Botswana’s role in the liberation of southern Africa recognised

In a move to recognise the significant role played by Botswana in the liberation of South Africa, the latter is planning to erect monuments at various places in Botswana.

Unlike many of its southern African neighbours, Botswana did not get independence through an armed struggle but the country’s contribution to the liberation of the sub-region cannot be ignored.

Southern Africa countries that include Namibia, South Africa, Angola, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe had to go through a period of armed struggle to gain their independence, while on the other hand Botswana’s independence was handed to them peacefully by Britain.

However, the above piece of history should not be used to underplay Botswana’s role in liberating southern Africa as the country was a transit and safe haven for refugees and guerrilla fighters from these countries; many who would later lead their respective countries as presidents post the liberation struggle.

It is because of these sacrifices by Botswana that the South African government is now working on erecting monuments at various places in Botswana, which according to High Commissioner Thaninga Shope-Soumah, will bear testimony to the involvement of Botswana and Batswana in the liberation struggle of South Africa.

Shope-Soumah – the South African High Commissioner to Botswana - was speaking last week on the occasion of her country’s National Freedom Day and Youth Day celebrations.

“...we honour local Batswana families that played a very big role in risking their own lives, by protecting and hiding us in their own homes during our liberation struggle years,” the High Commissioner said.

South African struggle icons that include former presidents Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma; Govan Mbeki and Ronnie Kasrils are among the endless list of those who were taken in and protected by the Keitseng family in Lobatse.

The High Commissioner reminded the audience about the 14th of June 1985 heinous raid in Gaborone by the then South African apartheid regime.

“The South African Defence Force troops had crossed into Botswana, violating international law in search of members of the African National Congress living in Gaborone at the time. In the attacks 12 people were killed, which included women and children.

“Not all those killed were members of the African National Congress and among those killed were Batswana nationals,” she said. In 1988, a house was again bombed in Gaborone where four people lost their lives.

Shope-Soumah highlighted the importance of cooperation between Botswana and South Africa, saying her country still continues to count on Botswana’s support and guidance on a number of areas.

“As we as African nations work towards the acceleration of the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) we look forward to working together with you and other nations of our dear continent to achieve just that,” Shope-Soumah said.

The AfCTA is the world’s largest free trade area bringing together the 55 countries of the African Union (AU) and eight Regional Economic Communities (RECs). It is one of the flagship projects of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, the African Union’s long-term development strategy for transforming the continent into a global powerhouse.

Speaking at the same event, Botswana’s minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Lemogang Kwape commended South Africa’s “phenomenal transformation” in all areas of development since it gained independence in 1994.

“We commend your government and the people of South Africa for their relentless efforts in building a truly non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and free South Africa,” the minister said.

Dr. Kwape noted that relations between South Africa and Botswana continue to deepen at both bilateral and multilateral levels.

Kwape said, “for 29 years our friendship has proved strong as we continue to enjoy excellent relations and fruitful cooperation through the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC and Bi-National Commission (BNC).”