Republic of Botswana (9/7/05)
TAUTONA TIMES no 24 of 2005
The Weekly Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
"Our National Strategy for Poverty Reduction further recognizes that
well targeted social safety nets need to be instituted to provide
social welfare support to vulnerable groups. The Strategy also ties
livelihoods to rehabilitation and social investment to ensure that
individuals take advantage of opportunities. It is therefore
incumbent upon every Motswana, particularly those who benefit from
relief measures, to recognise that such interventions, although
temporary, are quite costly. The expense of these programmes means
that those receiving assistance should maximize the resulting
benefits not only for themselves and their families, but also for the
overall welfare of their communities." - H.E. the President [D 1]
CONTENTS
A. Mid Year Reviews
B. Public Press Schedule for July
C. The Week That Was
D. Statements:
1) H.E. the President's Declaration of Drought Relief (7/7/05)
2) H.H. the Vice President at the 12th Pan African Association of
Archaeology and Related Studies Conference (5/7/05)
E. Press Office Forwarding:
1) A.U. Summit Background Brief (3/7/05)
2) Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism denies allegations
of abuse of poaching suspects by wildlife officers (5/7/05)
3) WIMSA Press Release: "SAN from southern Africa concerned about
Survival International Campaign" (6/7/05)
4) Additional notes and forwarding
A. Mid Year Reviews
Welcome TT 24 of 2005. As next week will coincide with the
President's Day Long Weekend, during which time most Batswana will be
taking a break from vocational responsibilities, the next edition
shall appear in two weeks time.
Among those who are not expected to be relaxing in the coming days
are our politicians and the journalists who cover them. While the
President's Day Holiday originated as a celebration of the handing
over of sovereign authority from the British Crown to the State
Presidency, the mid-winter break has also come to coincide with the
time when most political parties choose to hold their national
congresses. This coming holiday the President will thus be engaged in
the partisan concerns of his own ruling party, while the leading
opposition parties will also be meeting. As the gatherings are the
first since the 2004 General Election their deliberations are being
keenly anticipated by local pundits.
Tightening the Social Safety Net
This past week culminated in the President's announcement of a
focused set of measures to alleviate the effects of the current
severe drought on rural livelihoods. Of special concern is the plight
of this country's Remote Area Dwellers, many of whom belong to
various Barsawa or Khoi-San speaking communities (known to many
outsiders by the pejorative term "Bushmen"). In addition to the
rollout of additional relief to the gazetted remote area settlements,
this year's Declaration further mandates:
"That steps also be taken to further ensure that the most vulnerable
who are neither resident in major villages nor remote area
settlements should also benefit from the relief programme."
Commenting on the need for this provision President Mogae has
observed that in the past too many Basarwa, in particular, have been
failing to fully benefit from relief measures due to their residence
in informal or otherwise un-gazetted locations located on the
outskirts of established villages. Relief workers are thus being
directed to become proactive in extending support to all who qualify.
Incredible Moments
This Office has received some feedback from the organizers of last
month's International Achievement Summit, at which the President both
participated and was honoured. In addition to a who's who of global
achievers in the arts, entertainment and sports, as well as public
service, the Summit was also attended by a select group of 250
graduate students from around the world. Some of these have since
been expressing their appreciation of the special session that was
held at the U.N. Headquarters on the challenges facing sub-Saharan
Africa, which was headlined by President Mogae, along with President
Wade of Senegal. From our fan mail:
"...Ultimately, amidst all of these incredible moments, I usually
highlight two. The first is the morning we spent at the United
Nations, moved and challenged by heartfelt speeches on some of the
most pressing challenges facing the international community,
including women's rights and the future of sub-Saharan Africa. The
second is the moment at the Banquet of the Golden Plate when I found
myself dancing to the great B.B. King alongside Toni Morrison, whose
writings have moved and inspired me for years; President Festus
Mogae, whose leadership of Botswana has been a model for the
continent; and Archbishop Tutu, whose leadership in South Africa and
elsewhere has earned him a spot among the world's most revered
figures. In short the summit was a parade of incredible moments..."
Media Milestones
This week the local The Voice newspaper printed with pride its 400th
issue. For the paper the moment was made all the sweeter by
confirmation of its achieving a print run of over 30,000. In this
context, the Web Manager of Mmegi Printing Press is quoted as having
acknowledged that:
"The Voice is the biggest independent newspaper with the highest
print run in Botswana at the moment."
At its AGM this morning the Botswana Chapter of the Media Institute
of Southern Africa (MISA) also announced that it is celebrating its
tenth anniversary.
- Dr. Jeff Ramsay, Press Secretary to the President (9/7/05)
Contacts: Office Telephone: (267) 3975154 & Facsimile: (267) 3902795.
Cell: (267) 71318598. E-mail: jramsay@gov.bw.
B. July Press Schedule:
As always the events listed below, which represent only those parts
of H.E. the President's schedule open in whole or part to press
coverage, are subject to change. When possible and necessary, updates
will be forwarded. Members of the Press are also encouraged to
contact the sponsors of the various events listed below for further
programme details and possible updates.
Wednesday (13/7/05): H.E. the President is scheduled to give an
exclusive farewell interview scheduled with local Reuters
Correspondent Barry Baxter.
Saturday (16/7/05) - Tuesday (19/7/05): H.E. the President will
attend and address the National Congress of the ruling Botswana
Democratic Party in Serowe.
Monday (18/7/05): In the morning, from 10:00 AM, H.E. the President
will further attend the annual President's Day celebrations, which
will be held this year in Kasane.
Thursday (21/7/05): At noon H.E. the President is scheduled to
receive a farewell call from the outgoing U.S. Ambassador H.E. Mr.
Joseph Huggins, at the Office of the President. At 17:00 he has been
further scheduled to receive a courtesy call at the Office of the
President from five students of Westwood International School who
have been selected to attend the Global Young Leaders Conference, to
be held over two weeks in Washington D.C. and New York City.
Saturday (23/7/05): In the morning (departure time t.b.c.) H.E. the
President will depart for Rio de Janiero, Brazil.
Sunday (24/7/05): H.E. the President will deliver the Keynote Address
at the 3rd International AIDS Society (I.A.S.) Conference on HIV
Pathogenisis and Treatment. I.A.S. is the world's largest and most
respected professional society for scientists, health care and public
health workers, and others engaged in HIV/AIDS prevention, control
and care (more details in TT 25).
Monday (25/7/05): H.E. the President will begin an Official visit to Brazil.
Wednesday (27/7/05): H.E. the President is scheduled to return to
Botswana (arrival time t.b.c.).
Friday (29/7/05): In the evening, from 19:30, H.E. the President will
attend the UB Foundation Fundraising Dinner.
C. OP Press Highlights for the week ending Saturday 9/7/05:
Sunday (3/7/05): In the morning, H.E. the President departed for
Sirte, Libya, to attend the 5th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of
the African Union [E 2]. Upon his arrival he met with the Summit's
host, Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Al-Qadhafi, along with the United
Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Senegalese President Abdoulaye
Wade, Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa and Ugandan President Yoweri
Museveni.
Monday (4/7/05) - Tuesday (5/7/05): H.E. the President attended the
A.U. Summit. Also on Tuesday morning, His Honour the Vice President
(and Acting President), Lt. Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama, Officially
Opened the 12th gathering of the Pan African Association of
Archaeology and Related Studies at the University of Botswana [D 2].
Wednesday (6/7/05): In the late afternoon, H.E. the President
returned from the A.U. Summit
Thursday (7/7/05): At noon H.E. the President announced to the nation
a series of Drought Relief measures. His statement in English and
Setswana was broadcast on radio and television in the evening.
Friday (8/7/05): In the morning H.E. the President forwarded a
communication to the British Prime Minister Tony Blair expressing his
sympathy and solidarity in the wake of the bombings in London.
D STATEMENTS:
D1) H.E. the President's Declaration of Drought Relief (7/7/05)
1. As you all are aware the levels of rainfall during the last,
2004-05, season has been below normal throughout most of our country.
What rain there has been has, for the most part, also been poorly
distributed in terms of planting cycles. This has resulted in low
hectarage ploughed and widespread crop failure.
2. Countrywide, the total area planted was, in fact, only about
72 500 hectares, which represents less than a quarter of our
cultivable land. This year's total cereal production is now estimated
at about 19,000 metric tonnes, about 10% of the national requirement
and less than half of the 46,000 metric tonnes produced during
2003/04.
3. While livestock conditions are generally fair in most, though
certainly not all, parts of our country, deterioration can be
expected in the coming months.
4. Bagaetsho, it is encouraging to note that the nutritional
status of our under-five children has been steadily improving, as
evident from statistics reporting a 25% decline in malnutrition
between 2002 and 2004. But, unless remedial action is taken, the
envisaged crop failure could lead to a reversal of these gains at a
time when we seek to ensure the nutritional security of all Batswana.
5. For the time being we can take some comfort in the fact that
the water supply in major villages and rural areas is generally
stable. But, there is a risk of shortage in some villages due to the
high demand on their well fields, while the south east is, of course,
affected by the Gaborone Dam's current low water level.
6. We are further concerned about the water quality in about 20%
of our villages with water supply systems. Although augmentation
measures have been instituted, sixty-three villages are currently
being provided with bowsed water, the situation will need to be
closely monitored so as to ensure a timely response to any adverse
developments.
7. Bagaetsho, it is the fundamental responsibility of this
Government to promote the welfare of all Batswana. As such we remain
mindful of the effect of rainfall on your wellbeing, more especially
for those of you seeking to make ends meet in our rural areas. In
light of the conditions I have just outlined, I am, left with no
choice but to declare all of Botswana drought stricken.
8. I have further directed that drought relief measures be
implemented with effect from the 1st of this month to the 30th June
2006, which shall include:
i) The mobilization of a Labour Intensive Public Works
Programme, aimed at creating employment countrywide, to provide
income support to needy families.
ii) The provision of Supplementary Feeding for all children under
five years of age attending Child Welfare Clinics.
iii) The further provision of Supplementary Feeding of children
below 7 years who are not at school and are not covered under any
other ongoing feeding programmes.
iv) The provision of a second meal for the Remote Area Dwellers'
children who attend school.
v) That steps also be taken to further ensure that the most
vulnerable who are neither resident in major villages nor remote area
settlements should also benefit from the relief programme.
vi) That free seed be distributed to a maximum of 5 hectares per
farmer in the communal sub-sector; and
vii) That there be a 25% price subsidy on selected cattle feeds,
namely; dicalcium phosphate, winterlick, beef finisher, drought
pellets and coarse salt.
9. Bagaetsho, with respect to the Labour Intensive Public Works
Projects that are to be undertaken, I have further directed that they
should focus on:
i) The construction of classrooms, tribal administration
offices, as well as, teachers' and nurses' quarters;
ii) The strengthening of pickets along our international borders
in order to ensure the speedy repair and maintenance of the animal
disease cordon fences;
iii) The re-enforcing of the safety and security of public
property by employing Security guards to look after Council
Properties, more especially borehole equipment;
iv) The maintenance of fire breaks and formation of standby fire
fighting teams from among people involved in the Labour Intensive
Public Works;
v) The employment of additional temporary Special Police
Constables to be deployed in the Districts; and
vi) The desilting of small dams.
10. In addition, I have instructed Government Ministries and
Departments to continue to review their ongoing projects and
programmes so as to determine how they can also contribute to the
implementation of the Labour Intensive Public Works Project.
11. Batswana Betsho, the steps that I have just announced once
more serve to underscore your Government's commitment to improving
the lives of all citizens on a sustainable basis.
12. Our National Strategy for Poverty Reduction further
recognizes that well targeted social safety nets need to be
instituted to provide social welfare support to vulnerable groups.
The Strategy also ties livelihoods to rehabilitation and social
investment to ensure that individuals take advantage of opportunities.
13. It is therefore incumbent upon every Motswana, particularly
those who benefit from relief measures, to recognise that such
interventions, although temporary, are quite costly.
14. The expense of these programmes means that those receiving
assistance should maximize the resulting benefits not only for
themselves and their families, but also for the overall welfare of
their communities.
15. In conclusion, I wish to implore all Batswana to work hard to
diversify into more sustainable and less drought-prone livelihoods.
Similarly, I call upon those charged with the responsibility of
implementing drought relief projects to be diligent in executing
their mandate.
16. Last but not least, given the uncertain human water supply
situation in the country we must all redouble our efforts to conserve
water. Nelwang ke Pula Bagaetsho!
D 2) Remarks by H.H. the Vice President at the Opening of the 12TH
Pan-African Association for Archaeology and Related Studies (5/7/05)
Vice Chancellor Professor Bojosi Otlhogile
Pan African Archaeology President, Dr. Hawab Bocoum
Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs,
Dean of Faculty of Humanities Dr. Nobantu Rasebotsa
Former Vice Chancellor Professor Thomas Tlou
Distinguished Guests
Staff of the University
Ladies and Gentlemen
1. On behalf of the government and people of the Republic of
Botswana, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to Botswana on the
occasion of the 12th Congress of the Pan African Association for
Archaeology and Related Disciplines.
2. This Congress represents a landmark in the history of
Botswana in the cultural and academic fields. This is the case in
the sense that it is the largest ever international conference to be
held in our country, of distinguished scholars in the disciplines of
archaeology, prehistory, cultural heritage management, anthropology
amongst others. In lay terms, it is a gathering of scholars engaged
in research in the distant as well as recent African past.
3. It is particularly pleasing to note that the meeting has
attracted scholars not only from African countries, but also from
other parts of the world. This international representation attests
not only to the reputation of the congress, but it also makes the
point that our past goes beyond the continents physical boundaries.
4. I shall not dwell much on the issue of the relevance of the
distant and recent past to contemporary Africa and indeed the world
over. This has been repeatedly emphasized over and over by
governments, political leaders, scholars such as yourselves, as well
as people from all walks of life, including our forbears. Let me
however, very briefly take note of and recognize that for Africa,
archaeological research and cultural resources management have over
the years played a very significant role in restoring and fostering
our cultural pride, cultural awareness and our sense of identity as a
people, as well as our sense of nationhood. It was archaeological
research and research in related disciplines by your predecessors,
and now yourselves, that demonstrated that Africa was the cradle of
humanity. It was also research efforts in your disciplines that
demonstrated that thereafter, the peoples of the continent continued
to play a major role in this cultural development.
5. The abundant cultural remains of the achievements of our
ancestors all over the continent are a testimony that Africa has had
its place amongst other continents of the world. Practitioners in the
various disciplines that are represented at this Congress,
particularly those in cultural heritage management, have done
tremendous work by ensuring that this legacy that has been bequeathed
to us by our ancestors is protected, preserved and conserved for
future generations.
6. The continued preservation of the physical remains from our
past are important to us for various reasons. They are not only
cultural resources, but also educational, scientific and equally
importantly, economic resources. In the latter respect, Africa,
boasts some of the most spectacular archaeological heritage in the
world, which attracts tourists from all over the world. As you are
aware, cultural tourism has become a very important economic
endeavour in virtually all our countries. However, it not only
enriches the national coffers, but also reaffirms our different
identities as compasses of where we come from and where we are
headed. Someone whom I knew very well once said;
"A nation without a past is a lost nation and a people without a past
is a people without a soul"
As scholars, you carry the responsibility of helping Africans keep their soul.
7. We here in Botswana boast a number of major archaeological
monuments. These include rock art and sacred Tsodilo Hills World
Heritage Monument, the 13th Century political centre of Toutswemogala
and related sites, and many others. All these are part of our legacy
that we are seeking to research and develop as part of our National
Vision 2016. Our National Museum in partnership with the Archaeology
Unit of the University of Botswana and the Department of Tourism,
have embarked upon a program of research, conservation and cultural
heritage management. The aim is to secure these national assets in
order that we can maximize their value as well as be a source of
knowledge.
8. It is my hope that you will all take advantage of the
arrangements that have been made by the Local Organising Committee of
the Congress to visit some of these national treasures. Besides
these monuments, we have in and around Gaborone a number of
attractive cultural centres that you should visit during your stay.
9. I am informed that past Congresses of the Association, going
back to the inaugural Congress in Nairobi, Kenya in 1947, have
maintained a tradition of publishing the proceedings so that the
important findings that are presented and discussed in the hundreds
of papers, are shared by a wider audience. I wish to implore you that
as you prepare the publication of this Congress, you not only think
of fellow professionals but also the ordinary person. The results of
your research and deliberations, as I have noted earlier, are
important to everyone. We all wish to celebrate the achievements of
our ancestors and to gain inspiration from them.
10. However, if much of your research results remain the monopoly
of professionals, you will be letting down the rest of humanity, and
as scholars you will be failing to achieve greater relevance to
modern development and nation building. You have an enormous
responsibility to inform, to educate and to contribute towards
mainstream national and global life. As you go about conducting your
research, debating, discussing and developing strategies, remember
that you are doing it for yourselves as well as the ordinary people.
It is thus important that you translate your work into accessible
forms and involve ordinary people as much as possible in revealing
the facts about their past. That way, we will have a truly holistic
and beneficial agenda for our past, an agenda that will reflect
research and cultural heritage management of the people, for the
people.
11. Let me end by once again extending a warm welcome to you all
and to thank the Permanent Council of your Association and yourselves
as members, for choosing Gaborone and the University of Botswana, as
the venue of the 12th Congress of the Pan African Association for
Archaeology and Related Studies. From what I have seen of the
Congress programme, I am certain that the next few days will be
characterized by very exciting presentations of new information,
re-examination of old ideas, debate and discussion of new directions
in the quest for a fuller understanding and management of Africa's
past, for Africa's present and Africa's future. I wish you well in
your deliberations and trust that you will have a wonderful stay in
our country.
12. It is now my honour and privilege to declare the 12th
Congress of the Pan African Association for Archaeology and Related
Studies officially open.
13. I thank you. PULA!!
E. OP Press Office Forwarding:
E 1) 3/7/05: Mogae departs for 5th Ordinary Summit of the A.U. (Sirte
Summit Background Brief)
Earlier this morning H.E. the President departed for Sirte, Libya -
the Great Socialist Peoples Libyan Arab Jamahiriya - to attend the
Fifth Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and
Government of the African Union (A.U.). He is expected to arrive in
Sirte this afternoon in time to attend a Committee Meeting with six
other leaders, who are to consider proposals to enhance the structure
of the A.U., which were previously discussed in Kampala last month.
The Assembly itself will have its opening session tomorrow morning
and is expected to conclude its business by Tuesday evening.
During its deliberations the Assembly will also receive a number of
reports including:
* The Report of the A.U. Peace and Security Council on the state of
peace and security on the continent, which is likely to examine
regional and A.U. efforts to resolve various conflicts afflicting a
number of member states.
* The Report of the Executive Council on the Millennium Development
Goals (MDG), which is expected to present a Draft Declaration of a
Common African Position on ways to realise the goals in the context
of the NEPAD programme and regional initiatives. The Declaration is
also expected to renew the call for developed countries to fulfil
their commitment to contribute 0.7% of their Gross National Income to
Overseas Development Assistance.
It is further expected that the MDG Report will attract considerable
international interest as it will be seen as presenting a common
African voice on issues of poverty and development just ahead of the
G8 Summit in Gleneagles, Scotland, which is also expected to focus on
the issue in the context of the (UK) Commission on Africa Report. At
both Summits Debt Relief, fair Trade, and Development Assistance in
the context of Good Governance are likely to be emphasised.
It is also anticipated that the Sirte Summit will seek to consolidate
the African consensus on Reform of the United Nations. At a meeting
held in Ezulweni, Swaziland, Chaired by the Hon. Minister of Foreign
Affairs and International Cooperation, Lt. Gen. Mompati Merafhe, a
Committee of 15 tasked by the previous A.U. Summit in Abuja reached
consensus on a number of issues, which notably included the demand
for Africa's enhanced representation on the UN Security on the basis
of 2 Permanent and 5 non-Permanent members ("2+5 proposal").
E 2) 5/7/05: Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism Response
to allegations by Survival International of abuse of poaching
suspects by staff of the Department of wildlife and National Parks:
Reproduced below is the full text of a Press Release issued earlier
today by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment,
Wildlife and Tourism, Dr. Lucas Gakale, in response to recent
allegations by Survival International and others of abuse of poaching
suspects by staff of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks.
In the statement the Ministry dismisses the allegations as
"unsubstantiated and to our knowledge entirely false."
For his part H.E. the President has already stated that genuine
allegations of abuse by any law enforcement officers should be
reported so that they can be investigated, as has been the case in
the past.
The President further reiterated that no responsible Government can
allow for the uncontrolled hunting of its wildlife by poachers.
Both the abuse of suspects and the poaching of wildlife are
unacceptable under the laws of Botswana and are thus ultimately
subject to judicial process.
PRESS RELEASE: Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism
Not for the first time in its unrelenting campaign against the
Government and people of Botswana, the London based Non Governmental
Organisation, Survival International, has alleged, in a widely
circulated Press Release, that staff of the Department of Wildlife
and National Parks (DWNP) have harassed and tortured Botswana
citizens of the Basarwa community (whom Survival International labels
as "Bushmen").
As in the past, the allegations are unsubstantiated and to our
knowledge entirely false. In this respect, Survival International's
allegations of the Department's mistreatment of Basarwa are no
different from their persistent, but equally false, allegations that
people were relocated out of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve to
make way for diamond mining. In each case, rather than substantiate
their allegations, they choose simply to repeat the same falsehoods,
seemingly in their cynical believe that if a lie is repeated often
enough some people will take it for the truth.
The latest accusations apparently arise from the detention of several
individuals at Kaudwane village on suspicion of poaching by officers
of the Department, which was the third such incident in a month.
While investigating two earlier poaching incidents, the wildlife
officers and a police officer on site received information about a
third poaching incident perpetrated by people from Kaudwane.
We are informed that this recent upsurge of poaching, which has been
linked to a handful of Kaudwane residents, is apparently being
encouraged by Non Governmental Organisations that have advised one of
the suspects to continue their uncontrolled hunting with promises of
legal assistance if they get caught doing so. We would like to advise
such organisations to desist from such unlawful acts. We further wish
to advise that although Special Game Licenses are given to deserving
residents of Kaudwane to hunt for subsistence needs, such licenses do
not give them permission to hunt eland.
Nevertheless, the three recent cases of poaching by Kaudwane
residents involved eland. The eland is a partially protected species.
Moreover, the first and third poaching incidents took place in the
Central Kalahari Game Reserve, where all hunting is prohibited, thus
posing a direct threat to one of the last unspoilt wildlife and
wilderness conservation areas on the country.
Although in the first incident in May, the suspects were released as
there was insufficient evidence to charge them, the same people were
involved in the later incidents, which lends credence to the
suspicion that such people are being encouraged by some organisations
or persons.
In the third and latest incident, two people were apprehended and
questioned by wildlife officers and the police officer in the open at
the Wildlife Camp. Six wildlife officers and the police officer were
present during the questioning. While they confirm that one of the
suspects was handcuffed when he tried to avoid apprehension, they
deny that there was any abuse.
Two other suspects were detained and handed over to the police for
their involvement in the second poaching incident. They were
transported to the Molepolole Police Station on the 12th June 2005.
At no time were any of those suspected poachers dragged through the
bush as alleged by Survival International.
Wildlife officers have standing instructions to exercise maximum
restraint and avoid conflict when dealing with and investigating
poaching incidents. The Ministry is convinced that this instruction
was fully complied with in dealing with these recent cases of
poaching in Kaudwane.
As we have stated on numerous previous occasions, any allegations of
torture or abuse of any suspects by wildlife officers should be
brought to the attention of the Commissioner of Police and the
Director of Wildlife and National Parks so that the matter can be
thoroughly investigated and appropriate action taken.
E 3) 6/7/05: WIMSA Press Release- "San from southern Africa concerned
about Survival International campaign"
The following Press Release from WIMSA- The Working Group of
indigenous Minorities in Southern Africa is forwarded without comment:
San from southern Africa concerned about Survival International
campaign- Wednesday 6th July 2005-
We, the San of southern Africa welcome international assistance with
raising awareness about human rights abuses. We appreciate that
Survival International (SI) regards it as their duty to campaign
about human rights violations by the Botswana government against the
San of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR).
However, we object strongly to the fact that Survival International
seeks to give the impression that they speak on behalf of all 'the
Kalahari Bushmen' when they handpick quotes from a few San only.
Survival International has not been mandated to speak on behalf of
all the San. We have our own representative organisation, WIMSA [with
members such as the Kuru Family and various community organizations]
to voice our views.
We, the San from Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Angola request
SI to understand that the CKGR San do not want to close the door for
negotiations with the Botswana Government.
We urge Survival International and its Director Stephen Corry to
understand and accept the following:
* The San organizations of southern Africa are united under the
umbrella of the Working Group of Indigenous Minorities in Southern
Africa (WIMSA).
* All San organizations have always supported the rights of the San,
especially the San of the CKGR.
* The CKGR San are still prepared to negotiate their rights with the
Government of Botswana.
* The San regard diamond mining in the CKGR as an option for
development as long as their rights are respected.
* The San question that the diamonds are the reason behind the
removal of the residents from the CKGR.
* The San do not claim the entire CKGR, only their ancestral territories.
* The San have produced their own CKGR maps, by zoning their natural
resources and showing their boundaries of the traditional hunting and
gathering territories which were introduced to the Botswana
government. .
* The San would like to enjoy the advantages of both traditional life
in the CKGR and modern amenities provided in villages and towns.
We appeal to SI to immediately cease their campaign on our behalf
until such time as they are prepared to co-ordinate with our
representative organizations.
E 4) Additional notices and forwarding from 2-9/7/05:
* 2/7/05: "Africa should form its own cartels"
* 2/7/05: Guardian (UK) Interview with DeBeers Chairman Nicky Oppenheimer.
* 4/7/05: "African Leaders to unite ahead of G8"
* 4/7/05: "Member States owe AU millions" (but not Botswana)
* 5/7/05: Minister of Health to open Day Care Centre in Mogoditshane.
* 5/7/05: Text of U.S. President's Message on AIDS in Africa.
* 6/7/05: "Africa urges G8 to scrap debt and reform trade".