The case comes before Justice Moroka following an interim court order granted to the residents by the High Court to stop the Gantsi Land Board, Gantsi District Council and the Gantsi District Commissioner from relocating the residents.Despite the court order, the government has over the past three weeks continued with the relocations of some residents to Bere. Government spokesperson Jeff Ramsay has said in media statements that the families that have been relocated are those that wish to relocate because Bere, Chobokwane and New Xanagas have government schools and medical clinics, which Ranyane does not have.
The relocation of the residents has already garnered widespread criticism from observers, among them Survival International, the First People of the Kgalagadi, Botswana Khwendom Council and Ditshwanelo- The Botswana Centre for Human Rights. Kitso Phiri, Onalethata Kambai and Jerome Matomela are expected to represent the Ranyane residents.The first time Basarwa challenged government was during the forced relocations from the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) in the early 20s.
