A quick review of Batswana’s reaction to BOT50 crusade that is becoming an irritant even to self-acclaimed patriots shows that there are basically two distinct factions that are clearly poles apart. On the one side we have those who are showing unquestionable approval of the 50th independence anniversary celebrations and are actively partaking in painting the country blue, white and black. This faction, as expected, is egged on and bankrolled by the government or a cynical plutocracy if we may be blunt. Frankly, the plutocrats have every reason to celebrate and manipulate others to celebrate with them. Let us be honest- a party is never pompous and elegant without a few swines to take care of the dirty tasks that are nonetheless an essential element of the party and of course later speak in glowing terms about other people’s deep pockets. Obviously, funds have been set aside to promote the crusade and this money ought to be ‘eaten’ and ‘eaten’ by the right people. Looking at it from this unpopular perspective, the decision of this camp to be at the forefront of the celebrations and BOT50 product promotions is principled and comprehensible. You can curse them all you like but their standing in society warrants it.
On the other side we have those who are seemingly pissed off and disinterested to the point where they wish the day could come today and pass so that they carry on with their awful lives. The main argument of this faction is that celebrating the 50th independence anniversary celebrations would be akin to approving the state of affairs and by extension endorsing corruption, economic and political decay and such other perils that are jeopardizing peace and stability. Their disapproval is punctuated with loud and ferocious expresses of disgust and shame at what Botswana has come to stand for.
Even though they do pass as bitter losers in the looting of the national treasury, they are certainly justified to rant and rave for they are legitimate citizens constitutionally entitled to speak out against theft or perceived theft of public monies. They are very well entitled to take any position however unpopular on any matter they deem appropriate.
For both factions, there are people who independently used their intelligence to inform the decision taken hence their stance is not corrupted by external influences. Similarly, one can easily detect herd mentality and irresponsible innocence from both sides. Thus, a majority from either side are simply singing along. This is normal and does not in any way suggest that either faction is motivated by irrelevant considerations. However, it is important to contextualize these contentious views by way of exploring and problematizing our simplistic understanding of independence and subsequent anniversary celebrations.
Botswana is our identity the same way Batswana are the country’s identity. It is difficult to talk about Botswana without making reference to the people who reside in Botswana. Botswana means nothing without its people. Essentially, Botswana is much more than just the desolate land bordered by South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia. Thus, the geographical place named Botswana has no right to be proud or ashamed of its achievements or lack of it. Citizens are!
The achievement of citizens is what would make us feel proud of who we are. We cannot merely be proud that we are citizens of Botswana. Except for naturalized persons, being a citizen of Botswana is a kind of accident of birth. It is not by your choice that you were born in Botswana. Thus, a country achieves when its citizens have achieved. Citizens will be proud of their country’s achievements if such achievements reflect their individual and collective accomplishments.
Associated pride, that is, the pride one derives from being associated with a country has limits especially if one sufficiently conscious of his or her dignity. If citizens live miserable lives, it means their dignity is compromised and their associated pride is threatened. Many Batswana are experiencing this complex crisis which results in low levels of patriotism. It follows therefore that patriotism is not an inherent or natural feeling. It is a feeling or value that has to be propagated, generated and sustained and to do so certain conditions must be satisfied. Among these conditions is the warmth, hospitality and affection the regime extend to citizens of the country which then translates into a contented life. At the moment, instead of the warmth and affection, it is the hostility and reign of terror that is extended to citizens by their own government.
People are not content in simply being associated with a particular land, a mere geographical space. It is said that nothing is great in this life than life itself. Batswana do not simply enjoy being referred to as Batswana. They want a life that would make them happy for themselves not for others. If some Batswana are ashamed of their country or some aspects of it, they cannot be expected to celebrate it and when they do not want to be part of the celebrations they are not being unpatriotic but rather they are simply expressing their dissatisfaction through one of the many civil ways of doing so.
We need to appreciate the reality that there is no country that is inherently better than other countries. Similarly, there are no citizens who are more human than others. Nations make themselves great, average or despicable. The fear, confusion and misery that consume the Botswana nation have been created by us, in particular those who are in charge of the republic, and therefore it cannot be said that Batswana are inherently unfortunate due to prevailing natural circumstances.
With specific reference to the 50th independence anniversary celebrations, one important aspect that has to be debunked is who the celebrations are meant to honour. Are they meant to honour Batswana or Botswana? That Botswana got her political independence in 1966 has become more of divine proposition. However, there is need for us to understand what this political independence means to Batswana. As has been indicated above, Botswana ÔÇô that landlocked piece of land surrounded by SA, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia- did not actually gain independence. In the country, the nation got independence. Through this political independence, the citizens of Botswana were allowed self-rule.
Political independence and all its associated benefits and privileges were to be enjoyed by citizens not the land hence the 50th independence anniversary celebrations should not be about honouring Botswana but celebrating Batswana’s achievements. Comments by some government ministers that we ought to celebrate Botswana because it is the only country we have is erroneous, laughable and make such commentators a national embarrassment. Independence Day is not about celebrating the government; it is not about honouring the land we occupy but it is about us and our quality of life. When there is an established trend towards institutionalized corruption; when there is state sponsored divisiveness and vindictiveness, and when there is widespread deprivation, the motivation and the desire to celebrate is circumvented by a burning desire to introspect with a view to right the wrongs and steer the nation from imminent ruin.
This essay adds to the many voices that sought to explain why some sections of the Botswana society have declared to boycott the comical 50th independence anniversary celebrations.
