The two pre-eminent 'Batswana' international writers

Friday, August 03, 2007

They lived worlds apart and had so many contrasts between them but one thing that is common about both of them is that they have put Botswana on the world map. For a start her mother's white family rejected Bessie Head because her father was black. On the other hand, Alexander McCall-Smith's parents are both British and white and his upbringing was good.

Although Head's maternal family was opulent she died in poverty, while on the other hand it is clear that McCall-Smith is safe from the clutches of poverty.

Both of them adore Botswana and their love for the country has been immortalised in their books. Head's affectionate depiction of Serowe in her book Serowe: The Village of Rain Wind has prompted many to visit the semi-arid country when she wrote:

Already have an active account? Log in here.

Or Sign up and get unlimited access to premium articles.

Malema stands accused of raping a UB student (name withheld), then 18 at the time, on January 9, 2024.

Defence objects psychologist's testimony in UB rape case

Larona Makhaiza | 16 h ago

FMD cases suspected in North-East

Mbongeni Mguni | 20 h ago

Mzwinilas get assets, passports back

Staff Writer | 22 h ago

Montsosa axed from Masaasele after gagged Con Court show

Staff Writer | 23 h ago

Forex powers banks' non-interest earnings

Mbongeni Mguni | 23 h ago

Sunbet Botswana donates P278,000

Brilliant Manje | 2d ago

Kon’nichiwa to Rhodes Quality Extra Fruit Jam

Michelle Phetlhe | 1d ago

Parents roped in as defilement, missing persons cases rise

Pini Bothoko | 1d ago

Child protection needs more than prevailing laws

The rise in defilement and missing persons cases, particularly over the recent festive period, points not merely to a failure of policing, but to a profound and widespread societal crisis. Whilst the Police chief’s plea is rightly directed at parents, the root of this emergency runs deeper, demanding a collective response from every corner of our community. Marathe’s observations paint a picture of neglect with children left alone for...

The Monitor Editor | 27 January 2026

About us

Mmegi is the leading independent source of breaking news, latest news, current
affairs, Politics, Business, Sport, debates, analysis, and entertainment news in Botswana.

Explore

More