Contrasting Office Blocks

For 81 years, the British administered the Protectorate from Mahikeng in South Africa. In 1963 it was agreed that the country would achieve Independence in September 1966 with its capital at Gaborone.   Within this three-year period, plans had to be drawn up and approved, and what was virtually a new town, created. At the time, the country was one of the poorest in the world, as we all know. Its annual budget was heavily subsidised by the British Government.

   When creating the new capital, the British were understandably keen to hold down costs but also concerned that the new prestige buildings should be attractive and to a degree imposing.  Arguably, they were noticeably successful.