Bushmen Testify in Botswana Land Dispute
By Agence France-Presse Published: November 6, 2004
In the High Court of Botswana, a case is in discussion as to if the Central Kalahari Game Reserve belongs to the San Bushmen or to the government. The Bushmen took this trial to court because they feel that they were forced to move off their land, therefore it was illegal of the country's government. They were relocated to the town of New Xade; first the government sent the wives in trucks, then they came back for the men. Although many supporters of the San claim that the country moved the people to make room for diamond mines, the government is continuously denying it. This case is still present in the court but shold be drawn to a close within a month.
From the perspective of a San Bushman, I would not be willing to leave my land, my home, and travel to a new place because of mining needs. I would try to protect my home as long as possible, until the government came to move me. If I were in their shoes, I would take this case to court as well. My homeland would be worth the trials and long waiting. I would do as much as possible to make people realize that my home was taken out from under me, illegally. I completely support the San in what they are trying to gain recognition of and for.
This court case could have dramatic affects on the life of eveyone in Botswana. If the San really were moved illegally, their supporters could begin an uprising of sort. This could make the government lose some of the respect the people once had for it. Without the people's loyalty, many things could happen to a country. The governing people could try and regain that respect though a long road of hard work, or the common people could throw out the weak government that took land away from innocent people. This trail could possibly have major consequences if the judge rules in favor of the San Bushmen.
From the perspective of a San Bushman, I would not be willing to leave my land, my home, and travel to a new place because of mining needs. I would try to protect my home as long as possible, until the government came to move me. If I were in their shoes, I would take this case to court as well. My homeland would be worth the trials and long waiting. I would do as much as possible to make people realize that my home was taken out from under me, illegally. I completely support the San in what they are trying to gain recognition of and for.
This court case could have dramatic affects on the life of eveyone in Botswana. If the San really were moved illegally, their supporters could begin an uprising of sort. This could make the government lose some of the respect the people once had for it. Without the people's loyalty, many things could happen to a country. The governing people could try and regain that respect though a long road of hard work, or the common people could throw out the weak government that took land away from innocent people. This trail could possibly have major consequences if the judge rules in favor of the San Bushmen.