This was disclosed by the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Nelson Ramaotwana, in his contribution to the 2025-26 committee of supply speech, this week. He said the mooted committee will work to find sustainable solutions to Basarwa's long-standing human rights concerns while promoting national unity in diversity.
“At the heart of its mandate is a review of the 1986 National Settlement Policy, assessing its impact on Basarwa’s livelihoods both positive and negative, particularly regarding relocation and cultural preservation. “The committee will also study international best practices and propose recommendations that align with Botswana’s social and economic realities,” the minister added. Ramaotwana also indicated that key areas of focus include the transition from a nomadic to a settled lifestyle and its effect on Basarwa’s identity. He said other areas of focus include the implications of conservation laws, including hunting bans, on their traditional way of life; the legal and constitutional aspects affecting Basarwa’s rights, including land claims and the right to return to the CKGR. Others are infrastructure development in the CKGR such as schools, healthcare, water, and electricity and its impact on both people and the environment; access to social protection, economic empowerment, and partnerships with development stakeholders; sustainable natural resource use, implications and resource including community-based conservation and financial mobilisation to support programmes for Basarwa, he further noted. Ramaotwana added the committee will assess the social and economic conditions of Basarwa communities that have undergone relocation and provide forward-looking policy recommendations for their well-being. “This initiative is a step towards a more inclusive Botswana, ensuring that development respects the rights, culture, and dignity of Basarwa while fostering national cohesion,” the minister said.
