Lets learn from the SA tragedy

We watched parts of South Africa burning from the riots in Kwazulu-Natal and Johannesburg with anxiety because we have have friends, relatives and business associates together with

strong economic ties as neighbouring countries.

South Africa is our longtime friend and good neighbor. One would only  pray and wish that the riots  had not lasted longer than they did, together with associated destruction of infrastructure and businesses. Some of us never expected that crisis to go for that long even resulting in loss of life and in the end leaving such a huge damage to the economy.

I don’t want to go to why all this happened and start pointing fingers but just want to caution my fellow citizens here in Botswana especially politicians  that a lesson must be learned from the unfortunate scenes  that emerged from South Africa.  

Tribalistic words loosely used and repeated  in  public or political gatherings might  offend or divide us.We see it happening in other parts if Africa. That should be discouraged. We grew up knowing that we are from different tribes, different areas and speak different languages but  share resources from our land equally and that I believe, that made us one united family. Fact is we also differ spiritually, politically and otherwise but we stand United as a nation.We even go to an extent of allowing and welcoming other Citizens outside Botswana to be part of us. Isn’t that BOTHO?

We are a blessed small nation but have a very strong foundation from our founding fathers.I guess they were guided by God and therefore we should never ever let this slip away from us.We may not agree with each other, that is expected and  normal and sometimes we seem to enjoy exchanging hate speech in bublic   but we know at the end of it all we are one family.

Our founding fathers aslo had the ability to unite and instill botho in us and we should not allow anyone regardless their status in the society color or even how wealthy one might be, to devide us for their personal agenda or gain. 

As our national anthem says,this  land of ours is a gift from God. We should protect it and protect each other and always stay United to avoid potential political  turmoil and self economicall destruction.

As I conclude by praying for a speedy economic recovery and Peace in South Africa,I also pray for the leadership of my country NOT  to be derailed but  to put Botswana and Batswana  first before God.Then all good things like youth employment, economic growth, better health fascilities, e.t.c would fall in place and have eternal peace. lastly Let’s not forget to sanitize, wash our hands at all times, not kiss or hug ,keep a distance .Take our Corona injections and stay Home.

Eddie Mdluli 

Jackalas No1