Khama and the making of a sovereign nation (Part 2)

I mention these Setswana expressions to demonstrate that these principles are not mere imported slogans but are rooted in our social and political culture and lend themselves to vivid illustration and to interpretation quite sophisticated enough to accommodate the changes taking place in our society. They also serve to underline a considerable degree of political continuity despite these changes and institutional changes which have accompanied them.

I want to emphasise the importance of these Setswana idioms and concepts for another reason. It is too often stated that democracy has no place in Africa. Democracy is also stated to be incompatible development, and the jettisoning of democratic institutions is justified by the demands of development. I do not share that view, for reasons which I hope will become clear as I illustrate the application of these principles.