Bakalanga ba ka Nswazwi at home in Botswana
Friday, May 30, 2008
Their movement was not only predicated upon a wish to reclaim their rightful place in the land of their forefathers but harsh economic hardships equally compelled them to move.
The trek of Bakalanga ba ka Nswazwi into Botswana could be likened to the movement of biblical Israelites who fled Egyptian bondage into the Promised Land (Canaan). Moving into Botswana resulted in the painful experience of severing relationships built over the years. It meant parting ways with old friends as well as with relatives. The latter occasioned by the fact that not all families participated in the "great trek". Although some had a feeling of foreboding that probably they were driving themselves into some uncertain future in a new unfamiliar territory, nevertheless, they entertained leading better and fulfilling lives. As they approach the second anniversary of their stay in Botswana, the ba Ka Nswazwi returnees shared with Mmegi how they are grappling with the daunting task of resettlement.
It highlights the need to protect rights such as access to clean water, education, healthcare and freedom of expression.President Duma Boko, rightly honours past interventions from securing a dignified burial for Gaoberekwe Pitseng in the CKGR to promoting linguistic inclusion. Yet, they also expose a critical truth, that a nation cannot sustainably protect its people through ad hoc acts of compassion alone.It is time for both government and the...