Of Greeks bearing gifts

This is not in any way to impute ignoble intentions on the Chinese government. China is and has always been an important development partner to Botswana over the decades, helping with technical and financial assistance in the delivery of some of this country’s most important development milestones. The Oriental giant has and continues to support the education of Batswana each year, who then return home and put their shoulders to the national wheel.

Even in this particular case, China’s goodwill may be noted in the grant of P3.4 million for a feasibility study for the project, and the cancellation of more than P80 million in debt owed by Botswana. Indeed, China had pledged about P12 billion in concessional loans to various road and rail projects sought by Botswana.