2005 CLAUSE REMOVAL BLAMED FOR BASARWA LAND DIS-POSSESSION

Article By: Solomon Tjinyeka

The removal of a key constitutional clause in 2005 led to the widespread displacement of Basarwa from their ancestral lands.

That’s according to the Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Basarwa Communities, Naledi Moroka, who was speaking at a consultative meeting in Maun.

Moroka said Section 14.3(C) of the Constitution, once a critical safeguard for Basarwa’s rights in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve—was removed during the Roy Sesana court case, stripping many communities of legal protection to remain within the reserve or continue their traditional lifestyle.

She said since then, Basarwa communities have faced systemic marginalization and forced removals across Botswana.

However, Moroka assured the public that the Presidential Commission on Basarwa Issues, appointed by President Duma Boko, is currently conducting nationwide consultations to find lasting solutions.