Democracy should begin somewhere. For some nations, it's begins by overthrowing a ruler, going to war, passing a law, en-rooted in a religion or tradition. For Botswana, it is the later. My group and I visited the Kgotla (kh-ot-la) of Old Naledi (meaning old star), the oldest village/township of Gaborone. The town has about 44,000 people. Every village in Botswana has a Kgotla. Kgotla is a traditional political structure in villages that is being practiced for hundred of years. It is lead by a Kgosi (Chief). The Kgosi is in charge of all matters related to the village. In a Kgotla, public meetings are conducted, community councils with the elders, issues are resolved, and legislation is passed. Enforcement of government programs begin from the Kgotla. In addition, it also acts as a court. However, it does not run on a 9 to 5 schedule like most courts do; Botswana has other courts for that. If an issue arises in a community, the Kgotla runs as long as the issue is resolved. All members of the community are invited and allowed to share individual opinions. There are no lawyers in the system. You are your own lawyer and are expected to defend yourself. It's a sophisticated system in that no one interrupts when someone is sharing their thoughts. One can only start after the other is done. You can think of Botswana as having the world's oldest democracies! Botswana has a House of Chiefs, where all the chiefs from other districts gather to discuss issues, and its a permanent advisory to the Parliament.
However, Britain, that come off as the more civilized of nations and quick to point
others as uncivilized, maybe
is not so civilized after all. Ironic isn't it? Recently, the King of Spain caused
a stir in Botswana in a hunting scandal. I came across an article, which gave me a different and a
larger perspective on the issue, which I found to be quite interesting. You might
enjoy this too. So is it fair to label one's culture or custom as primitive or uncivilized? Does skin color, economy, language, infrastructure have anything to do with it?
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| Kgotla of Old Naledi |
In Kgotla, the highest form of war is the dialogue between people. There are no physical altercations involved. Corporal punishment, though, is still practiced in Botswana. " 2,3 on the buttocks!" the Kgotla worker avowed to warn us of committing any wrongdoing. Surprisingly, 19 U.S states allow corporal punishment at school.
Interesting Fact:
Women are supposed to wear long, full-sleeved dresses to enter the Kgotla. Trousers and jackets are worn by men
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