May 28 2013
Intercontinental Cry: Botswana government at war with San
Despite court defeats and international condemnation, the government of Botswana is continuing its assault on the San by attempting to forcibly relocate another community from land they have occupied for decades, says the Khwedom Council, a non-governmental organisation advocating for the rights of the San (or Basarwa) people.
“It is another sad season for the San in Botswana as the government seems to have declared war on our people,” said Keikabile Mogodu, Director of the Khwedom Council. “It appears that the government will never tolerate San in Botswana and will do everything it can to destroy any trace of the first people of this land.”
The latest confrontation between the state and the San is taking place at Ranyane, around 220 km south of Gantsi, where there is a San community of more than 600. The community has access to a borehole but lacks all other basic services since the government has always refused to recognise it as a settlement.
Now, instead of ensuring that the San in Ranyane gain access to clean water, sanitation, health care and education, the government has chosen – without consultation – to relocate the people on the pretext that they are living on an animal corridor within a Wildlife Management Area (WMA).
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One Response to “Intercontinental Cry: Botswana government at war with San”
28th May 2013
Still no relocation at Ranyane
In light of further disinfomation which is being mass-circulated by the Open Society Initiative of Southern Africa (OSISA) the Government of Botswana wishes to inform the public that there was no relocation of residents from Ranyane today as well as yesterday. Should there be any relocations from the village in future we shall endeavour to inform the public.
Further to the above and with reference to our previous communications the Government of Botswana has no intent to forcibly relocate anyone from Ranyane as has been repeatedly alleged by the OSISA Communications Manager. We are continuing to monitor with concern the media disinformation campaign that is currently being waged against this country by OSISA and other external groups.
Background
Ranyane is an informal settlement located in the Ghanzi District close to its border with the northern Kgalagadi District. As of the 2011 census it had a total population of 182, up from 94 recorded in the 2001 census.
Last year and early this year there was intensive consultations, including five Kgotla meetings, between local authorities and Ranyane residents, many of whom have indicated a desire to relocate elsewhere.
A total of 31 households, representing just over 100 residents have so far registered a desire to be facilitated in relocating, with 26 households expressing a desire to be assisted in moving to Bere, 4 to Chobokwane and 1 family to New Xanagas.
There are, however, other families at Ranyane who have indicated their desire to remain.
To reiterate the Government of Botswana has no plans to remove those who wish stay at Ranyane.
Finally, contrary to some media reports the Government has consistently provided the residents with water. When the borehole was temporarily shut down last year water was trucked in until the borehole was restored.