What is in store for Wayeyi recognition?

This week, the Wayeyi tribe expressed their gratitude to President Ian Khama for the decision to recognise them. But beneath that noble gesture laid deeply entrenched worries and suspicions as to whether this was the end of their ordeal or the beginning of a real battle for their soul.

Recognised tribes enjoy linguistic and cultural rights not enjoyed by the non-recognised tribes. Among these are access to the institution of chieftaincy, permanent membership to Ntlo ya Dikgosi as of right, group rights to land, territorial and ethnic identity, a celebration of one’s culture in the public domain and the use of one’s language in education and the media.