History

San or Basarwa (Bushmen) people have left many rock paintings other evidence of their early presence Botswana. During 17th century 18th century Tswana-speaking people (Bangwato, Bakwena others) settled the area which included parts of Zimbabwe, northern South Africa Botswana. In early 19th century, Batswana people, current inhabitants, suffered at hands more warlike tribes the region, Zulus and Matabele, were forced deeper into less agriculturally-rich lands. upheavals of region were greatly exacerbated when, from around 1836, Boer Trekkers, escaping British rule, began arrive, displacing other groups. In 1840s British missionaries David Livingstone and Robert Moffat established stations among Bakwena; Moffat translated Bible the Setswana language.

1872 Khama III became chief of Bamangwato, one of tribes of Batswana group. capable general administrator, he secured immunity Matabele raids increased order stability. However, European powers now entered scene, exploring dividing up Africa among themselves. avoid Boer rule, particularly after discovery gold at Tati, Paramount Chief Khama asked for British protection; this was given 1885. terms were that Khama retained control administration, law justice, while Britain was responsible for security.

Part of territory was annexed Cape Colony (later Cape Province of South Africa) 1895 while rest remained under British protection as Bechuanaland. Bechuanaland successfully resisted pressure grant mining concessions to British South Africa Company also ( 1909) successfully resisted becoming part of South Africa.

Over next half-century, country languished; it became provider cheap labour for South Africa's mines, education welfare were neglected, the administration came entirely into colonial hands.

1926, Khama III's son, Sekgoma, died, his son, three-year-old Seretse Khama, inherited leadership, with uncle as Regent. Seretse Khama's accession 1950 changed tone Bechuanaland politics. While studying law London, he married white English woman, causing alarm racially-segregated South Africa Rhodesia. Britain yielded pressure exiled Seretse Khama until 1956; on being treed, however, he led political pressure for change in 1960s founded Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). He favoured non-racial and democratic but traditional society in which chiefs traditional courts still had role.

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Source: Copyright © The Commonwealth Yearbook 1996
Many thanks to Mr Peter Emmett (peter.emmett@hcooke.co.uk) for allowing us to use excerpts from the Commonwealth Yearbook.
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