These words, passionately delivered by my former lecturer, Dr. Tapiwa Gande, amidst a backdrop of sweat-drenched determination, resonate not only with the fervour for the economic emancipation of Africa but also as a reminder that, regardless of circumstance, the pursuit of advancement remains unwavering.
Whether fuelled by the scorching heat of the day or the burning passion for change, Dr. Gande's message etches itself into the fabric of my mind, a rallying call for a mindset shift, starting with the belief that as Africa, the resources are ours and we have authority over them!
In the symphony of nations, Botswana has long been the quiet note humming beneath the surface, overshadowed by the glittering allure of its diamonds. But what if I told you that these precious stones, once seen as shackles of colonialism, are not just inanimate minerals but potential catalysts for an economic revolution beyond what we see now in Botswana?
The transformation from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-based powerhouse is not a mere pivot; it's a metamorphosis that can liberate both the land and the people who call it home.
President Masisi succinctly captured the essence of this transformation, declaring, "It is time Batswana get more; we want more."
This sentiment echoes the rallying cry for economic emancipation, a call to break free from the historical chains that have defined Botswana's narrative for far too long. Our minerals, historically a symbol of exploitation, are more than mere commodities; they are the raw materials for a nuanced narrative of progress.
To understand this shift, we must envision our economic landscape as a canvas, currently painted with strokes of extraction and colonial echoes. Now, imagine the strokes transforming into brushstrokes of knowledge, creativity, and innovation.
President Masisi's vision aligns with the belief that our minerals belong not just to the soil but to the people— Batswana—who possess the intellect to harness their true potential. The metamorphosis from resource dependency to a knowledge-based economy is not a rejection of our mineral wealth but a strategic recalibration of how we define wealth.
Creating additional jobs in Botswana must become the bedrock of our transformative agenda. The stark reality is that for this vision to materialize, transformation must unfold at the grassroots level. We've allowed the export of jobs, knowledge, and economic value for far too long. It's not an audacious plea for Botswana; rather, it should be an unspoken imperative.
This stance isn't 'radical,' as some may hastily label it; rather, it is the rightful demand of a nation deserving of its due. Botswana should adopt a bullish posture in asserting its right to local empowerment. The era of tolerating opacity and being handed the shorter end of the stick, simply because we are the country of origin, is over. We must unequivocally demand transparency and a more equitable share of economic value. No longer should we approach the negotiating table as passive observers, resembling water-drenched pigeons. We must, with utmost determination, reject such a fate. God forbid that we settle for anything less than what Botswana rightfully deserves.
In the realm of economic evolution, Botswana is not merely breaking boundaries; it is disrupting the conventional narrative of a resource-dependent nation. The diamonds that once symbolized colonial exploitation can now be the bedrock of self-determination, a currency that transcends the glitter of monetary value.
The call for "more" is not just a demand for increased economic output; it's an invitation to embrace more profound possibilities. The shift to a knowledge-based economy is an investment in the people—a bet on their potential to innovate, adapt, and lead.
The question that lingers is, how do we achieve this delicate balance? How do we transition from being producers in the shadows to architects of our economic fate? The path to economic liberation beckons, and in the upcoming exploration, we will unravel the nuanced strategies and visionary steps required to forge a destiny where wealth creation and its distribution are not only equitable but also a beacon of progress. Stay tuned for Part 2
*Mathumo is a seasoned communications and brand specialist driven by a deep commitment to fostering sustainable and ethical business practices. He is HB Botswana's Communications Director
