamic engine that not only prepares students for the jobs of today but anticipates the work of tomorrow.

    Technological Horizon

    We live in an age of relentless technological progress, where artificial intelligence, automation, and digitalization are reshaping industries. For Botswana, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. The challenge lies in ensuring that its universities remain at the cutting edge of technological innovation, producing graduates who can thrive in a digital-first world.

    The opportunity lies in leveraging technology to solve pressing local problems, from optimizing water usage to developing AI-driven agricultural systems. The appointment of Prince Maele, with his background in human resources, as the Minister of Higher Education signals an intent to align university curricula with these emerging technological realities.

    Approach to Crisis Preparedness

    The 21st century is a century of crises—climate change, pandemics, economic inequality, and political instability. These existential threats demand thinkers and doers who can transcend traditional academic silos. Botswana’s universities must embrace multidisciplinary and intersectional approaches, combining fields such as environmental science, public health, economics, and the humanities. For instance, preparing students to tackle climate change might require integrating indigenous ecological knowledge with cutting-edge scientific research, fostering innovation that is both globally informed and locally relevant.

    Education for Distributive Justice

    At the heart of UDC’s vision is the principle of distributive justice: the fair allocation of resources and opportunities across society. Higher education must embody this principle, ensuring that access is not confined to an elite few but extended to all capable and deserving individuals.

    This requires a robust investment in intellectual infrastructure, and targeted initiatives to uplift students from marginalized communities.

    Moreover, it calls for a shift in mindset, valuing vocational and technical training alongside traditional academic pathways, so that every learner’s potential can find expression in a diverse economy.

    From Degree Holders to Problem Solvers

    Botswana’s universities must move beyond producing degree holders to nurturing problem solvers—individuals who can think critically, innovate creatively, and act decisively.

    This requires a pedagogical shift, emphasizing experiential learning, internships, and community-based projects. By engaging with real-world challenges, students can develop the skills and resilience needed to navigate an uncertain future. For instance, students in engineering could work on designing sustainable housing for flood-prone areas, while those in the arts could create campaigns addressing public health issues.

    Fostering Intellectual Independence

    The role of higher education extends beyond preparing students for employment; it must also cultivate intellectual independence. Universities should be spaces where students grapple with complex ideas, challenge societal norms, and envision alternative futures.

    This is particularly vital in Botswana, where the dominance of a single political party for decades has left a legacy of limited ideological plurality. Under UDC’s leadership, universities must become crucibles of free thought, nurturing a new generation of thinkers and leaders committed to justice and progress.

    Global Competence, Local Roots

    While Botswana’s higher education system must prepare students for global competition, it must also remain deeply rooted in local realities. This means prioritizing research that addresses Botswana’s unique challenges, from water scarcity to wildlife conservation, while fostering a sense of national identity and pride. Collaboration with international institutions can bring in fresh perspectives and resources, but the ultimate goal should be to build a self-reliant and resilient intellectual ecosystem.

    Leadership and Policy

    Transforming university education requires visionary leadership and coherent policy frameworks. The new administration under Duma Boko must invest in higher education as a strategic priority, with clear benchmarks for success.

    This includes increasing funding for research and development, incentivizing public-private partnerships, and ensuring that universities are accountable to both students and society. Prince Maele’s appointment as Higher Education Minister is a promising start, but the task ahead is monumental and requires a collective effort.

    Toward a Shared Intellectual Future

    As Botswana stands on the brink of a new chapter, its universities must rise to the occasion, becoming beacons of hope and engines of transformation. They must inspire not only confidence in their graduates but also a sense of shared purpose in the broader society.

    The vision of a just, prosperous, and equitable Botswana will remain elusive unless higher education is at its heart, shaping citizens who are equipped not only to succeed but to uplift others in the process.

    The UDC’s victory has created a unique opportunity to rethink and rebuild Botswana’s education system for the 21st century.

    The question now is whether we can muster the courage, imagination, and determination to seize this moment.

    If we do, we may yet chart horizons where knowledge, dignity, and justice light the way to a better future for all.

  • Great Expectations…

    Great Expectations…

    by Teedzani Thapelo

    The winds of October came thick with dust and whispers, stirring the vast grasslands and city streets of Botswana into a trembling anticipation. On the 30th of this momentous month in 2024, the unexpected became real, and the ground beneath the nation shifted like the Kalahari dunes under a gale.

    The Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), long seen as a mere shadow cast by the towering Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), claimed an electoral triumph that stunned even its most loyal followers. It was as though the sky itself had cracked open, spilling light into corners darkened by decades of political dominance.

    The Botswana Democratic Party, which for over half a century had ruled with an unbroken chain of victories, faced its reckoning. Like the mighty baobab that stands tall until termites hollow its core, the BDP fell not to foreign invaders or natural disasters, but to the quiet erosion of trust, the muffled cries of the people, and the weight of its own hubris.

    To many, it seemed a twist of fate worthy of African folklore—an epic tale where the once-untouchable leader is humbled by forces beyond his grasp, forces rooted in the will of the people.

    The UDC’s triumph, led by the determined Duma Boko, was not a mere accident of politics; it was the manifestation of democracy’s unpredictable brilliance. It was a moment when the chorus of the nation’s grievances—jobs lost, hospitals crumbling, schools faltering—rose so loud that even the thick walls of power could not muffle them.

    Yet, as the victory drums faded, a sobering question emerged: What now?

    This political earthquake has ushered Botswana into what many are calling its Second Republic—a term that evokes hope, renewal, and the promise of change. But with it comes a burden: the weight of the people’s “great expectations.”

    The UDC now finds itself standing at the edge of a precipice, gazing into a future both promising and perilous.

    The challenges are staggering.

    Public hospitals, once beacons of care in southern Africa, are now shadows of their former selves. The sick wait in lines that stretch like cattle paths, while medicines remain locked away in bureaucratic tangles. Corruption, like a termite infestation, has weakened the once-strong beams of public institutions. And the economy, battered by global shifts and internal neglect, limps like a wounded antelope.

    Boko, a man who has long promised change, must now deliver. The people demand an end to empty speeches and half-measures. The UDC must overhaul public services with a precision that cuts through decades of inefficiency.

    But how?

    The answer lies not just in plans and policies, but in the deep well of hope that propelled the UDC to power.

    Here, the surrealist dimensions of this moment become clear. Who could have imagined that in a nation so deeply shaped by the BDP’s legacy, the people would rise to reject it? It is as though an unseen hand guided their will, a hand that does not care for titles or traditions, but only for justice. In this sense, the UDC’s victory feels like a dream—unreal yet undeniably true.

    The new government must not squander this rare gift. Botswana, a land of vast skies and resilient people, deserves leaders who see beyond personal gain. The UDC must set its sights on the long game, crafting a vision that lifts the nation out of its current malaise and into a future of shared prosperity. They must listen to the farmers who toil under an unforgiving sun, the miners who dig deep into the earth for wealth they seldom share, and the youth whose futures feel as uncertain as the rains.

    As the first rains of November break over the land, washing away the dust of the election, there is a sense of renewal in the air. The people are watching, waiting, their faith both fragile and fierce.

    The UDC has been handed not just a mandate, but a mission—a chance to prove that democracy in Botswana is alive and well, capable of reinventing itself when the old ways fail.

    But with great expectations comes great responsibility. Boko and his team must remember that the story of Botswana is not theirs alone to write. It belongs to the nurses who save lives with too few resources, the teachers who inspire despite broken chalkboards, the mothers who walk miles to fetch water.

    These are the real heroes of the Second Republic, and it is for them that the UDC must govern.

    In the years to come, historians may look back on this election as a turning point—a moment when the people, weary of the old ways, reached for something new. Whether the UDC rises to meet this moment or falls under its weight remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Botswana’s journey has entered a new chapter, one filled with uncertainty and promise in equal measure.

    The land waits, as it always has, for the rains to bring life to its parched soil. And the people wait, too, for their new leaders to nurture the seeds of hope they have sown. It is a delicate dance between expectation and reality, between dreams and deeds.

    But if the UDC can lead with wisdom and courage, perhaps, just perhaps, those great expectations will bear fruit, and Botswana will rise anew, stronger and more united than ever before.