Introduction to Contemporary Africa. History Essay

INTRODUCTION TO CONTEMPORARY AFRICA
Project Country: Botswana
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STEP 1 : COLONIAL HISTORY AND POLITICAL CONTEXT
Basic Information
Prior to its independence, Botswana was known as Bechuanaland. The capital city of Botswana is Gaborone. When they gained their independence, they did not change the name of capital city but instead it was moved from Mafeking to Gaborone. Botswana is a landlocked country located in South west of Africa situated on a latitude of 22° 20' 34.23" S and longitude of 24° 41' 13.58" E. Botswana has two separate topographical regions, eastern region is mountainous and grassland while the western region is lie on swampy area and semi-arid Kalahari Desert which dominates most parts of the country.
COLONIAL HISTORY OF BOTSWANA.
Impacts of Colonialism on:
1 Local Structures.
Chiefs were the rulers of Tswana tribes and they enjoyed broad powers. They could make final decisions upon consulting a traditional assembly (kgotla). Upon colonialism, local structures were not altered though their roles changed slightly. They still presided over local courts but British would administer criminal cases. There was introduction of hut tax and chiefs became tax collectors. This resulted in people resistance hence causing constraints to the rule.
2 Social and cultural institutions
Land ownership and control vested in the hands of chief (kgosi) who was the custodian and trustee of communal land. During colonial period, the British took their land and forced to work hence forceful slaveries. Various ethnic groups in Botswana allowed polygamy but upon colonialism men were only allowed to marry one wife. Gender roles also changed as men and women could do similar tasks unlike pre-colonial period where roles were based on gender. Inheritance prior colonialism varied between Tswana tradition and property were only allocated to sons. Upon colonialism things changed and daughters and widows were allowed to inherit properties
3 Religious practices
Traditional religion in Botswana focused on ancestral beneficence. There existed cults who performed religious practices. Upon colonialism, missionaries spread Christianity and they were forced to embrace Christianity and abandon their practices.
4 Economy
British introduced hut tax which didn’t depend on ability to pay but rather cash payments. Since most families could not afford to pay tax, they were forced to sell their livestock cheaply to pay.
CATALYSTS TO BOTSWANA INDEPENDENCE
Two major political parties were formed in the run up to the independence of Botswana and played a crucial role in the struggle for independence.
1 Formation of the Botswana People party (BPP)
It was the first mass political party to be formed. It aggressively called for national self-determination, ending racism, and removal of communal representation in LEGCO. it called for independence through one man one vote elections. It later collapsed due to internal feuds
2 Formation of the Botswana Democratic party (BDP)
This is the party which led Botswana to gain independence. It articulated for one man one vote elections wh...