The British government, already endowed with experience of colonizing countries, usurped powers from Batswana chiefs in a very subtle manner. It was more of a con than sincerity. The introduction of various legal instruments to Bechuanaland protectorate significantly eroded the powers of chiefs. By the time Sir Seretse Khama initiated the process of decolonization from the British rule in 1961, a lot of 'irreparable damage' was already done to the institution of Bogosi.
The introduction of the House of Chiefs therefore served as a consolation to most chiefs for their lost powers. At the center of controversy surrounding the Bechuanaland protectorate, was the racist tax system described as the Native tax. The manner at which the tax system evolved since 1895 was characterized by dramatic events during both the pre and post colonial periods. The World war 1941 to 1945 also had an impact on Botswana tax system. Tax law just like Company law and Partnership law were not indigenous to Botswana. 'The law governing them is part of the received law and is very much based on English law...The high commissioner of Bechauanaland was enjoined to respect any native laws or customs by which the civil relations of Batswana were regulated except insofar as the same were incompatibles with the exercise of Her majesty's power and jurisdiction. Thus, the customary law of the Batswana tribes were left in place. The business transactions among natives were mainly by barter.
