How the desert renewed my national pride

The Kgalagadi Desert renewed my national pride. At 44, Botswana is a miracle country. Our forefathers, some of whom are still alive today, had the spirit of 'Yes, we can' long before the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, ignited America and the world.

I realised this from the desert. After over 1 500 kilometres of driving in the KgaIagadi, I now believe that in 1964 when Britain accepted Botswana's independence proposal, it was a relief to the European islanders.  Imagine a bunch of black men from one of the world's poorest nations with no tarred roads, no health or education facilities, 70 per cent of their country covered by desert without oil or any other minerals, presenting a proposal to be left alone to govern themselves.