SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

MAPS

A map is a drawing representing all or a part of the earth’s surface.

ATTRIBUTES OR CHARACTERISTICS OF MAPS

Title – shows us what the map is about.

Scale – is used to calculate the ground distance between places on a map. It shows map users
how many times smaller the map is when compared to the real area on the ground. Scale shows
the relationship between real life ground distance and distances on the map.
Key (Legend) and symbols – The key / legend explains the meaning of symbols used on the map.
Symbols show information and physical features on the ground.
Direction sign – Shows us where north is.

Difference between a map and a plan

Maps provide general information while plans give detailed and specific information about a
small area.
Plans are drawn to a large scale while maps are drawn to a small scale.

Difference between maps and aerial photographs

Maps are drawings made by hand while aerial photographs are photos taken using a camera.
Maps only show the information that the mapmaker wants to show while aerial photographs
show everything that is on the surface at the time the picture is taken.
Maps have a key and symbols while aerial photographs don’t.

Difference between maps and satellite images

Maps are drawn on hand while satellite images are taken by a satellite orbiting around the earth.
Maps only show what the mapmaker wants to show but satellite images show everything that is
on the way of the camera when the picture is taken.
The altitude and slope of the land can easily be shown on a map but these are difficult to show on
satellite images.

Map Scale

There are three types of scale

Statement scale – This type of scale is written in the form of a statement. For example, one
centimeter represents hundred kilometers.

How to use statement scale to calculate ground distance

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Given a map scale 1centimeter represents 100 kilometers. Measured map distance
between the two places = 10cm. The calculated ground distance = 100km x 10cm
Answer = 100km.

Linear Scale – This type of scale is shown in the form of a line or a bar. E.g.

How to use linear scale to calculate ground distance

Measuring distance along a straight line

You take a piece of paper or a ruler; place it along the line that you are measuring. Mark
each of the distance and hold it along the linear scale.

Measuring distance along curved lines

Take a straight-edged piece of paper. Mark the starting point then move it until it touches
the shortest straight section of the curved line. Make a mark on the piece of paper and the
line that you are measuring. Continue doing this until the end of the line that you are
measuring. Place the marked piece of paper carefully against the linear scale to find the
exact distance.

Ratio Scale / Representative Fraction scale – This type of scale is written in ratio form e.g. 1: 20
000. This means that 1centimeter on the map represents 20 000 centimeters on the ground. Note
that the units of the scale for the map distance and ground distance are the same. It can also be in
the form of a fraction e.g. ½0 000.

How to use ratio scale to calculate ground distance

Ratio: 1: 50 000
Map distance between two places = 10cm
Calculate the ground distance
Answer : 10cm * 50 000cm = 500 000cm
Now convert 500 000cm to kilometers
500 000 / 100 000 = 5km.
The ground distance = 5km.

Map Directions

We use an instrument known as the compass to find the direction of one place from
another.

Cardinal Points

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

The main compass directions are north, south, east and west. Between the main directions are
intermediate points; north-east, south-east, south-west and north-west.

NW North

NE

West East

SW SE

South

Giving direction

When holding a book upright, always note that the top of the book is where your north is. The
bottom is the south, the right side of the book is the east and the left side is west.

When giving direction always imagine that you are standing at the place mentioned immediately
after the word from. For example, find the direction of X from T below. This is like saying if
you stand at T and point at X where would you be pointing. The answer is North West.

LOCATING PLACES USING LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE LINES

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Lines of latitude and longitude are imaginary lines drawn on a map. They are used to locate
different places and features on a map.

Latitude lines

These are horizontal lines. They run horizontally across the map from west to east. They are also
called parallels because they are lines that never meet. All lines of latitude are measured in
degrees starting from the equator. All latitude lines begin at the line of EQUATOR. This is the
zero degrees (0 º) line. It divides the earth into northern and southern hemisphere. Other latitudes
are numbered from 1to 90 degrees north and south of the equator.

Other latitude lines are the:

Tropic of Capricorn - 23½º S. This line passes in Botswana near Mahalapye.

Tropic of cancer - 23½º N.
Arctic Circle – 66½º N
Antarctic Circle – 66½º S

LINES OF LONGITUDE (MERIDIANS)

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

These are vertical lines running from the north to south .they are also known as Meridians. The
zero degrees (0º) longitude line is known as the GREENWICH MERIDIAN or
PRIME MERIDIAN. This line divides the earth into eastern and western hemispheres.

How to locate places and features using latitude and longitude lines

Always start by giving the latitude. Then find the longitude. For example, finding the location of
Gaborone will be as follows:

Find the latitude line and note the number and direction. The latitude of Gaborone in the map
below is 24ºS.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Find the longitude line and note the number and direction.The longitude of Gaborone in the map
below is 25º E

Finally give the coordinates by writing them like this: Gaborone 24°S 25°E.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Grid References

A grid reference is a network of uniformly spaced horizontal and vertical lines used to locate
places on a topographic map. The horizontal lines of a grid reference are called northings
because their numbers / values increase as one moves northwards. The vertical ones are called
eastings because their values increase as one moves eastwards.

Locating Places using 4 figure grid reference

First find the easting. This is the vertical line on the left side of the square. Note its number.
Secondly find the northing. This is the horizontal line at the bottom of the square. Note the
number.
The position of any point will be described by the bottom left corner of the point that you are
locating or southwest corner of a square in which a particular point is found.
Give the four- figure grid reference by writing it like this: the four –figure grid refence for the

e.g.

Contour lines

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

These are lines drawn on maps joining places of the same height or altitude. Altitude is the
height above sea level while sea level is where land meets the sea. Altitude is shown in metres.
Contour lines are drawn on the map to give us information about what the land is like on real
life. They tell us about:

The shape of the land (relief and landforms)

The height of the land (altitude)
The slope of the land (gradient)

The contour lines are spaced at equal height distances. The difference in height between two
contour lines is called the vertical interval. For example:

10
20
30

The vertical interval of the above feature is 30 – 20 = 10m

Determining physical features using contour lines

Hills & Mountains

Mountains and hills are higher than the surrounding. Hills and mountains are shown by contour
lines that increase to the centre.

Cliff

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

A cliff is a vertical slope. Its contours are so close to each other. The contour lines seem like they
merge (combine).

Plateau

Plateaus are flat at the top. There is a large open space at the centre of the contour lines.

Depressions

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

These are low lying areas. For example rivers, lakes, deltas etc. Contour lines decrease towards
the centre.

River Valley

This is another example of a depression. Rivers flow from a high land to a low land. Its contour
lines are V-shaped and the V points towards high land.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Flat land – Contour lines of a flat land are very far from each other.

e.g. 100

200

Sketch Maps

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

This is a simple map which shows only the main features of an area and their locations. Features
of sketch maps must be labelled clearly so that they can be identified easily. Where symbols are
used, there must be a map key that explains them.

The following is a description and a sketch map will be drawn below it.

From my house I follow a road and pass a hospital on my right. I then pass a bus stop on
my left. I ignore the road that turns east and turn on the next road that turns west. The
road crosses a river that has a bridge. After the river there is a school on the northern part
of the road where my friend works.

Sketch Map.

Key / Legend

bridge
School

road
hospital
bus stop
river
house

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Research Skills
Objectives;

Explain the purpose of research

Identify the components of a research project
Explain the different ways of collecting data
Describe methods of analyzing and presenting data
Discuss ways of writing a report

A research is a careful study or investigation about an issue or a problem.

Purpose of Research.

To get correct information before making important decisions.

To help one identify the causes and possible solutions to problems in the society.
To get new knowledge.
To increase our understanding about an issue or a problem.

Components of a Research

Topic – this tells us what the project or research is about.

Background information - this is a description of the research. It gives us detailed information
about the research.
Statement of the problem – The researcher explains things that caused him or her to carry out the
research.
Research aim or objectives – These are the things that the researcher wants to find out.
Hypotheses – This is a reasonable guess of what one thinks are the possible answers the research
will provide.
Literature review – The researcher writes the information that is in other sources e.g books,
about his / her topic.
Methods of Collecting data – These are the different ways of collecting data e.g
Observation – the researcher observes by taking part in the activity and writes down his / her
experiences
Questionnaire – the researcher writes questions on pieces of paper and gives them to respondents
to answer.
Documents or written materials – these are books, diaries, or journals that the researcher reads.
Interview – the researcher asks people questions and they answer orally.

Types of interview
Interview is divided into 3 parts
Structured interview – The researcher asks the interviewees (respondents) the same questions
and in the same order.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Unstructured interview – The researcher asks different questions and at no particular order.
Semi structured interview – Part of the interview involves set questions and the other part
involves oral interview.
Acknowledgements – The researcher thanks the people that helped him / her to carry out the
research.
e.g I would like to thank my father Thabo and my mother Thando for helping me with
this research.
9. Limitations – These are the problems that the researcher came across with when doing
the research.
e.g it was raining and I could not manage to go out and research.
- I did not have money for transport.
10. Data analysis – Analysis involves describing and comparing facts.
11. Data presentation – Data can be presented in the form of:
* Tables, pie charts and graphs
--- A researcher can collect two forms of data:
Quantitative data – This is data that is in the form of numbers. It provides answers to questions
of height, quantity, value etc.
Qualitative data – This is data that is in the form of text. It can be people’s knowledge, attitudes,
beliefs etc.

12. Conclusion – the researcher summarizes the project.

13. Recommendations – the research states what should be done to correct or minimize the
problem.

14. Bibliography – The researcher lists the books that he or she used in doing the research. These
must be written in alphabetical order.

e.g

1. Maotwe, T. 1998. Principles of Agriculture. Gaborone: Mcmillan.

2. Mauto. X. 2008. Living with HIV and AIDS. Mochudi: Longman

Steps for carrying out a research

Research Preparation
Gather the information you need
Write a report or present your findings.

The Physical Environment of Botswana

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Objectives:

Discuss the various elements of the physical environment

Differentiate weather from climate
Use of weather instruments to measure and record weather elements
Differentiate orographic/relief, covegence/frontal and convectional rainfall
Describe the climate of Botswana in relation to major environmental zones, soils and vegetation types

Physical Environment is the natural surrounding where people plants and animals live. It is made
up of elements such as soil, water, animals, vegetation, atmosphere and landforms.

The physical environment’s atmosphere contains water vapour, the condition of the atmosphere
leads to weather and climate.

Climate

Climate is the condition of the atmosphere over a long period of time e.g. 40 years.

Weather

Weather is the condition of the atmosphere over a short period of time e.g. a week, a day or a
month.

Instruments for measuring weather

Weather Instrument Units of

Element Measurement
Rain Rain gauge Mm
Wind Speed Cup Km / hr
Anemometer
Wind Windvane Compass
Direction points
Temperature Themometer ºC
Humidity Hygrometer ºC
Cloud Cover Eyes Oktas Scale
Atmospheric Barometer Millibars
pressure
Sunshine Sunshine Hours and
recorder minutes per
day

Measuring Rainfall

Leave 5 lines for a diagram

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

The rain gauge is placed in an open area so that rain falls directly into it, when rain stops falling,
the water is poured into a measuring cylinder and a reading is taken. Rainfall is recorded after 24
hours.

Measuring Maximum Temperature

Leave 5 lines for a diagram

When air temperature rises, the mercury expands and rises up the metal tube. This forces the
index to rise too. Once the temperature drops, the mercury contracts and drops leaving the metal
index in the position to which it had been pushed. The level of the metal index closest to the
mercury is read to see how many degrees it is. The metal index is then drawn back by using a
magnet.

Measuring Minimum Temperature

Leave 5 lines for a diagram

Alcohol is used for measuring minimum temperature because it responds better than mercury to
temperature changes. When temperature falls, the alcohol contracts and pulls the metal index
downwards towards the bulb. The minimum temperature is read by looking at the end of the
metal index closest to the bulb.

Measuring Humidity

A hygrometer is made up of a wet – bulb and a dry – bulb thermometer. If the difference
between the two bulbs is small it means that the percentage moisture in the air is 100% and there
is high humidity. If the air is full of moisture there will be no evaporation and the readings on
both thermometers will be the same.

Types of Rainfall

Convectional Rainfall

Leave 10 lines for a diagram

The sun heats the air and water.

The hot moist air rises and cools.
Water vapour in the air condenses to form clouds.
Once clouds reach saturation point, water falls on earth as rain.
The type of rainfall usually falls in the afternoon and is accompanied by thunder and lightining.

Relief or Orographic Rainfall

Leave 10 lines for a diagram

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Moist air is forced to rise over hills or mountains.

As the air rises, it cools.
Water vapour in the air condenses to form clouds.
Once clouds reach saturation point, water falls on the earth’s surface as rain.

Frontal or Convergence rainfall

Leave 10 lines for a diagram

Cold and warm air masses meet.

The warm air is forced to rise over the cold one.
As the warm air rises, it cools.
Water vapour in the air condenses to form clouds.
Once the clouds reach saturation point, water falls to the earth’s surface as rain.

The Climate of Botswana

Botswana is generally a semi – arid area. Most of the parts in Botswana receive less than
500 mm of rainfall annually. Rains usually fall in summer and sometimes they do not fall
at all. Winters are usually dry. Rains do not always fall when they are expected that is
sometimes they come early and at other times they come late or they come late and stop
early.

The driest areas in Botswana are the western and south western parts while the northern
part is the wettest. Most of Botswana is hot in summer with temperatures ranging
between 25 and 30 ºC. Winters are cold with the southern part being the coldest.

Botswana’s Major Environmental Zones

Leave 10 lines for a map

Characteristics of the Desert Environment

Rainfall – This area receives less than 250mm of rainfall annually. Rains fall in summer and are
unreliable.
Temperature – Temperatures in summer are between 27 and 40 ºC while in winter they are
between 0 and 12 ºC. Thus the desert area is very hot in summer and very cold in winter.
Soils – Most of the desert area is covered with sandy soils. These are poor for crop farming.
Vegetation – The desert has few trees. It mostly has dry scrubs and shrub vegetation. Most of the
trees in this area are drought resistant. They have long roots to enable them to reach water deep
under the ground. They also have waxy leaves to help reduce loss of moisture.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Human Activities – People in this area are hunter gatherers. They live a nomadic way of life.

Characteristics of the Semi Desert Environment

Rainfall – This area receives rainfall of between 250mm and 400 mm annually. Rains fall in
summer and are unreliable.
Temperature – Temperatures in summer are between 27 and 35 ºC while in winter they are
between 5 and 12 ºC.
Soils – Most of the semi desert area is covered with infertile sandy soils.
Vegetation – The semi desert has bush and shrub savannah vegetation. The shrub savannah
grows closer to each other compared to that of the desert because rainfall is slightly higher.
Human Activities – People in this area are hunter gatherers. They are pastoralists.

Characteristics of the Hard Veld or Eastern Margin Environment

Rainfall – This area receives rainfall of between 350mm and 500 mm annually. Rains fall in
summer and are of mostly of convectional type.
Temperature – Temperatures in summer are between 27 and 35 ºC while in winter they are
between 5 and 12 ºC.
Soils – The area is covered by fertile loam soils.
Vegetation – The vegetation consists of tall trees and grass for example tree and bush savannah
and mophane trees. Trees lose their leaves in winter and shed them in summer.
Human Activities – People in this area are hunter gatherers. They are pastoralist and arable
farmers.

Characteristics of the Swamp Environment

Rainfall – This area receives rainfall of between 450mm and 600 mm annually. Rains fall in
summer and are of mostly of convectional type.
Temperature – Temperatures in summer are between 27 and 35 ºC while in winter they are
between 5 and 12 ºC.
Soils – The area is covered by fertile alluvial soils.
Vegetation – The vegetation consists of tall trees and grass that grow well in water such as reeds
and water lilies. Palm trees are found at the edges of the swamp.
Human Activities – People in this area are weave baskets and catch fish. They are pastoralist and
arable farmers.

Characteristics of the Deciduous Forest Environment

Rainfall – This area receives rainfall of 600 mm or more annually. Rains fall in summer and are
of mostly of convectional type.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Temperature – Temperatures in summer are between 27 and 35 ºC while in winter they are
between 12 and 18 ºC.
Soils – The area is covered with sandy and clay soils.
Vegetation –Most of the vegetation found in this area is deciduous. This type of vegetation loses
its leaves in winter. It consists of tall trees, few bushes and scattered grasses. E.g. mukwa and
makusi.
Human Activities – People in this area practice lumbering and fishing. They are pastoralist and
arable farmers.

How the environment has traditionally influenced people in the Desert and Semi - Desert

People who live in this environment are Basarwa.

They were hunter gatherers. They hunted wild animals and gathered fruits that were in their
environment.
Shelter – They built temporary shelter using branches and grass because these were readily
available in their environment.
Nomads – Since they had very little material possessions, they moved from one place to another
following wild animals.
Rock paintings – They painted on rocks to indicate the activities they did at that particular are
and their ways of life.
Clothing – They wore skins of animals that they killed in their environment.

How the environment has traditionally influenced people in the Hard Veld / Eastern Margin

People found in this environment are Bangwato, Bakwena, Bakalanga etc.

They were hunter gatherers – They hunted wild animals and gathered fruits that were found in
their environment.
Shelter – They built huts using clay soil and roofed with grass as these were available in their
environment.
Arable farmers – Since their environment had fertile soils, they grew crops.
Pastoral farmers – Because their environment received high rainfall they reared livestock.
Food – Those who lived near rivers caught fish to supplement their diet.

How the environment has traditionally influenced people in the Wetlands or swamp

People who live here are Bayei, Bambukushu and Batawana etc.

Hunter gatherers – They hunted animals such as hippopotamus that were found in their
environment to supplement their diet.
Farming – Because the area had fertile alluvial soils, they grew crops.
Transport – They used canoes made from tree trunks that they got from their environment.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Rivers – Their environment had perennial rivers so they caught fish.

Shelter – they used reeds that grew in the swamps and rivers as building materials.
Socio – Economic Factors that lead to an unsustainable Environment

Unsustainable use of the environment is about damaging the resources and misusing the
renewable and non-renewable resources. Misuse of the environment makes it difficult for
people both present and future generations to meet their needs.

The following are some of the economic factors that lead to an unsustainable
environment:
Poor farming methods – Some farmers overstock or keep too many animals in a small piece of
land. This results in overgrazing.
Veld fires – Farmers burn the bush to kill insects or to enable new grass to grow, this damages
the environment as the new grass is less nutritious.
Mono cropping – This is as a result of farmers who grow the same crop at the same area year
after year. This causes the soil to lose its fertility.
Lack of environmental awareness – Some people are not aware that their actions destroy the
environment.
Deforestation – Some people cut down trees to make fire at their homes or to fence their fields.
This causes soil erosion.

Major Environmental Problems in Botswana and their Solutions

Overgrazing – Some farmers overgraze area that they live in because the overstock cattle. This
results in soil erosion.
Pollution – Some people make the environment dirty and untidy. This affects other people’s
health.
Deforestation – Some people cut down trees to make fire and for building their houses. This
results in the top soil been easily eroded

Solutions to problems of Overgrazing

The government must come up with laws of how many cattle each farmer should keep. If the
cattle exceeds the set number farmers must be forced to sell them.
Farmers must be encouraged to buy ranches.
Over grazed areas must be given time to grow by moving livestock to un - grazed areas.

Solutions to problems of Pollution

The government must punish people who pollute the environment.
People must be taught about recycling and reusing waste.
Areas where old equipment can be disposed safely must be created.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Solutions to problems of Deforestation

People must be encouraged to use solar energy.

People must practice afforestation.

The role of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in the management of natural resources in
Botswana

Indigenous Knowledge is all the skills and technologies that a particular cultures, communities or
societies have developed over time and use in order to survive in their environment. For example
when Basarwa hunted, they killed only what they need or what they thought would last them for
days to come. Thus if they had meat at their homes they did hunt. This ensured that plants and
animals multiplied. Also Farmers knew which cattle breeds were best for meat and milk. So
those for milk were never killed.

Factors affecting water resources in Botswana

Low rainfall – Botswana receives little rainfall so it takes long for dams to fill up.
Seasonal rainfall – Rains only fall in summer so water sources dry up when there is no rain.
Drought – Botswana often experiences drought so sources dry up.
High temperature – Because of high temperatures surface water evaporates.
Pollution – People pollute water make it unsafe for people to drink it.
Sandy soils – Botswana’s soils have poor water holding capacity so water quickly runs off.

Water conservation practices in Botswana

In times of drought, the water authorities put up laws such as not allowing people to water their
gardens with clean water.
Large businesses are encouraged to install recycling systems.
Organizations are encouraged to install water tanks to collect water when rains fall.
Businesses and organizations re – use water especially industries.
Dry gardening – Some people use objects such as stones and pottery of different colors, shapes
and texture. They also use plants that use very little water and those that are drought resistant.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Family in Botswana

A family is a group of people living in the same household, related through marriage, blood,
adoption or assimilation.

The Importance of marriage

Marriage makes the relationship between a man and a woman official and legal. It is a proper
way for a man and woman to live together as husband and wife and to start their own family.
Marriage gives the husband and wife rights and responsibilities towards each other.
Marriage gives the husband and wife special rights in their communities e.g. only married people
can attend traditional marriage ceremonies (patlo).
Once their parents are married, children have the right to use their father’s surname.
Marriage creates new family relationships between a husband and wife’s extended family
members.

Types of Marriages in Botswana

Customary marriage

This type of marriage is performed according to the traditional customs of an ethnic group. The
laws based on culture are used to guide the married couple. Customary marriage also involves
the payment of bride price (bogadi) by the man’s family to the woman’s family.

The Implications / effects of customary marriages on the rights and responsibilities of married
couples

Rights

Marital power – The husband is the head of the family. He makes all decisions concerning the
family.
Property rights – The husband owns all the family property except those that the wife had before
marriage.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Polygamy – A man can marry any number of wives that he wants to.
Custody of children – Children belong to the husband’s family and identify with their father’s
home village and ethnic group.

Responsibilities of the husband

He is the main provider of the family.

He represents his family in all important matters.
He manages family resources and property e.g. he takes care of the family cattle.
He trains sons in the roles and responsibilities of a man and husband.

Responsibilities of the wife

She does all household chores such as cooking, cleaning etc.

She takes care of children in the family.
She trains daughters in the roles and responsibilities of a woman and wife.
She grows and harvests crops for the family.

Civil Marriage
This is when a woman and man marry according to marriage laws created by the
government. Under this type of marriage, a person can only get married when he or she is
18 years old but only if the parents or guardians approve. Those that are 21 years old can
marry without the permission of their parents or guardians.

The Implications / effects of civil marriages on the rights and responsibilities of married couples

Rights
Both the man and woman are allowed to marry only one person.
The husband and wife are both heads of their family. They consult each other and have to give
consent (permission) before family property can be sold.
Couples can choose to marry ‘in community of property’ or ‘out of community of property’.
Those that marry in community of property share everything they own equally. Those that marry
out of community of property don’t share property.
When the two parents’ divorce, custody of children is decided by the court of law.

Responsibilities
They must be faithful to each other and should not commit adultery.
They must love and care for each other and their children.
They manage family resources and property wisely.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Religious marriage

This is when a man and woman get married according to the marriage laws of a particular
religion or religious group. The ceremony is usually conducted by a religious leader.

The Implications / effects of religious marriages on the rights and responsibilities of married
couples

Rights
Religions like Islam allow a man to marry more than one wife. Other religious allow only one
partner.
Some religions give the husband the right to be the head of the family and to manage family
resources.
Some religions discourage divorce.

Responsibilities
Couples must be faithful to each other.
Couples have a responsibility to care for each other and to raise children to be members of their
parents’ church.

Factors that influence family sizes in Botswana

Family planning services – Because of the use of contraceptives such as the pill and condoms
families have fewer children.
Education - The more educated a woman is, the fewer the number of children she tends to have.
Cultural customs – Some cultures still practice polygamy. So such families usually have a larger
number of children than where a man has only one wife.
Early parenthood – Teenage pregnancies and early marriages result in a large family because the
period in which they can have children is longer.
HIV / AIDS – HIV positive women these days choose to have few children in order to protect
their health, the results in small families.

The rights and responsibilities of family members

Family members have a right to:
Basic needs e.g. food and shelter.
Love, care and protection from other family members.
Help and sympathy in times of need.
Be treated fairly and justly by other family members.
To take part in important family events such as weddings and funerals.

Family members have a responsibility to:

Obey family rules and respect each other.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Co-operate with other family members.

Take good care of their children by providing them with basic needs.
Help each other in times of need.
Work hard and do their best towards becoming self-reliant in meeting their basic needs.

Challenges facing families in Botswana

HIV / AIDS – Families have to have the resources to take care of the sick and pay for the cost of
burying those who die. Where both parents have died, other family members find it difficult to
take care and support the children.

Solutions to the challenge above

People must be encouraged to go for HIV testing as they will be able to protect themselves if
they know their status.
Those that are infected must be encouraged to seek help at clinics and hospitals.

Poverty and unemployment – People who are not working cannot support themselves and their
families sufficiently.

Solutions to the challenge above

Those who have the resources must help those who have no resources.
People should share ideas on how to generate money.

Divorce – This affects the couple and their children as their family is torn apart.
Solutions to the challenge above

Encourage couples to go for marriage guidance and counselling before they get married.
Parents and other relatives should avoid interfering in the couple’s marriage.

Working outside the home – Jobs nowadays do not allow children and couples to be together as
parents usually work far away from their homes.
Solutions to the challenge above

Employing a reliable and trustworthy home helper.

Asking members of the extended family to help with children.

Rural-Urban migration – Because of this families have little or no influence over the lives of
their children.
Solutions to the challenge above
Rural areas must be developed so that people do not find the need to move to towns and cities
and leave their families behind.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

The role of the family in conserving natural resources

Families must:
Keep the right number of livestock for the size of the grazing area.
Water flower and vegetable gardens early in the morning and late in the evening when the evaporation
rate is low.
Plant woodlots to provide them with the wood they need.
Ensure that their livestock receives proper care.
Sell the old metal so that they are recycled.

Gender Issues

Objectives;
Explain the importance of gender equity
Discuss the role and status of men and women in a traditional society and the changes experienced
Discuss cultural practices that discriminate against men and women
Evaluate attempts made to promote gender equity in Botswana
Suggest ways of empowering men and women
Describe the forms , causes and solutions to gender based violence.

Gender is the social and cultural roles, characteristics and values given to males and females by
society.

Gender equality is the idea that males and females should be treated in exactly the same way.

Gender equity is treating males and females in ways that are fair to each in a given situation.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

The Importance of gender equity

It enables females to benefit from opportunities, resources and developments in their countries
fairly.
It encourages people to realize that both men and women have the rights and freedoms.
Helps men and women to value each other as human beings to respect and support each other.
It shows society the values of both male and females.
It ensures that the majority of the population shares the benefits and opportunities equally.

The roles and status of men in a traditional society

They were the heads of their families

They represented and negotiated on behalf of their families especially during weddings.
They owned and took care of the family cattle.
Only men could be chiefs.
They were responsible for defending the community against attacks by enemies.

The roles and status of women in a traditional society

Took care of their husbands and supported them in making decisions.

Took care of household chores like cleaning, cooking etc.
Planted and harvested the crops.
Were not allowed to hold positions of authority like being a chief.

Changes in the roles of men and women

They both are heads of their families

Some women nowadays earn better salaries than their husbands.
Men also do household chores.
Women can now take care and support their children on their own.
Women now hold positions of authority in the society e.g. chiefs.

Cultural practices that discriminate against men and women.

A man who has children out of marriage has no right to visit his children as it is said that the
children belong to their mother’s family. This discriminates against man because they are
prevented from knowing their children.
When a man marries he has to pay bogadi but a woman does not.
A woman has no right to claim maintenance from the father of the child if the child is born out of
marriage. Only the woman’s parents are paid compensation.
Men are allowed to marry more than one wife but women are not.
A woman whose husband has died is expected to wear special mourning clothes but a man
doesn’t.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

How the government promotes gender equity in Botswana.

Males and females are given equal opportunities e.g. they are given equal access to education
and jobs.
The government signs international agreements on gender issues.
Laws that discriminate on the basis of gender have been changed e.g. the citizenship act was
changed in 1995.
A women’s Affairs department was established which ensures that gender equity issues are
included in the work of all government ministries and departments.

Ways of empowering men and women

Empowering means to help people gain control of their lives by giving them the power,
knowledge, skills, attitudes and resources that they need to realize their full potential as
individuals or as a group.

Men and women can be empowered by:

Removing laws that discriminate against them.

Providing them with equal access to resources such as land, business loans etc.
Providing career guidance to encourage boys and girls to train for any career of their choice.
Educating both men and women about the importance and benefits of gender equality and equity
in society.
Making men and women aware of gender based human rights violations such as forced or early
marriages and domestic violence.

Gender based violence

This is any harmful act that is done against an individual or a group of people because of their
gender.

Forms of gender based violence

Physical violence – This is about causing pain and injury to the body e.g. slapping, kicking,
beating etc.
Sexual violence - This is about forcing a person into any sexual or persistent unwanted sexual
attention e.g. rape, forced prostitution etc.
Mental and emotional violence – damaging another person’s self-esteem and self confidence e.g.
being constantly humiliated and insulted, threats to life, safety and security.

Causes of gender based violence

In many societies men are superior to women and have power and authority over women. This
they show by using violence on women.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Socialization – In some societies men are made to believe that they have the right to use violence
on women so they see nothing wrong with beating women.
Unequal access to resources such as land and education. Because men have better access to
resources women depend on them for everything and they are therefore vulnerable to them.

Solutions to gender based violence

People must be educated about issues in order to encourage respect for women and girls.
Offenders must be punished with severe forms of punishment like lengthy sentences.
Laws and policies that promote gender equality and equity must be made.
Counseling must be offered to victims of gender based violence.
Community structures such as the Village Development Committees must be use to change
people’s cultures, beliefs and attitudes.

The Origins of Humans

Objectives;

Define pre-history and history

Discuss the various sources of historical information
Explain the theories of evolution and creation that explains human origin
Summarise the technological stages of stone age and iron age

Pre – history – is the period before people started writing.

History is the study of the past. It began when people first developed writing and started creating
written documents.

Sources of historical information

Material remains / archaeology

Archaeology is the study of material remains left by people who lived a long time ago. When
people leave a place, they leave behind objects such as bones, seeds, pottery, tools and jewellery.
These are things that Historians use to learn about the past. Historians also study fossils. These
are the remains of very old plants or animals which are preserved in rocks. They show us what
kind of animals and plants lived during that time.

Palaeontology is the study of fossils.

Disadvantages of using material remains

Many artefacts used by people in the past no longer exist because they rot and there is no
evidence about them.
Material evidence does not show how people felt and how they thought.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Oral traditions – these are stories about the past that are passed from one generation to the next
by word of mouth. Researchers usually get this information by interviewing old people.

Disadvantages of using Oral traditions

It is not possible to remember everything that happened in the past.

Information about dates, names and events sometimes gets mixed up or not remembered
correctly.
People can be biased and give only information that favours them.
Information can be distorted
Documentary sources – These include written information, photographs and films.
Documentary sources of information are divided into primary and secondary sources.

Primary source is evidence left behind or information provided by people who witnessed
or took part in events that are being studied.

Secondary source is evidence or information from people who were not present when the
events took place. E.g. information on books and oral history.

Disadvantages of using documentary sources

Writers can state their opinions
Not everything can be recorded or written.
Some records are destroyed.

Human origins according to creation stories

Christianity

According to the bible, the earth had nothing there was complete darkness. In the beginning God
created light, day and night, land, the sea, plants and creatures that live in water. On the sixth day
he created human beings and animals.

To create a human being, God took some soil from the ground and formed a man. He breathed
life-giving breath into him and the man began to live. God then planted the Garden of Eden and
put man in charge of caring for it.

He then created different kinds of animals. Finally he created a woman out of a rib he took from
the man.

Basarwa

The Basarwa believe that a supernatural being called Huwe created all living things including
people. Huwe lived in the sky with the souls of dead people.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Bakalanga

They say that Ngwale was their creator. Ngwale was the child of God who lived in a cave. Their
ancestors and animals are believed to have come out of that cave.

Batswana

They believe their first ancestor was a man called Matsieng. He lived underground under the
control of a god called Tintibane. Lowe, a one-sided spirit helped him escape from underground
to the world above through a hole. He brought his property and people with him.

The theory of evolution

Evolution means a process of change that happens very slowly. The theory of evolution is the
idea that all living things have developed over millions of years from earlier forms of life.

A European scientist called Charles Darwin claimed many years ago that evolution is the result
of natural selection. Natural selection means only plants and animals that are the strongest,
healthiest and best adapted to their environment survive.

Origins of human beings according to the theory of evolution

Most scientists believe that hominids first evolved in Africa and later migrated to other parts of
the world. This is why Africa is known as the ‘cradle of humankind’.

Australopithecine

These are the first ancestors of modern human beings. They walked on two legs but with a
forward stoop (bend). Lived between 1 and 4 million years ago.

Homo habils

They walked on two legs with a stoop, they had a larger skull and brain than Australopithecine.
They lived about 2.5 million years ago.

Homo erectus

They remains were found at Java in Indonesia. They lived around 1.8 million years ago. They
lived in the caves and near rivers. They made and used fire to cook food and keep warm.

Homo sapiens

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Lived about 300 000 years ago. They looked like the people of today. They walked upright and
had a larger brain than Homo erectus. They lived in caves and communicated with each other.
Just like Homo erectus, they too used fire to cook and keep warm.

The Technological Stages

The Early Stone Age

This was the time when humans used and made stone tools. These tools were made by Homo
erectus and were first found at Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania and they are called Oldowan tools.
Examples of these tools are choppers and cleavers.

Other Stone Age stools are found at St Acheul in France. These are known as Acheulian tools.
Examples are the hand axe and cleavers. The hand axe was used as a knife and scrapper.

The early Stone Age tools were big in size and were heavy. A tool could be used for different
tasks.

The Middle Stone Age

The first people to use these tools were Homo sapiens. The tools were made from stone flakes.
They were thinner, smaller and lighter than the early Stone Age tools. People made different
tools for different tasks.

They made blade tools that they used for cutting and scrapping. They made spears by fixing
handles on small stone blades and flakes.

The Late Stone Age

Homo sapiens made tiny tools or thumbnail size tools that were known as microliths. Examples
of such tools were spears, knives etc. These tools were made by gluing several small flakes
together and attaching them to a wooden handle using gum from trees.

Arrows were smeared with poison made from plants and insects. They also dug holes on stones
and fixed them to a stick to make the tool heavier, such tools were used for digging.

The Iron Age Technology

This was the period when people mined and used iron or metal to make tools. The iron ore was
crushed and then mixed with charcoal and put into a clay furnace (heater). This was done until a
(chunk) of iron was produced. A smith (person who made things from iron) would then heat a
piece of iron and hammer it into the type of tool that he desired. The Bantu speaking people are

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

believed to be the ones who introduced this technology in Southern Africa. People made tools
such as hoe blades that were used for cultivating the land, axes, knives, spears etc.

Early Civilization in Mesopotamia

Leave 12 lines for a map

Mesopotamia means the land between Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

The Social Ways of life of people of Mesopotamia

They belonged to different classes. There were those of the upper class (king, queen and nobles),
middle class (government officials), lower class (labourers and fishermen) and slaves.
Religion – They believed in many gods. Their gods lived in the ziggurat (mountain of god or a
very large pyramid) People went to the temple to pray and took gifts with them. They talked to
their gods through the priest or priestesses.
Marriage – The father was the head of the family. A married woman’s job was to take care of her
children.
Rights and responsibilities – They owned property. Man could marry more than one wife.
Slaves could be bought and sold.
Settlement – They lived along the banks of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

Economic Ways of Life

Land ownership – Farmers rented land from the priest and priestesses.
Farming – They were mixed farmers. Tigris and Euphrates rivers deposited fertile soils that
enabled them to grow crops.
Trade – They bartered with their neighbours for timber and minerals.

Political ways of life

Law – the king made all the laws with the help of his advisors. All the people obeyed these laws.
Those who broke the law were punished through death or fines.
Empires – Initially the people of Mesopotamia were united into one empire but wars usually
destroyed such empires.

Technology Development

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Writing – They created the first writing system. They used pictures to represent different words.
Their form of writing was known as cuneiform. They wrote on wet clay tablets. This enabled
them to keep permanent records.
The wheel – They used it to transport heavy goods. Sometimes donkeys were used to pull it.
Seeder plough – It enabled farmers to plough and plant at the same time. This enabled farmers to
save time and to plough larger fields.
Irrigation – As Mesopotamia did not receive enough rainfall, farmers dug canals from rivers
across their fields to take water to their crops. These rivers sometimes flooded so they built
dykes or weirs (barriers) to avoid this problem.

Comparisons of Mesopotamia with the modern world

Settlements

People lived in cities just like today

People lived near rivers just like today

Contrasting (differences) Mesopotamia with the modern world

Modern cities are bigger than those of Mesopotamia
People nowadays live in towns and villages.

Comparisons of Mesopotamia with the modern world

Government

Just like today Mesopotamians were ruled by kings.

They had written laws for punishing law breakers
They had rights like the right to own property just like today

Contrasting (differences) Mesopotamia with the modern world

Most of the leaders today are elected and have no link to gods.
Modern people have rights like the right to vote for a leader that Mesopotamians did not have.

Comparisons of Mesopotamia with the modern world

Technology

They were able to read and write just like modern human beings.
They used ploughs for ploughing just like modern farmers do.
They also irrigated their crops.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Contrasting (differences) Mesopotamia with the modern world

Modern methods of writing are easy compared to cuneiform

Only sons of wealthy people attended school which is not the case nowadays.
Today people use different materials to build e.g. steel and cement.

Early Civilization in Egypt

Leave 12 lines for a map

The Social Ways of life of people of the Egyptians

They belonged to different classes. They were led by the Pharaoh and some people belonged to
the upper class (king, queen and nobles), middle class (soldiers, scribes, and traders), lower class
(peasant farmers, servants) and slaves.
Religion – They believed in many gods. A statue of the god or goddess was kept in the temple
and was cared for by the priest and priestesses. They believed in life after death.
Marriage – The father was the head of the family. People married within their social class.
Education – Only boys and a few girls from the upper class attended school. People who could
write were called scribes and were highly respected.
Settlement – Most of the people lived along the banks of the Nile River.

Economic Ways of Life

Land ownership – Farmers worked as tenants or farm labourers for the rich landowners ( nobles)
Farming – Farming took place along the banks of the Nile River as it deposited fertile soils that
enabled them to grow crops.
Trade – They bartered with their neighbours for iron and silver.
Hunting and gathering – They hunted birds and caught fish in the Nile river.
Tax – All farmers paid tax to the Pharaoh.

Political ways of life

Law – the Pharaoh made all the laws with the help of his advisors. All the people obeyed these
laws. Those that broke the law were punished through death or fines.
Empires – Initially Egypt was divided into two kingdoms, Upper and Lower Egypt. Later a
single kingdom was created.

Structure of the government

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Pharaoh

Military Administrative Religious

The Military

The Upper and Lower Egypt each had its own army corp. Each army corp was headed by a chief
deputy.

The Administration

The senior officials of the administration were the viziers or chief ministers. Their duty was to
supervise district governors, ensure that canals were dug and settle disputes.

The Religious branch

Their duties were to clean the temple and statue, receive and prepare gifts perform and religious
rituals.

Technology Development

Writing – Their form of writing was known as hieroglyphics. Writing enabled them to keep
permanent records.
Paper making - They wrote on papyrus reeds that grew along the banks of the Nile river. They
wrote by dipping the stylus on ink made from special plants.
The Plough – They ploughed using a light wooden plough which was pulled by oxen.
The shaduf – This was a long pole tied to a cross beam. A heavy weight was tied to the lower
end of the pole. A long rope was tied to the top end of the pole and a bucket was tied to the end
of the rope. The farmer pulled the bucket down into the river to draw water and poured it into a
canal next to the river at the edge of the field.
Irrigation – Egyptians depended on the Nile River as a source of water. Farmers dug small canals
to carry water from the Nile River to small ponds in their fields.
Mummification – Egyptians preserved dead bodies by drying them. The body was preserved in
order to keep it in good condition. They believed that a dead person’s soul continued to live in
the body after death. They removed all internal organs including the brain. The body was dried
using a special substance called natron. They packed mud and sand under the skin, the empty
stomach was filled with linen cloth. The body was then rubbed with oil and resins. It was then
wrapped with linen clothes and put in wooden coffins.
Pyramid – Mummified bodies were buried in a small room in the middle of the pyramid.

Comparisons of Egypt with the modern world

Settlements

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

People lived in villages just like today

People lived near the Nile river just like today

Contrasting (differences) Egypt with the modern world

Most people live in towns and cities

Comparisons of Egypt with the modern world

Government

The position of the pharaoh was hereditary.

Senior government officials were appointed.

Contrasting (differences) Egypt with the modern world

People do not believe that leaders of the countries are ancestors.

Leaders were not elected.
Senior positions in government are not inherited.

Comparisons of Egypt with the modern world

Technology

People read and write.

Farmers irrigate their crops.

Contrasting (differences) Egypt with the modern world

Modern technologies are very complex and advanced e.g. computers, satellites etc.

The Origins of the Nation

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Settlement of people in Southern Africa around 1800

Leave 12 lines for a map

The ways of life of the San (Basarwa)

Economic ways of life

Nomadic – They moved from place to place in search of food and water. They did not have any
material possessions; they only had what they needed to hunt wild animals and to gather wild
fruits.
Hunting and gathering – men and boys hunted animals such as giraffe, hares while women and
girls gathered fruits. They used bows and arrows for hunting while women used sticks to dig out
roots.
Fishing – Those that lived near Boteti River caught fish to supplement their diet.

Social Ways of life

Shelter – They lived in caves or in temporary shelters built using branches and covered with
grass. They abandoned the shelter when they moved to another place.
Leisure – Their leisure time involved games, songs and dance. These were about their daily
hunting and gathering activities.
Fire making – they rubbed sticks against each other until sparks lit up the grass. Fire provided
them with light, kept dangerous animals away and kept them warm.
Caring for their environment – They believed that killing animals and destroying the plants
needlessly would cause drought and famine. So they only hunted and gathered enough to meet
their daily needs.
Social groups – lived in small groups of 20 to 30 people.
Marriage – men married women from other groups. After marriage, the man lived with his wife’s
family until they had children.

Political ways of life

They did not have chiefs. Someone with a special skill such as making fire or who had rights to a
water hole could be recognized as the leader of the group.

The Ways of life of the Khoi

Economic ways of life

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Nomadic – They only moved when they needed to find new pastures and water sources for their
livestock.
Pastoralists – They kept flocks of fat tailed sheep and herds of long horned cattle. Livestock
provided them with milk, meat and skins.
Hunting and gathering - men and boys hunted animals such as giraffe, hares while women and
girls gathered fruits.

Social ways of life

Shelter – They built temporary shelter using long thin poles and woven mats.
Social groups – They lived in large groups of more than 100 people.
Marriage – They married women of other clans. They were allowed to marry many wives. Paid
bride price in the form of sheep.
Clothing – they made clothes using skins of wild animals and their livestock.
Religious beliefs – They believed in a Supreme Being and ancestral spirits.

Political ways of life

They were led by chiefs who ruled with the assistance of headman.
The chief’s position was hereditary.
Chiefs consulted with the headmen before making decisions.
The chief had the power to settle disputes.

Differences between the ways of life of the San and the Khoi

The Khoi lived in larger groups than the San.

The Khoi kept livestock while the San didn’t.
The Khoi had material possessions while the San didn’t.
Unlike the San the Khoi did not depend on hunting and gathering as their main source of food.
The khoi were not as nomadic as the San were, they only moved when pastures and water for
their animals were not available.

The migration of the Bantu speaking people into Sothern Africa.

Leave 12 lines for a map

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Bantu are a group of people who when referring to a person use the common word stem ‘ntu’.
For example for the Ndebele say umuntu, Tswana – motho, Kalanga – nthu etc.

Their origins

They are believed to have originated in Cameroon. From there they moved southwards and
eastwards into central, east and southern Africa.

The Ways of Life of the Bantu

They were mixed farmers – They grow crops such as maize and millet and reared livestock.
They were iron smelters – They made axes, spears, hoes using iron.
They were hunters and gatherers – They hunted wild animals for meat and for their skins.
They lived in permanent homes – They built huts using mud and cow dung and thatched them
with grass.
They made clay pots – These they used to store water. Their pots were decorated.

Interaction between the Bantu and the Khoisan

The Bantu and the Khoisan intermarried.

The languages of the Bantu have click sounds just like the Khoisan languages.
The Khoisan traded and worked for the Bantu e.g. stone tools of the Khoisan have been found
among the Bantu and the grains of the Bantu and their pottery have been found among the
Khoisan.

The ways of life of the Sotho Tswana around 1800

Economic Ways of life

Mixed farmers – They grew crops such as beans and sorghum and kept livestock like cattle and
goats.
Hunting and gathering – They hunted animals like hares for their families; bigger animals were
hunted with the permission from the chief.
Iron Smelting – They used iron to make tools e.g spears and knives.
Trade – They exchanged products that they had for those that they did not have.

Social Ways of life

Religion – they believed in their ancestors. They gave their ancestors gifts such as food and beer
as a sign of respect.
Marriage – They practiced polygamy. The groom’s family paid bride price in the form of cattle.
The head of the family was the father.
Clothing – They made clothes out of animal skins. The husband made clothes for the family.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Shelter – They lived in circular huts made from clay and cow dung. The roofs were thatched with
grass. The floors of the huts were smeared (go dila) with cow dung.
Initiation ceremonies – Boys and girls who had reached puberty were sent for bogwera and
bojale. They were taught about adult life at these schools. When they completed they were given
some tasks to perform in the village.
Settlement – They lived in settlement patterns known as the three site system that is they moved
from the fields to the village then the cattle post.

Political ways of Life

They were led by chiefs.

The position of chieftainship was hereditary.
The chief was responsible for the welfare of morafe and for defending them.
Chiefs made all the laws.
They ruled with the assistance of the headman and they consulted them before making important
decisions.

The ways of life of the Nguni around 1800

Economic Ways of life

Mixed farmers – They grew crops such as beans and sorghum and kept livestock like cattle and
goats.
Hunting and gathering – They hunted animals like hares for their families.
Iron Smelting – The used iron to make tools e.g spears and knives.
Trade – They exchanged products that they had for those that they did not have.

Social Ways of life

Religion – they believed in their ancestors. They gave their ancestors gifts such as food and beer
as a sign of respect.
Marriage – They practiced polygamy. The groom’s family paid bride price in the form of cattle,
goats and sheep. The head of the family was the father.
Clothing – They made clothes out of animal skins. The husband made clothes for the family.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Initiation ceremonies – Boys and girls who had reached puberty were sent for bogwera and
bojale. They were taught about adult life at these schools. When they completed they were given
some tasks to perform in the village.
Settlement – They lived in large villages and scattered homesteads.

Political ways of Life

They were led by chiefs.

The position of chieftainship was hereditary.
The people paid tribute to the chief as a sign of respect.
Chiefs made all the laws.

The movement of different Batswana groups into modern Botswana

Leave 12 lines for a map

Bakgalagadi

They broke away from Barolong and moved to the Kgalagadi area between 1500 and 1600. The
first groups to leave were Bakgwatlheng. They settled in Molepolole. Later they split up and
Baphaleng moved away and settled near Shoshong. The other group Bangologa settled along the
Molopo river.

Bakwena, Bangwaketse and Bangwato

They lived at Dithejwane near Molepolole they were led by Kgabo-Kwena. Kwena quarrelled
with his younger brother Ngwato. Ngwato and his people moved to Shoshong and were known
as Bangwato. Later Bangwaketse broke away from the Bakwena and settled at Kanye.

Bakgatla

Bakgatla ba ga Kgafela used to live in an area known as Transvaal. They were forced out of this
area by the Boers. They moved to Mochudi and settled on the land given to them by the
Bakwena. Bakgatla ba ga Mmanaana broke away and went to live in Thamaga and Moshupa.

AaGovernance in Botswana

The Branches of Botswana’s government

Legislature Executive Judiciary

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Court of Appeal
Parliament * President
President * Vice president High court Industrial court
National assembly * ministers
- Assistant ministers magistrate juvenile court
Ntlo ya dikgosi * Public service
Land tribunals customary court

Duties of the Legislature

Pass new laws, change existing laws and make new laws.
Approve the government National Development Plans.
Approve the annual budget.
Give the government permission to borrow money from other countries
Discuss government policies.

As the member of the Legislature Ntlo ya dikgosi;

Advice the government on traditional customs and laws.

Discuss matters of interest of their tribes.

Duties of the Executive

Make government policies and implement them.

Propose new laws, amendments of old laws or changes to the constitution.
Maintain peace and order in the country.
Make the annual financial budget.
Establish and manage relationships with other countries.

The Judiciary

It is composed of the Court of Appeal which is the highest court in Botswana. This court listens
to appeal cases from all the courts below it.

The high court hears all serious cases as well as cases appealed from the magistrates courts,
customary courts, juvenile courts and land tribunals.

The Industrial court deals with labour disputes between employees and employers.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

The Juvenile Court deals with cases involving children between the ages of 14 and 18.

Land tribunals deal with appeal cases from Land Boards.

Customary courts try cases according to the traditions and customs of Batswana.

Duties of the Judiciary

They hear criminal cases.

Interpret the Constitution.
Interpret the laws passed by parliament.
Settle civil cases e.g. adoption and divorce.

The system of checks and balance in Botswana’s Constitution

This is a system where each branch of government has different powers over other branches. It
ensures that no one branch is too powerful and it prevents abuse of power by leaders in
Botswana.

Checks and balances on the Executive

National assembly can pass a vote of no confidence if they are not satisfied with the President’s
decisions.
Before any money can be spent the Legislature must approve it.
The Cabinet accounts for all decisions that they take to the Legislature.
Checks and Balances on the Legislature

A bill can only become law after the president has signed it.
The National assembly cannot amend bills unless the president approves them.
Parliament cannot reduce the salaries of judges
The High Court and Court of Appeal have the power to declare laws passed by the National
Assembly unconstitutional.

Checks and Balances on the Judiciary

Parliament can make laws that control the judiciary e.g. by coming up with limits as to which
court can listen to which cases at what the punishment should be.
The president appoints the Chief Justice and judges.
The president can reduce or suspend punishment or forgive those convicted.

The purpose of law

Prevent injustice.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Maintain peace and order by stating what is and not acceptable.

Protect the rights of individuals and people.
Enable disputes to be settled according to known rules.
Protect the interests of individuals, groups of people and the state. E.g. the government uses the
law to make people pay taxes.

The structure and responsibilities of government at national level

Legislature Parliament Ministries

Ntlo ya dikgosi * State president
*Agriculture
Government Executive The President Science & Technology
At National Vice President Education & Skill & Develop
Level Ministers Environ, Wild life & Tourism
Assistant ministers Finance & Dev. Planning
Public service Foreign Affairs
Health
Judiciary Court of Appeal Labour & home affairs
High & industrial Lands and housing
Magistrates courts Minerals & Water & energy
Land tribunals Trade & Industry
Juvenile Courts Works and Transport

Responsibilities at National Level

Maintaining security and public order.

Protecting the rights of individuals.
Making and enforcing the law.
Defending and protecting the country from enemies.
Making national development plans.

The structure and responsibilities of government at Local level

Elected officials (councillors)

Council’s Council admin (secretary,
Clerk & other employees

Tribal Administration Dikgosi, mothusa kgosi

Ministry of Local Dikgosana & customary
Government courts

Land Boards Main Land Boards

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Sub Land Boards

District Administration District Commissioner

District dev. committee
VDC
Responsibilities of Councils

Provide school facilities such as stationery and build schools.

Build and maintain clinics and health posts.
Collect refuse and dispose it properly.
Construct and maintain minor public roads
Supply water to small rural settlements.
Collect and care for stray livestock.

The Importance of Botswana’s national principles

Democracy

It promotes the respect for human rights and freedom e.g. the right to vote and freedom of
speech.
It allows people to choose the political leaders of their choice.
It allows people to have different political views and still live together in peace.
It prevents abuse of power as leaders know that they can be voted out.
Leaders are answerable to their people.

Unity

It encourages citizens to place the interests of their country ahead of their own.
It enables people to be tolerant on one another.
It promotes cooperation. Where there is unity people help each other.

Development

It enables people to live better lives.

Since people have access to better health they live healthier.
It enables the country to be competitive.

Self-reliance
People are able to take care of themselves so the government does not have to spend money on
them.
It allows the government to concentrate on developing the country.

Botho

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

It promotes social harmony.

People feel that they are valued and respected.

Forms of Government

Democracy

Citizens elect the leaders that they want and elections are fair and free.
Government makes decision in an open and transparent way.
There is no abuse of power as there is a system of checks and balances.
The government consults the people through a referendum.
Human rights are respected so people are treated fairly.
Dictatorship
Citizens do not elect the leaders that they want and elections are not fair and free.
Government does not make decision in an open and transparent way.
There is abuse of power as there is no system of checks and balances.
The government does not consult the people when making decisions.
Human rights are not respected so people are not treated fairly.
Monarchy
A king or queen is leads the government.
The position of king or queen is hereditary.

Types of monarchies

Absolute monarchy – The king or queen has total control over the government or his or her
people.
Constitutional monarchy – The king or queen shares power with political leaders elected by the
people. The monarch is the Head of state while the elected members run the government.

Kagisano
Kagisano means social harmony and peace.

Ways of promoting Kagisano

Encouraging people to respect one another – If people respect each other, they are likely to have
few conflicts.
Encouraging Human rights - People must have the freedom of speech and the right to participate
in community meetings and discussions.
Solving conflicts peacefully – Conflicts must be solved through dialogue or courts of law.
Sharing natural resources fairly - arable land and water must be shared equally in communities.
Encouraging tolerance among people – people must accept and be tolerant of other people and
accept each other.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Ethnic Identity

This is a sense of belonging to a particular ethnic group, sharing the common culture of the
group and feeling proud of that group. For example being proud that you are a mokgatla.

National Identity

This is about being proud of your country. It involves identifying oneself with an identity card
(omang) and national passport.

Importance of national identity over ethnic identity

It promotes unity by encouraging a sense of belonging.

It encourages citizens to put the country’s needs ahead of their own.
It unites people from different ethnic groups.
It helps avoid problems caused by tribalism.

Ways of nurturing and protecting Botswana’s image as a peaceful country

Avoiding wars and solving conflicts peacefully.

Maintaining good relations with other countries.
Controlling crime such that people are safe.
Treating everyone with respect and dignity.
Being friendly and welcoming to visitors.

Botswana’s Economic development

Economic development is the process of using resources wisely to earn money in order to
improve people’s standard of living.

The resources that a country can use to earn money are water, land, wildlife, minerals, fish etc.

Sectors of production

Primary Sector – This involves removing or producing raw materials from natural resources in
our environment. For example fishing, mining, quarrying, farming etc.
Secondary Sector – This involves processing raw materials into finished goods. For example
manufacturing and construction.
Tertiary Sector – these are activities that provide services to individuals or businesses. For
example education, training, banking, entertainment etc.
Quaternary Sector - This sector involves intellectual activities that provide information e.g.
libraries, information technology, research libraries.

Botswana‘s mixed Economic System / Model.

An economic system / model is a way of making decisions about:

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

What goods to produce and what services to provide.

How to produce the goods and services.
For whom
When to produce them
How much to produce.
At what price to sell them and how and where the goods and services will be distributed.

Types of Economic Systems

Free market economic system – All the businesses and resources are owned by individuals.
Individuals are influenced by the desire to make profit, market forces of supply and demand and
the needs and wants of their customers.
Planned Economic system – This one is owned by the Central government. The prices are set by
government and the state owns and controls all the resources.
Mixed economic system – This one has elements of Free and Planned economy systems. For
example the government provides education at the same time businesses decide what to sell.

Advantages of a mixed Economic system

It is efficient - the desire to attract customers encourages businesses to charge reasonable prices.
The government controls prices so businesses cannot charge unreasonable prices.
The government sets minimum wage limits to protect low paid workers. For example maids
should not be paid less than P450.00.
Because the government is for everyone, they make sure that goods and services are available in
all parts of the country.
People can create employment by opening up their own businesses instead of waiting for the
government to employ them.
Disadvantages of a Mixed Economy

Governments are poor when it comes to running businesses efficiently so prices of goods and
services may go up.
Consumers have a limited choice as the government is the only one providing certain goods and
services.
Private businesses will not be able to make profit because they cannot compete with people who
are given cheap loans.

The Effects of HIV / AIDS on the economy of Botswana.

Loss of skilled personnel – the loss of workers means that there are fewer people doing the work
and that some of the work is not done.
Lower food production – when farmers and their labourers die, there is no one to grow crops for
the country.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Lower productivity – People taking care of the sick have to absent themselves from work
occasionally so their jobs suffer because there is no one to do them.
Lower savings – People spend most of their money taking care of the sick so they don’t have
money to save.
Increased government spending – The government spends the money that it could be using to
develop the country on buying medicine for the sick.

The Impact of economic development on the lives of Batswana

Education – Batswana are now educated as many schools have been built.
Health – There are many clinics and hospitals that have been built as a result of economic
development.
Water supply – There are many dams that have been built that supply water to Batswana.
Transport and communication – Batswana can travel and communicate easily as a result of the
communication systems that have been constructed.
Rural – Urban migration – Batswana have moved from rural areas to urban areas as a result,
villages are left with fewer young people to carry out food production.

The dangers of corruption and economic crime in Botswana’s economy

The government losses money – Because of corruption the government is unable to carry out the
planned development projects.
It leads to unequal developments in the country as areas that have corrupt officials always lack
behind.
It leads to low productivity as people who are not qualified for particular jobs may be employed
instead of the qualified ones.
It increases the cost of doing business in a country and this can discourage foreign investors.
Goods and Services become more expensive because the money paid as bribe is added to the
cost of production.

Ways of dealing with corruption and economic crime

Prevention – People must be taught about the dangers of corruption and economic crime.
Reporting – People must be encouraged to report economic crime and corruption to the relevant
authorities.
Prosecute – Individuals concerned should be charged and taken to court.
Information technology – The security forces should be trained on the use of computers so that
they will be able to prevent crime.
Checks and balances – The system of checks and balances must be created in order to limit
people’s power.

Agriculture in Botswana

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

The Importance of agriculture in Botswana’s economy

Source of employment – Many people work as farmers or are employed by farmers to provide
livestock with food and water.
Source of food – Farmers produce maize and beans that people need in order to live.
Source of raw materials for other industries – Industries that processes and sell meat, sell
furniture and beer would not exist without Agriculture.
Source of income – Meat that is sold to other countries provides Botswana with foreign
exchange.
Provides investment opportunities – People can invest money in growing crops, rearing livestock
and fish farming.

Problems facing the Agriculture Sector in Botswana

Low rainfall – Crops require about 500mm to grow. Most parts of Botswana receive less than
this.
Frequent drought – This creates shortage of water and pastures for grazing.
Poor soils – Botswana is mostly covered by poor sandy soils.
Pests and diseases – Livestock and crops are affected by diseases such as foot and mouth and
corn crickets.
Poor farming methods – Farming methods like mono cropping result in poor yields.
Shortage of labour – Many young people are not interested in farming and are leaving rural areas
to cities

Solutions to the above problems

Plant crop varieties and rear livestock that will still do well with little rainfall.
Create and insurance fund for farmers so that they are paid compensation when there is a
drought.
Encourage crop production in areas that have fertile soils.
Farmers should rear livestock and grow crops that are resistant to common diseases.
Sufficient Agriculture demonstrators should be employed to teach farmers good farming
methods.
Create better opportunities for young people so that they are interested in training for agriculture.

Diversifying Agriculture in Botswana

The following activities must be done in order to diversify Agriculture in Botswana:

Horticulture – Local farmers should produce enough vegetables and fruits in order to meet the
national demand.
Oil Seed crops – Subsistence farmers must be encouraged to grow crops such as sunflower and
groundnuts.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Dairy farming – Farmers must be encouraged to use the right farming methods and technologies
so that milk yields are high.
Harvesting and processing veldt products – Veldt products like sengaparile, morula fruits and
mophane worms must be collected and sold.
Game farming – Farmers must be encouraged to rear game animals like ostriches and kudus.
Bee keeping – Farmers must be encouraged to produce honey and bees wax to sell.

Government Policies for promoting Agriculture in Botswana

Farmers are given seeds, fertilizer and draught power for ploughing and planting, this is done
through Integrated Support Programme for Arable Agriculture Development (ISPAAD).
The National Master Plan for Arable Agriculture and Dairy Development (NAMPAADD) has
been set up to promote commercial arable farming and dairy farming.
Produce from farmers is bought by BAMB.
Citizenship Entrepreneurial Development Fund (CEDA) gives loans to people who want to start
and expand their farming businesses.
The government employs agricultural demonstrators to assist and teach farmers better farming
methods.

Agricultural practices that have a negative impact on the environment.

Overstocking – Keeping more animals for the size of the land damages the environment.
Mono cropping – Growing the same crop on the same land for many years reduces the fertility of
the land.
Burning the bush – Fires destroy the vegetation and leave the land bare. This leads to soil
erosion.
Deforestation – This increases the risk of soil erosion and destroys the homes of animals.
Over use of fertilizers – This pollutes water in rivers as chemicals are washed into rivers when it
rains.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN AGRICULTURE

Sustainable development in Agriculture means that we should use agricultural resources wisely
to meet the needs of the present without destroying the ability of future generations to meet their
needs.

This can be done through the following ways:

Crop rotation – This helps to reduce weeds and loss of soil fertility. For example ploughing
groundnuts in one season and sorghum the next season refills nitrogen in the soil.
Maintaining the correct stocking rate – This helps prevent overgrazing and damage to the soil.
Allow land to lie fallow – This allows the soil to recover and ensures that the soil remains fertile.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Water conservation – Farmers must use mulching to reduce water loss from plants. Irrigation
must also be practiced.
Cultivating the soil to control weeds – Weeds must be controlled by cultivating the soil.

MINING IN BOTSWANA

Mining involves the removal of minerals from the ground, processing and selling them.

MINING AREAS IN BOTSWANA

Location Mineral
Selibe-Phikwe Copper
Sowa Pan Soda ash
Morupule Coal
Mupane Gold
Orapa, Jwaneng, Diamond
Letlhakane,
Damtsha, Lerala

DIAMOND MINING
Extraction – Diamonds are extracted using the open pit or open cast method. This method
allows miners to extract minerals that are near or close to the surface of the earth.
Processing : This stage involves the following stages:
1. Crushing – The mineral ore is crushed into small pieces.
2. Concentrating – The crushed ore is mixed with water and chemicals in large drums
(Cyclones). This makes the lighter waste material to float at the top and the diamonds or
heavy waste material to sink.
3. Drying – The concentrated material is taken to a machine where it is dried.

4. Separating - The dried material is passed through and X-ray machine. This shines the
diamonds and triggers and air gun. The air gun blows air which separates the diamonds
from the waste material.
5. Hand sorting – The remaining waste material is removed by hand.
6. Sorting, grading & valuation – Diamonds are then sorted according to size, shape,
purity and weight.
7. Cutting and Polishing – Diamonds are cut to a certain shape and polished so that they
sparkle.

NB Quality diamonds are known as gemstones while low quality ones are called industrial
diamonds.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Marketing – Botswana’s diamonds are exported to European and Asian countries. Diamond
Trading Company Botswana (DTCB) is responsible for sorting, valuing and selling diamonds
mined in Botswana.

COAL MINING

Extraction – A method of mining known as box – cut is used.

Processing – The processing stages of coal
Cleaning – after extraction from the ground, coal is taken to a plant for cleaning.
This removes waste.
b. Screening – The coal is put through a screen. Coal pieces that are about 30mm in size
are transported to a stock pile while the bigger pieces are taken to the crusher.
c. Crusher – Bigger pieces are crushed so that they are 30mm in size.

Marketing of coal – Most of the coal that is extracted in Botswana is used locally while some is
sold to Zimbabwe and Zambia. BCL mine uses it to heat copper nickel smelters

COPPER MINING

Extraction – copper is mined used the shaft mining method. Explosives are placed in holes
drilled into the mineral ore and blasted.
Processing – This involves the following stages:
Crushing – The mineral ore is crushed into small pieces.
Grinding – The mineral ore is grounded into powder.
Concentrating – The crushed ore is mixed with water and chemicals in large tanks
(concentrators). Copper nickel floats and waste material sinks.
Drying – The concentrated material is taken to a machine where it is dried.
Smelting - The dry concentrate is put in a smelter and heated using coal.
Cooling – The hot liquid copper nickel is removed from the smelter and put in water where it
cools and forms granules called matte.
Separating and refining – Copper is separated from nickel and impurities removed.

Marketing – it is exported to Zimbabwe and Norway.

SODA ASH MINING

Extraction – the salty water is pumped to the surface and water is put in large ponds.

Processing - The solid material is then separated from the water by evaporation. The material is
dried and processed into salt and soda ash.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Marketing – Exported to South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Central Africa. It is used to
make glass, detergents and fertilizers.

THE EFFECTS OF MINING ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF BOTSWANA

Improves infrastructure – The money earned from mining is used to develop the country e.g.
built schools and roads.
Creates jobs – People are employed to do different jobs e.g. managers, engineers etc.
Improves local skilled labour – Citizens acquire skills in engineering, medicine etc.
Creates opportunities for other businesses - Mining companies depend on other businesses to
supply them with services e.g. petrol stations, banks.
Development of mining towns – Places that were villages develop into mining towns e.g. Orapa,
Selibe Phikwe and Jwaneng.

OPPORTUNITIES IN THE MINING INDUSTRY

Employment opportunities eg skilled workers can become accountants, engineers, artisans etc.
Business opportunities e.g. people can start businesses to supply others with goods and services
such as shops, banking.
Investment opportunities e.g. people can invest in mining and share the profits that the company
makes.

CHALLENGES IN THE MINING INDUSTRY

It is difficult to find ways of controlling negative impacts like pollution.

Minerals are non-renewable and there is fear that one day they will run out.
Mining companies have very little control over the prices of minerals due to the unstable world
market demand and some companies can go bankrupt if they cannot find ways of staying in the
business.
It is difficult to compete with countries that produce the same minerals as Botswana.

THE IMPACT OF MINING ON THE ENVIRONMENT

Pollution – Mining pollutes the air land and water. This damages plants and people’s health.
Damages landscape – Where open pit mining is used, plants as well as places where animal live
are destroyed. The pit also damages the beauty of the land.
Noise from the mines- big trucks and drilling produce a lot of noise. Some people end up losing
their hearing.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

WORLD PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Objectives;

Describe the processes responsible for the formation of the mountains, rift valleys, craters, lakes and inland deltas.
Discuss the importance of mountains, rift valleys, craters, lakes and deltas to humanity.
Explain the influence of latitude, altitude, ocean currents, position on continent and aspect/mountain barriers on climate.

The earth’s surface has many different physical features such as mountains, rift valleys, lakes and craters. These features were
formed from different natural processes. Many of these are important because they provide people with means to survive.

The earth is made up of the crust, the mantle and the core. The earth crust is broken up into several huge pieces called tectonic
plates. Plates are always moving very slowly, some move away from each other (tension) while others move towards each other
(compression). Tension and compression forces put the earth crust under great pressure and can either bend or crack. If the
earth’s crust bends the process is called folding and if it cracks the process is called faulting.

Formation Processes of Physical Features

Mountains
A mountain is an area of high land rising steeply above the surrounding land.

Volcanic Mountains

Volcanic mountains are formed when the tectonic plates move away from each other. When this happens, the earth’s crust cracks.
When the earth’s crust cracks, a liquid known as magma forcefully rises up through the crack (pipe) into the earth’s surface.

When magma flows on the earth surface, it is called lava. Once lava remains in the atmosphere for some time, it solidifies and
builds up to form a volcanic mountain.

Examples of such mountains are Mount Kenya, Kilimanjaro and Mount Elgon.

SKIP 12 LINES FOR A DRAWING

Formation process of a Block Mountain

Formed where there are two faults in the earth’s crust. Plates move away from each other causing the block on either side of the
fault to fall. The middle block remains higher than the surrounding land.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Examples of such mountains are Khara in Namibia and Ruwenzori in east Africa.

SKIP 12 LINES FOR A DRAWING

Formation process of Fold Mountains

They are formed when plates move towards each other this forces the earth’s crust to be pushed upwards.

Examples are mount Chimanimani, Atlas Mountain, Table Mountain and the Drakensberg Mountain.

SKIP 12 LINES FOR A DRAWING

Human Uses of Mountains / Importance

People who live near volcanic mountains practice arable farming.

They are a tourist attraction.
People hide on them during wars.
People also live near them for their milder climate.
People practice mining.

Formation process of a valley

A valley is a low lying area between two high lands.

When plates move away from each other, they cause the land above to crack. This causes the land between the two faults to crack
and sink.

Human Uses of Valleys / Importance

Their banks have fertile soils so people practice arable farming.

Their gentle slopes enable people to construct roads.
They are a tourist attraction.

Formation Process of Deltas

Deltas are formed when a river flows into a sea, ocean or another river. As the river flows it carries along with it soil, stones,
bones and plant materials. When a river reaches a sea or a low land it slows down and starts to deposit the material that it is
carrying. Next time when the river floods, the water will be forced to flow over what the river deposited the previous year. Since
some of the materials block the river the water will open small channels known as distributaries or create a delta.

Formation Process of an Inland Delta

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Examples are the Nile delta, Okavango delta, Volta and Zambezi delta.

Uses of deltas / Importance

People fish in them

People use water in them for irrigation.
Practice arable farming on them.
Use water in them to generate electricity.
They are a source of raw materials for basket weaving.

Formation process of Lakes

They are formed when plates move away from each other. When the plates move they cause to earth’s crust to fold on both sides
thereby creating a depression in the middle. Once the depression fills with water it becomes a lake.

Human uses of Lakes / Importance

They are a source of water.

People catch fish in them
They are a tourist attraction.

Formation process of a Crater

It is formed when a meteorite / a piece of rock from the sky hits the ground creating a depression.

SKIP 12 LINES FOR A DRAWING

Sometimes they are formed when plates move away from each other under a volcanic mountain. These forces the land above to
crack creating a depression that is called a crater.

SKIP 12 LINES FOR A DRAWING

Human uses of craters / Importance

They are a tourist attraction.

They are a source of income.
Source of employment.

Factors that Influence Climate

Latitude – The closer a place is to the equator the hotter becomes and the further a place is to the equator the cooler it becomes.
Places near the equator receive more rainfall than those that are far.
Altitude – Places with high altitude are cooler than those which are flat. Plates with a high altitude receive higher rainfall than flat
ones.
Ocean currents – Warm ocean currents bring hot temperatures while cold currents lower the temperatures.
Distance from the sea – Areas near the sea are warmer than those far from the sea.
Position of continents – Places that are inland receive less rainfall while those near the coast receive high rainfall.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Aspect / Mountain barriers – When rainfall is experienced on the other side of the slope, no or little rains fall on the other side
because the mountain acts as a barrier. When one side is experiencing high temperatures one side will experience less
temperatures.

THE WORLD’S ENVIRONMENTAL ZONES

Objectives;

Discuss the characteristics of the Tundra, Monsoon, Desert, Savannah, Equatorial and Mediterranean climates and their
influence on humanity.

SKIP 12 LINES FOR A DRAWING

Equatorial Region

Location – 5°N to 5° S of the equator.

Rainfall – Rain falls throughout the year and is of convectional type. It ranges between 1500 and 2000mm a year
Temperature – There are no seasons. It is hot throughout the year with average temperatures of between 26° and 28 °C
Vegetation – is made up of tall trees and grass. The vegetation is known as tropical rainforest. The vegetation in this area is
always green. Examples of trees found here are: sapele, ebony, mahogany.
Soil – Areas closer to the equator have infertile soils as the area is water logged but as you move further the equator soils are
fertile.

How Climate affects the people

People in this area practice pastoral farming because there is a lot of grass.
Areas closer to the equator have infertile soils as the area is water logged but as you move further the equator soils are fertile.
Fishing – The area has perennial rives so people catch fish.
hunting and gathering – There are a variety of plants and animals that people eat.

Tropical Savanna

Location – 5°N to 15° S of the equator.

Rainfall – Rain falls in summer and winters are dry. Rain is of convectional type. It ranges between 500 and 1500mm a year
Temperature – The seasons of this region are summer, autumn, winter and spring. It is very hot in summer with average
temperatures of up to 30°C and very cold in winter with temperatures falling below 10 °C
Vegetation – is made up of tall trees and grass. It loses its leaves in winter and sheds them in summer. The vegetation in other
areas is scattered and short. Examples of trees found here are: acacia, baobab etc.
Soils – Some of the areas in this region have fertile soils so people grow crops.

How Climate affects the people

The area is suitable for grass growth so people in the Savanna rear livestock.
There is abundant wildlife people practice tourism and game viewing.
Rains and favorable temperatures enable people to grow crops.
They built shelter using mud, cow dung, grass and logs found in their environment.

Hot Desert and Semi Desert

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Location – 15°N to 30 °S of the equator.

Rainfall – Rain falls in summer but is very little. It is 250mm or less in the desert and between 250 and 350 mm in the semi
desert.
Temperature – The temperatures are very high in summer with averages of between 30 and 40 °C. It winter it is very cold and
temperatures sometimes fall to the negatives.
Vegetation – The vegetation in this area is short and scattered. It has long tapped roots that enable it to reach water under the
ground. The vegetation is drought resistant. Examples of trees found here are: shrubs and acacia.
Soil – Soils at the desert are sandy and therefore infertile.

How Climate affects the people

* People in this area wear loose clothes to protect themselves from the sun’s rays
* Men and boys hunted animals while women and girls gathered fruits.
* They live a nomadic way of life as they have to follow the movement of wild animals. * Those living near oases and
Egypt fish at the Nile River and practice arable farming.

Mediterranean Region

Location – 30°N to 45° S of the equator.

Rainfall – Rain falls in winter and summers are dry. It receives cyclonic type of rainfall. It ranges between 500 and 750mm a year
Temperature – summers are warm and winters are cool. Average temperatures in summer are about 21°Cand 10 °C in winter.
Vegetation – is made up of tall trees and grass. Some parts have scattered vegetation. The vegetation in other areas is green.
Examples of trees found here are citrus fruits.
Soil - some areas have good soils that enable production of fruit crops.

How Climate affects the people

Arable farming – warm temperatures in this region enable people to grow crops such as wheat.
Fishing – Abundant water enables people to catch fish.
Hunting and gathering – people hunt and gather fruits.
Fruit production – they grow citrus fruits like grapefruit and lemons.
Wine production – People in this region produce a lot of grapes and wine is made from these.

The Tundra Region (Wet Desert)

Location – between 60°N and the Article circle

Rainfall – It receives very low rainfall often less than 250mm a year. Rain falls in summer and in winter it snows.
Temperature – It experiences long cold winters and warm summers. Average winter temperatures are sometimes -10°Cwhiles
summers are 10°C
Vegetation – Composed of mosses, lichens, blueberries and bearberries. Plants have shallow spreading roots due to permafrost.
Some parts have no trees.
Soil – This area has poor soils as the land is mostly covered by ice.

How Climate affects the people

People in this area practice hunting and gathering because their environment has wild animals and fruits.
They made clothes out of animal skins that are found in their environment.
They made canoes that they used for crossing the rivers.

Monsoon

Location – between 10° and 30°N and south of the equator.

Rainfall – It receives rainfall of over 2000mm. This area sometimes experiences floods.
Temperature – Temperatures are high in summer with averages of 30°C and winter is cool with averages of 24°C.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Vegetation – Thick tropical forests can be found in the wetter parts, the drier parts experience desert like vegetation. Most of the
trees lose their leaves in winter.

Soils – Some people practice arable farming while others do not because of too much rainfall and flooding

How Climate affects the people

They made their shelter from bamboo reeds that are found in abundance where there is plenty rainfall.
During the hot season they wore special hats (straw) to protect themselves from the heat of the sun.
Because of abundant rainfall they grew rice.
They used the elephant and buffalo as means of transport.

CLIMATE CHANGE

Objectives

Explain climate change

Show evidence of climate change
Discuss the causes and effects of climate change
Suggest ways of meeting the challenges of climate change

Climate change is any long – term change of the patterns of average weather of a specific region or the earth as a whole. Long
term alteration in climate refers to change in the earth’s weather over the last hundred years. Change in the atmospheric
conditions is brought about by nature but to a longer extent by human activities.

Evidence of climate change

General rise in temperature throughout the world.

Ice sheets called glaciers
Prolonged severe droughts
Summers being longer than winters or vice versa.
Dying of vegetation.

Natural Causes of Climate change

Continental drift and tectonic plates – The movement of plates change the direction of ocean currents. When more plates move,
more volcanic eruptions occur resulting in more carbon dioxide and other gases being released into the atmosphere. This
contributes to global warming (global rise in temperatures)

Volcanic activity – When a volcano erupts it throws out large volumes of gases like sulphur dioxide, water vapour, dust and ash
into the atmosphere. These block the sun’s rays leading to cooling. Sulphuric acid is a strong reflector of sunlight and screens the
ground form some of the energy that it would receive from the sun.

Ocean Currents – Move huge amounts of heat across the planet. Warm ocean currents warm the waters of the Eastern Pacific
Ocean, this warming affects global climate.

Human Causes of Climate change

Burning of fossil fuels - Human beings burn wood, waste, coal and gas oil for heat energy. These gases are released into the
atmosphere where they cause climate change.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Burning of fossil fuels also leads to a rise in greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases are gases produced when fossils are
burnt e.g. carbon dioxide. When carbon dioxide accumulates in the atmosphere, it causes global warming.

Agriculture – Cow dung gives out a gas called methane. Methane helps in destroying the ozone layer which is a layer that
absorbs the dangerous ultra-violet rays and stops them from reaching the earth. Ultra-violet rays may cause skin cancer.
Fumes from industries – Pollutants released into the atmosphere affect the vegetation badly and this may lead to reduced rainfall
amounts in areas of the world where air pollution poses a very serious problem.
Global warming – The global rise in temperatures is caused by the release of greenhouse gases and human activities such as
mining.

Effects of Climate Change

Changes rainfall patterns

Reduces crop yields
Increases temperatures
Causes less moisture in the atmosphere
Accelerates erosion
Leads to flooding.

Ways of Meeting the Challenges of Climate Change

Environmental Education – People must be informed of how climate change will affect the environment within which they live.
Adaptation – People must try to manage their own environment in a more sustainable way.
Governments must formulate climate change policies e.g. people must be taxed so as to encourage the use of clean and safe
technologies.
Car-pooling ( travel together in one car) must be encouraged to reduce exhaust fumes.
People must be encouraged to cycle to work where distances are shorter.

CULTURAL DIVERSITY IN BOTSWANA

Cultural diversity describes different ways of living by different ethnic groups.

Location of cultural sites in Botswana

Cultural sites are historical places in society, where some significant events may have occurred about a particular ethnic group

Leave 12 lines for a map

Identifying some of Botswana’s cultural heritage

Cultural heritage are the ways of living developed by communities.

People from different ethnic groups speak different languages or the same languages but with different dialects.
Oral traditions, customs and practices
Batswana pass their culture from generation to generation orally or by word of mouth. The stories are told to teach
moral lessons and for entertainment.

Customs and practices are things that people always do in a particular way by tradition. Traditionally there are foods
that children are not supposed to eat, e.g. animal kidneys.

Elements of culture and how they bring about individual identity

Individual identity is personal identity. It is the way in which a person defines himself / herself in terms of their
individuality and difference from others.

People identify themselves with the following:

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Art – Art differs from one ethnic group to the other in Botswana. In the northern part, women in the villages of Etsha make
unique baskets and tend to identify the people who make them.
Language - The language that one person speaks identifies that person as an individual because it is from the language that ne
speaks that other people can tell the ethnic group to which they belong. People use languages to express their emotions,
intensions, values and practices.
Music & Song – Culturally songs differ according to the celebrations that is there are songs sung at weddings, funerals or during
hunting. Batswana groups have different dancing styles and appreciate their songs and dances.
Food and Dress - People in Botswana differ in the kind of food they eat and dresses they wear, Baherero’s kind of dress
identifies them because of the way they dress one can see and tell who they are.
Buildings / shelter – the way Batswana build their huts differs from one ethnic group to another.
Religious beliefs – Some people believe in gods while others believe in God. Some religious attires also serve as identity for
individuals.

How Elements of culture bring about national identity

National identity is how a community of people living in a country define themselves in terms of how they differ with other
communities in other countries. For instance there are many languages spoken in Botswana but the two that are official are
Setswana and English.

Others include:

National flag – Botswana’s flag is a symbol of peace. Blue symbolizes water that is scanty since Botswana is semi arid. The
black and white bands symbolize racial harmony as well as the pluralist nature of the society.
Omang – Botswana’s identity card says who a person is, shows their signature, gender, place of birth and colour of eyes. All
Batswana and clarified and verified by their national identity cards.
Currency – The currency of any country is not like any other currency so Botswana’s Pula and Thebe identify Botswana.
National Anthem - Every country identifies itself with its own unique national anthem.
Performing Arts – Botswana’s music and dance differs according to their celebrations and from one ethnic group to another.

The Economic Potential of Culture

The government encourages Batswana to produce cultural goods such as handcrafts and paintings and sell them in order to make
money.
Culture promotes tourism and creates employment opportunities for Batswana.
Source of income. People work in national parks and game reserves as tourist guides and earn money.
Music and dance – Many music groups record and produce music albums for sale and groups are sometimes invited to special
events to perform and they are paid for it.

Harmful Cultural practices to the environment

Overstocking – Some farmers still leave the land barren and unproductive by overgrazing it.
There is still over harvesting of medical plants, this in the long run will make such plants extinct.
Wood fuel is over collected and sometimes trees are cut from the environment dried and made into firewood for sale.
Grass Cutting – Communities still thatch their huts with grass, because the grass is over cut the soil becomes loose and is washed
away by water.
Monoculture – Growing of the same crop on the same piece of land removes many nutrients from the soil and causes future
harvests to be very low.

Protective Cultural Practices on the environment

The wildlife department has created hunting seasons which helps avoid hunting and killing animals during their breeding seasons.
Taboos (meila) are used to protect the environment from abuse and over usages e.g. felling of a morula tree is forbidden as doing
so leads to stormy weather during rainy seasons.
Totem – Killing and eating of one’s totem can lead to misfortune or diseases.
Every year Batswana are given trees free of charge as a way of encouraging them to replace the cut ones.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

The importance of Culture

Culture gives communities identities of their own.

Culture brings people of a community together e.g. the kind of clothing people wear, the food they eat and the rituals they
perform bind people together.
Cultural values for every society form the founding principles of one’s life.
Culture influence one’s way of living and directly impacts on social life.
Culture is a source of tourist attraction, through it people’s standard of living can improve.

SETTLEMENTS IN BOTSWANA

Settlements are places where people live.

Factors that influence settlements in Botswana

Relief or physical appearance of land – People choose to settle on flat land and gently sloping land as it is easy to construct shops
and buildings.
Water availability - Water is needed for human consumption and for economic activities like flour milling and meat processing.
Insect and disease prone areas – People want to settle in areas that have no diseases and pests.
Availability of Fertile soils – Fertile soils encourage settlement as they enable people to practice different types of farming.
Defence – People choose locations that can be defended easily e.g. hills.
Availability of minerals – Areas where minerals have been discovered attract settlements e.g. Orapa and Jwaneng.

Difference between Rural and Urban Settlements

Rural Settlements Urban Settlements

Most of the land is used for growing crops and grazing Most of the land is used for building industries and shopping
centres.
There are few or no tarred roads & traffic Heavy traffic, tarred and improved roads.
A lot of traditional houses Tall buildings
No or few recreational facilities More recreational facilities
Smaller population as people migrate to towns Highly populated.

Opportunities and Challenges of Urban life

Challenges Opportunities
High crime rates Better education and health facilities
Increased traffic congestion Fast and efficient transport
High cost of living e.g. expensive medical charges More improved recreational and sporting activities.
Increased pollution More business opportunities and markets.
Lack of accommodation and development of squatter Better housing facilities with utilities.
settlements

Opportunities and Challenges of Rural life

Opportunities Challenges
Availability of plenty of agriculture land Low production yields as the young migrate
Clean air and less pollution Lack of business opportunities and markets
Cheaper accommodation Slow infrastructure
Families have strong kinship ties Lack of social entertainment centers.
It is easy to secure residential plots Unemployment and low paying jobs.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

The link between rural and urban settlements

Cities and towns provide services to nearby smaller rural settlements e.g. Gaborone provides services to Oodi, Tlokweng,
Gabane.
People from rural areas go to towns for employment, banking and shopping.
Livestock farmers sell their livestock to abattoirs in towns.
Livestock farmers buy feeds in towns.
Relatives in towns and those in villages visit each other.
People in rural areas give grains to their relatives in urban areas.

Factors that have led to an increase in Urbanisation in Botswana

Urbanisation is the rapid and massive growth of towns and cities due to migration of people in large numbers from rural to urban
areas as well as development of industries and services.

The unpredictable nature of rainfall – this makes agriculture difficult for people to depend on so moving to towns to seek
economic opportunities is the only solution.
Increased service activities – Towns have entertainment, banking and catering that are better than those in rural areas so these
attract people.
Lack of employment opportunities and low wages in rural areas – Young people go to urban areas to seek for employment.
Transport improvements – Better communication lines encourage the growth of towns and cities. People move in large numbers
to towns so that they can communicate and move easily.
Poor medical facilities in rural areas – People move to towns because hospitals there have specialists’ doctors in different human
ailments. Rural areas sometimes run out of medicine.

MFECANE

Mfecane describes a period of wide spreading mix up and disturbance in southern Africa between 1820 and 1850.

Causes of Mfecane

The need for power - Nguni groups gained power by capturing cattle and grazing lands that of smaller groups. In order for them
to build strong armies, they captured young men from other groups.
Population growth – Increase in population and livestock led to demand for more land. Because they had no way to expand to,
stronger groups attacked weaker ones and took their land.
The need to control trade – Strong Nguni groups wanted to take over trade by controlling hunting areas so they raided and chased
other groups from their lands in order to hunt elephants for ivory without interference.
Drought – Because of the drought from 1790 – 1802, there was a decline in pastures for grazing, this led to overgrazing and soil
erosion. People became frustrated and land grabbing became the only way to get land. So smaller groups were raided for their
little wealth and land.
The need to control cattle – Major groups raided smaller ones and took their livestock. Livestock was important for prestigious
reasons (wealth was measured by how many cattle a person had), milk and for paying bride – price.

The basis of the rise of the Zulu nation under Shaka

Shaka increased the population of his kingdom after the death of his father by raiding other groups. The land he ruled stretched
from south of the Pongolo River and from the sea to the Buffalo River. The Zulu nation was built through consolidation of all
groups that Shaka had defeated. Shaka received tribute from smaller kingdoms in return of peace.

The policy of assimilation of people into Shaka’s Kingdoms

Shaka captured people from different kingdoms and incorporated them into his kingdom. Young men were absorbed into his
army where they received thorough training. Captured women were involved in the production of food. Some became Zulu
wives.

Shaka’s Military Techniques

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Shaka only recruited men below the age of 40 years.

Those recruited were divided into age groups. Names of such were “The Heard Dress, the Shield and Fasima”.
All the soldiers lived in military camps and were supervised by chiefs who reported bad behaviour to Shaka.
He used soldiers / regiments to raid cattle from other groups.
The Fasima who lived and were supervised by Shaka carried food rations and extra weapons for the main army.
His soldiers were trained without shoes because he believed that shoes slowed them down.
He banished the long stabbing spear as he said it left soldiers unarmed after throwing it and introduced a short stabbing spear.
He banished a short shield and introduced a big shield which covered the soldier’s whole body.
He soldiers had to always attack and kill and not lose their weapons. Losing a weapon could be punished by death.
He attacked his enemies early in the morning.
He used spies who told him about the strength of the enemy.

Introduction of the Cow Horn Formation

This method of fighting was shaped like the horns of a cow. One or two regiments advanced to the enemies at the front
while the other two masses, one on either side of the surround the enemies leaving them with no space to run to.

THE SPREAD OF MFECANE IN SOUTHERN AFRICA

Batswana were drawn into the Mfecane wars by the Bakololo and the Ndebele as the fighting spread. Bakololo were formed by
Baphuting under Ratsebe, Bahlakoana under Nkgaraganyane and Bafokeng ruled by Mangwane. These three groups combined
during mfecane and fled the Boers and other Nguni attacks from their lands and travelled through Botswana raiding all groups
they met.

They started by attacking Bakwena at Molepolole and took their cattle. Bakwena fled and those that remained paid tribute to
Bakololo.

He then attacked Bangwaketse of Makaba II at Kgwakgwe hills. Makaba was killed during this war and Sebetwane was seriously
injured. Bangwaketse asked for help from the Griqua and Bakololo ran away.

They then attacked Bangwato of Kgari taking their cattle, crops and burning their structures. Bangwato fled to the north where
they attacked Bakalanga.

Bakololo proceeded westwards where they attacked Batawana of Moremi I who owned long horned cattle. Later they attacked
the Khoesan and took their cattle. The Bakololo were defeated by the Ovambandero of Namibia and many of their cattle died
because of hunger. They crossed into Zambia and attacked the Batonga. They finally settled at Lenyati.

The Ndebele of Mzilikazi

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Mzilikazi broke away from the Zulu after failing to surrender all cattle that he had captured from Basotho. He and his people fled
north across the Drakensburg and settled in the Transvaal area where they built a town called Mosega. Here they found and
attacked the Phuting, Bapedi, Bataung and the Griquas. He captured their cattle and absorbed women and children.

The Ndebele were forced out of Transvaal by the Boers. They then raided the Bakwena after which they attacked the Bakgatla
bag a Kgafela who were led by Pilane. Bakgatla surrendered their cattle and agreed to pay tribute without fighting.

The Ndebele then raided the Bangwaketse and took their cattle. Bangwaketse killed Ndebele’s tribute collectors and ran away to
Dutlwe in Kgalagadi. Bangwato of Sekgoma avoided the Ndebele’s attacks by keeping and looking after cattle that belonged to
the Ndebele. Sekgoma later attacked the Ndebele unaware and took their cattle and hid at Makgadikgadi Pans.

The Ndebele then raided the Bakalanga. Later the two groups allowed inter – marriages. The Ndebele then crossed into
Zimbabwe and settled at Bulawayo.

Mfecane wars also spread into Swaziland, Lesotho, Tanzania and Mozambique

Effects Of Mfecane in Southern Africa

Reduction in food production – Groups could not be in one place during wars to grow crops as they ran away.
Women and Children were captured – those captured were made to attend the needs and served as servants to the leaders of the
enemies.
Loss of land – Weaker groups were forced out of their lands and their property was taken away.
Loss of culture and traditions – Unrests in the region made it impossible to form mephato, practice letsema and mafisa.
People were displaced – People left their original locations to find security e.g. in hills and mountains.
Population decrease – People were killed in the wars while others died because of hunger.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Interaction between Traders / Hunters and Batswana

Before the arrival of Europeans Batswana used to trade among themselves e.g. Bakwena with Bakgatla or Bangwato with Bakalanga. This was
known as local trade. They exchanged goods for other good which is called barter trade.

The first European traders to trade with Batswana were the Griquas. These traders travelled long distance to come to Botswana so this trade was
known as long distance trade. The traders used ox-wagons to carry their goods. They mainly wanted ivory from Batswana.

Batswana on the other hand wanted to buy guns and ammunition from traders.

Effects of interaction between traders / hunters with Batswana

Loss of power by dikgosi – As the numbers of traders increased chiefs found it difficult to control trade.
Acquisition of guns – People bought guns that they used for protect themselves.
Depletion of wildlife – Some groups started to increase the size of their hunting grounds by fighting smaller and weaker groups.
Dependence on imported goods – Batswana no longer mined and produced iron tools.
Introduction of money – Traders introduced money that people used to buy goods.
Wagon trade opened communication network or routes in the country. More roads were developed which were once walk paths.

The Early Missionaries

Missionaries started arriving in Botswana around 1800. They came from the Paris Mission, American Board, London Missionary Society (LMS),
Lutheran Missionary Society, Roman Catholic Church and The Dutch Reformed Church.

The London Missionary Society(Robert Moffat)

Robert Moffat arrived in Africa in 1817 and started a mission station at Kudumane in 1821. He managed to convert Batswana to Christianity.
This he managed to do because he used to protect Batswana from groups that attacked them so Batswana trusted him.

He trained African missionaries at Kudumane.

David Livingstone

He came to Africa around 1845 and settled at Kolobeng. He was the first medical doctor among Bakwena. The only person he managed to
convert to Christianity was Sechele 1. He taught him how to read and write. He was against Batswana customs such as bogwera and bojale.

Effects of interaction between early missionaries and Batswana

Missionaries taught Batswana how to read and write.

Missionaries developed Setswana into a written language that people communicated with.
Missionaries introduced European medicine and built hospitals like Deborah Retief and Bamalete Lutheran hospital.
They tried to stop Batswana cultures such as bogadi and their belief in ancestral spirits.
They protected Batswana during wars e.g. they obtained guns from Europeans and gave to Batswana to use them during fights.
They discouraged the practice of adultery.

The Reasons / Causes of the Scramble for Africa

New markets – European countries scrambled for Africa to enable their traders to have more people who could buy their products.
Raw materials – They wanted raw materials in order to manufacture goods so they wanted to protect sources for raw materials.
Strategic reasons – They wanted to build the road to the north and to acquire cheap labour.
Power and wealth (Prestige) –The number of colonies a country had the more powerful and richer others thought of it.
Christianity – Many missionaries thought that scrambling for Africa would make missionaries from other countries to compete with them in
converting Batswana to Christianity.

Results of the Scramble for Africa

The Berlin Conference – Because of the scramble countries met in Berlin to agree on rules for claiming colonies.
The partition of Africa – Africa was divided into boundaries that exist today.
Loss of land – Africans’ land was taken from them and some people found themselves occupying infertile lands.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Exploitation – Africans’ minerals were taken and used for developing European countries.
Slavery – Africans were taken to provide cheap labour in Europe.

The terms of the Berlin Conference of 1884

The Conference was called by Otto Van Bismarck. This was an attempt by European countries to reach some kind of peaceful international
agreement to the dividing up and sharing of Africa.

It was agreed :

That the Congo River and Niger river mouths and basins would be neutral and open to trade for all the European countries.
Which European country would take and occupy which parts of Africa.
That any European claim to any part of Africa would only be recognized by other European governments if it was effectively occupied.

Boer Threats To The Lands Of Batswana

The first Europeans to live at the Cape in 1652 were the Boers (Dutch). When they arrived in Africa, they demanded that Batswana should accept
their rule, Batswana should not buy guns and surrender those that they already had and that Batswana should provide free labour to them.

The Battle of Dimawe and Kolobeng in 1852

Boers led by their commander Pieter Scholz attacked the Bangwaketse and Bakgatle-ba-ga-Mmanaana. They burned down a place called
Dimawe. The two Tswana groups were defeated. They then fought the Bakwena of Sechele. Bakwena defeated them. The Boers followed
Bangwaketse who had run away, this time the Boers lost. Boer soldiers refused to fight and returned home.

The Results of the Battle of Dimawe.

Batswana no longer trusted the Boers.

Batswana managed to defend their independence
Batswana groups combined and helped each other to fight against the Boers.
Many people lost their lives.
Women and children were captured.
Batswana lost large herds of their cattle.
Batswana were displaced.
Chiefs lost their powers.

Factors Leading to the British Declaration Of A Protectorate Over Bechuanaland From 1885 To 1966

The British wanted to protect the road to the north for trade as the British missionaries and traders used it.
They were afraid of competition from Europeans and the Boers that had increased.
The Germans who had colonized Namibia were threatening to colonize Bechuanaland.
The request by Batswana chiefs to be protected from incorporation into the British South Africa Company.

The Period of Colonial Rule

Attempts To Transfer Bechuanaland To British South Africa Company

Cecil John Rhodes planned to influence the British government to transfer Bechuanaland to his company. The British government agreed
because they did not want to spend money on Bechuanaland.

The reasons why Rhodes wanted Bechuanaland to be transferred to his company were that :

He wanted to join Bechuanaland to South Africa so that he had more land to give to the British people for growing crops and rearing of livestock.
He wanted to use Bechuanaland as a base in order to attack the Boers at Transvaal.
He wanted to build the railway line from Cape to Cairo (the road to the north).

Reactions To The Transfer Of Bechuanaland To British South Africa Company

Batswana chiefs resisted the idea of transferring Bechuanaland to the company. Kgama III, Sebele, Linchwe and Bathoen II protested
against the transfer by sending a petition to Joseph Chamberlain ( British Commissioner)

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Khama, Bathoen and Sebele travelled to England and made protests. They organized anti- alcohol groups, anti – slavery groups to intensify
protests against the proposed hand over of the Protectorate.

Attempts To Transfer Bechuanaland To The Union Of South Africa

Boers from Transvaal attempted to take over Bechuanaland in order to:

Add more land to South Africa.

Create a big market for manufactured goods.
Use Bechuanaland, Swaziland and Lesotho to control and recruit labour.
Stop people in the three countries from enjoying the freedom of movement.

Reactions To The Transfer Of Bechuanaland To The Union Of South Africa

Batswana chiefs resisted and wrote petitions to remain outside the union. Their views were published in News papers and were addressed
by sympathetic politicians. Because of this the British refused the Boers permission to join the three countries.

Reactions of the Boers to the Dikgosi’s protests

The Boers imposed economic sanctions on the Protectorate. e.g. Batswana were no longer allowed to sell cattle that were below a certain weight.
They threatened to stop migrant labour and to reduce imports from Bechuanaland .

Proclamations of 1934

Proclamations were laws made by the British administration that were used to govern Merafe in Bechuanaland.

Reasons for the British To Form Proclamations

They felt that Dikgosi were dictators.

They wanted to strengthen the administration as they felt that the chiefs were unable to develop Bechuanaland.
They wanted to reduce the powers of the chiefs.

Purposes Of The Native Administration Proclamation of 1934

The British government had to approve anyone who was to be a kgosi.

They could suspend, expel or remove anyone from the position of chieftainship.
A tribal council was created; chiefs had to rule with the approval of such a council.
The chief needed to get permission from the Resident Commissioner in order for him to collect tax.

Purposes Of The Native Tribunal Proclamation of 1934

Dikgosi no longer were chief judges, they were not allowed to try serious cases like murder and rape.
Only members of the tribunal were allowed to participate in the discussions at the kgotla.

Effects of the 1934 Proclamations

They violated the agreement where the British had promised that they would not interfere in the traditional leadership of Batswana.
Chiefs refused to be treated as subordinates to the whites in their own territories.
Chiefs opposed the British government’s idea to fire, suspend and appoint chiefs as chiefs were born and not appointed.
The tribunal courts denied merafe their democratic rights to participate in trial of cases.
Chiefs lost their powers as they were under the resident commissioner.
Chiefs refused to practice proclamations at their lands.

The purpose, formation and composition of Advisory Councils

African Advisory Council

Formation Composition Purpose

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

1919 Commissioner, two representatives from each morafe Africans used it to advice resident commissioner on matters that
and dikgosi affected them e.g. allocation of funds.
To enable the commissioner to get views on what people thought
about the running of the government.
To debate motions e.g. absence of education and racial
discrimination.

European Advisory Council

Formation Composition Purpose

1920 Resident Commissioner & It was formed to allow white settlers to express their views on matters that
representatives of white settlers affected them.
To influence the transfer of the protectorate to the Union of South Africa

Joint Advisory Council

Formation Composition Purpose

1950 Resident Commissioner, an equal Give members a platform to debate issues that concerned both Africans & Whites.
number of representatives from To create a forum for Batswana to demand running the affairs of the Protectorate.
Africans and Europeans Allow whites and blacks to work together

The Legislative Council

Formation Composition Purpose

1960 It was made up of 10 Africans, 10 It was formed in order to make laws for the whole country.
Europeans, Protectorate Administration Africans used it to demand for independence and to oppose plans to make
officials and 1 Asian Bechuanaland part of South Africa.
It criticized the administration for failure to develop the Protectorate and
suggested improvements.
Obtained opinions from Batswana like where the capital city should be
located.

Nationalism and the Road to Independence

Nationalism is the desire to achieve political independence by a country under foreign rule or by a country ruled by people with a separate
identity and culture.

Nationalism developed in Bechuanaland before the 1960s when tribal leaders showed signs of nationalist feelings. e.g. dikgosi pressurized the
colonial rule for the establishment of LEGCO. Nationalism came about because Batswana were not happy with the way they were ruled by the
British, they felt that the British government was racist, Batswana were not promoted and the country was not developed.

They felt that Bechuanaland had to be developed towards political and economic self – sufficiency. Batswana who were working outside the
country had learnt new ideas and new forms of organizations in South Africa. When they arrived in Botswana they formed organizations such as
the sons of Bechuanaland and Bechuanaland Cultural Club.

Sporting clubs were also formed throughout the country and political issues were discussed. The introduction of the Legislative council enabled
Batswana to participate in the way they were governed. Batswana saw this as a step to their independence. The Batswana who were voted into the
council were well educated men, connected to royal families and economically secure.

Some began to organize political movements e.g.

L.D. Raditladi form the Bechuanaland Federal Party in 1959. This was the first political party in Botswana. It was intended to unite Batswana.
Raditladi wanted bogosi to be reformed. He opposed the composition of the Legislative council, he challenged that members should be elected
by the people and that the numbers of Batswana should be increased. He wanted open elections by all adult Batswana.

Kgalemang Motsete, Phillip Matante & Motsamai Mpho formed the Bechuanaland People’s Party Motsete wrote Botswana’s national anthem.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

They were against bogosi as they believed that leaders must be elected into power.
They wanted Botswana to be independent.
They opposed racism.
They demonstrated against colonial rule.

Seretse Khama & Ketumile Masire formed the Bechuanaland Democratic Party.

Thye wanted independence for Botswana.

They were against racism.
They believed that dikgosi should play a part in acquiring independence for Botswana.
They supported democracy.

There was competition among the political movements and a legislative assembly elected by adults who had the right to vote in public elections
was proposed and the principle of independence was accepted by all parties and following the negotiations the parties began to compete with each
other for electoral support.

The BDP was supported by the Europeans and Asian minorities. Out of the 31 constituencies that the parties competed for in 1965, the BDP won
28 while the BPP won only 3.

After the 1965 elections in an effort to unite opposition against the BDP, the BNF was formed. The party was formed by Kenneth Koma. He
believed that government should control the economy. His party became the first opposition party in parliament.

The rise of nationalism in Botswana was mild and did not bring popular mobilization for rapid independence like in other African countries like
South Africa and Zimbabwe. Thus the road to independence was a smooth one as there were no serious conflicts leading to bloodshed. Britain
negotiated the transition to independence with a group of politicians who were supported in the process by the majority of the population and this
made the process indisputable and peaceful.

After long resistance to constitutional development before economic development could pay for it, the British began to push political change in
1964. A new administrative capital was rapidly built in Gaborone. It became necessary for the British to hand over power and the BDP in
particular Seretse Khama became the first president of Botswana.

The Effects of Nationalism in Botswana

It led to the country’s independence.

It united Batswana.
It created some enmity between the Europeans and the Africans.
It led to emigration by some Europeans to neighbouring countries.
It led the country to have a multiracial society.

Citizenship in Botswana

Relationship between rights and responsibilities in a democratic society

Rights are natural things which all human beings are entitled to enjoy. Botswana has civil rights which are for
citizens in the country.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Civil rights are things that Botswana government entitles to the citizens to enjoy. Civil rights and responsibilities
help keep law and order and peace among people within a country.

Rights and responsibilities begin with individuals at family levels in homes where parents provide the basic needs
such as shelter, clothes, food, education and entertainment to their children. In return children are expected to take
responsibilities by obeying parents.

Rights of citizens and responsibilities influence the public to take actions independently following their natural
response to situations without being told. e.g. citizens uphold the constitution of the country by defending the
country against its enemies and by contributing towards economic, social and political developments.

Both rights and responsibilities proved codes of conducts for citizens. e.g. they state what society can or cannot do.
Citizens are responsible to jointly engage in community development projects.

The society shows their love for their country by celebrating different national cultures, Independence Day,
displaying national flags etc.

The right to belong to one’s country. Elders take the responsibility to revive the teachings of traditional behaviours
which were in the past taught through taboos and poems.

Cultural activities give Batswana freedom of expression and identity. Both civil rights and responsibilities taken by
the society display human behavior (Botho) to uphold the right for people to be protected from any form of inhuman
treatment.

Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens

Right to have food - People should not live without food no matter how poor they are. The Government has various
feeding schemes for the needy.
Right to shelter – Citizens are entitled to have land for residence in any place within the country.
Right to clothing – disadvantaged citizens are clothed through the government schemes under the supervision of
social workers.
Right to water – Citizens are entitled to clean water. The government ensures that clean water is available in
different places in Botswana.
Right to communication – No citizen must be denied access to communication network. The government provides
services to the society so that they can make choices of what form of communication to use.

Responsibility

Citizens have a responsibility to register with Social workers in their locations so that they receive food parcels and
financial assistance from government.
Once land is allocated citizens have the responsibility to build houses.
Citizens have the responsibility to take care of the clothes by looking after them.
Citizens have the responsibility to conserve water and pay their bills.
The society has the responsibility to pay for their services such as licenses and to avoid accidents.
The right and responsibilities of people living with HIV and AIDS

Their rights are:

The right to privacy and confidentiality - People living with HIV / AIDs are not to be forced to disclose their status
to any person unless if they choose to.
The right to health care facilities, services and treatment
Right to life

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Right to employment
Right to education

Their responsibilities are to:

Disclose their status to their families so that care takers do not fall in the risk of being infected. This helps care
takers cope with the illness.
Avoid alcohol and other substances that may affect their health negatively
Take care of themselves by following recommended diet and by exercising
Seek treatment when ill and follow their treatment plan by taking medication as instructed
Protect themselves from re infection and prevent transmitting HIV to others e.g by practicing safe sex and pregnant
mothers should register for PMTCT

The Rights of consumers

Consumers are people who buy products and pay for services offered by businesses to meet their personal needs.

Consumers have the following rights

The right to freedom of choice – Consumers have the right to choose goods and services from a variety of products
availed by retailers.
The right to return faulty goods
The right to be given accurate information about the goods and services they are paying for
The right to be sold goods of merchantable quality (free from defects or faults)
The right to be sold goods that are safe to use
Right to receive services within a reasonable time at a reasonable charge
The right to equal treatment

Ways in which Consumer rights can be protected

Legislation: consumer rights can be protected by passing laws that protect their interests. These laws ensure that
goods sold are safe, as described, are fit for the purpose etc. The Consumer Protection Act protects the interests of
consumers by controlling unfair business practices.

Establish minimum standards: Botswana Bureau of Standards was set up to come up with standards that goods
and services sold to consumers should meet in relation to quality, performance and safety.

Educating consumers: consumers should be educated about their rights and how to make informed choices about
goods and services.

Law courts: consumer rights can be protected by punishing businesses that violate consumer protection laws.

Form consumer associations: people should form clubs and associations that help educate consumers about their
rights and complaints.

Promoting competition among businesses: competition helps motivate businesses to respect the rights of
consumers. They know they will lose customers if they violate consumer rights. Therefore competition can help
protect consumer interests.

Rights and Responsibilities of people in an environmental context

Consumers have the responsibility in relation to the environment as it provides them with various products.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

People have the right to:

Live in an environment that is not harmful to their health
Have information about our environment and how best to protect it
Be consulted about development that will affect their environment, either negatively or positively.
Have fair access to and a share of, natural resources such as land and water.

Our environmental responsibilities include:

The responsibility to share resources and knowledge about the environment with others.
The responsibility to take care of and protect our surroundings
The responsibility to use the resources in the environment wisely e.g by reducing , reusing and recycling as much as
we can
The responsibility to control population growth to levels which the environment can support.
The responsibility to understand our resources and how it affects us

The description and significance of National Symbols

The national symbols of Botswana include the national flag, the national anthem, Coat of arms, national flag and
the national anthem.

The National flag: signifies independence and freedom from the British rule. It was adopted in 30 September 1966
and uses national colours. The significance of three colours in the flag :

-Blue represents water which is a source of life.

-The black and white colours show that Botswana is a multi racial nation and represents equality and harmony
among people of all races.

The National Anthem: Acknowledges that the land of Botswana was inherited from our forefathers as a gift from
God. It encourages citizens to be committed and to work cooperatively together towards the country’s development
and citizens to keep peace in the country. It attaches Batswana to their country.

Coat of arms: - three co-wheels represent industries in Botswana

-three wavy blue lines represents water which is vital for agriculture
-the word pula means rain
-the bulls head represents cattle farming
-the head of sorghum represents arable farming
-the two zebras and the elephant tusk represent wildlife and black and
White stripes of the zebra symbolises racial harmony

Importance of Botswana Public Holidays

Sir Seretse Khama day

It is celebrated on the 1st of July every year. It signifies the birth of the first president of the country. It is a day
when Batswana reflect on the way their president birth contributed to the freedom of the country, what he went
through in his entire life to give Batswana freedom and peace.

The president Day

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

The first president of the country Sir Seretse Khama died on the 13 th of July 1980 and was buried on the 17 th of
July 1980. President day is fixed around the 3 rd monday of every July in order to commemorate the president’s
death.

Day of Independence (Botswana day)

The holiday is celebrated every 30th of September. It symbolizes Botswana’s freedom from colonial rule. It
enables everyone to celebrate the achievement of independence.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

Trade means the buying and selling of goods and services. An industry is an organized action of making goods
and services for sale.

Trade can either be local or international. Local trade is the buying and selling of goods and services within the
country. International trade is the business of buying goods from, and selling goods to other and services to
other countries. Countries trade with each other because no country produces everything it needs.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

KEY CONCEPTS IN LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE

INFLATION

It is the general increase in the prices of goods and services over a period of time. Inflation
occurs when:

There is an increase in business costs: business costs can increase as a result of a rise in price
of inputs such as raw materials, electricity, water, fuel etc. When the cost of doing business rises,
businesses increase prices so that they can still make profit.

Demand exceeds supply: when the demand for goods and services is more than the supply
of goods and services, prices can go up.

It can also be said that inflation is the decline in the value of money in relation to the goods
and services it will buy.eg in 2006 the cost of 1kg of sugar was P7. In 2007 its cost was P16.
This means that in 2007, P7 could only buy less than half a kilogram of sugar. Inflation
affects trade because when prices of goods keep on rising, it may result in fewer people being
able to afford to buy certain goods and services. Businesses would therefore have fewer
customers and make less profit.

Terms of trade: This is the relationship between the price at which a country imports goods and
the price at which it exports its goods. It can also be described as the ratio of the price a country
receives for its exports to the price it pays for its imports.

Balance of trade –is the difference in the monetary value between a country’s imports and
exports If Botswana exports goods with a total value of P200 million and imports the goods it
needs for P800 million, the monetary gap or difference between Botswana’s exports and imports
is called the balance of trade. Given the situation above Botswana’s balance of trade will be
P600 million. Balance of trade can either be favourable or unfavourable.
Favourable balance of trade – If the prices for the country’s exports are higher than the prices for
imported goods, the country is spending less money paying for imported goods from outside and
getting more money for what it sells.

imports

Exports

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Unfavourable balance of trade - If a country spends more money on imports and receives very
little money for its exports, the terms of trade are not good because the country is spending more
that it is earning.

Exports

Imports

Trade deficit – is when the monetary value of a country’s imports is greater than the value of its
exports. For example Botswana imports about 80 % of its goods from South Africa and exports
very little to South Africa.
Trade surplus- when the monetary value of a country’s exports is greater than the value of its
imports.
Exchange rate – This is the price of a country’s currency expressed in terms of another
country’s currency. It is how much one can get of another currency using his / her own
country’s currency.

TYPES OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS IN BOTSWANA

Financial institutions are companies and organizations that provide financial services.

Commercial banks e.g Barclays bank, Stanbic bank, First national bank, Bank Gaborone, Standard
Chartered Bank etc.

Statutory banks e.g Botswana Savings Bank, National Development Bank and Botswana Building
Society. These were created by the government through an Act of parliament.

Offshore Banks e.g BancABC, Kingdom Bank. These offer international banking services

Central Bank: there is only one central bank being Bank of Botswana. Some of its functions are to keep
government money safe and lends money to commercial banks.

Non-banking financial institutions: it includes insurance companies such as Metropolitan, Botswana

Insurance Company and micro lenders such as Letshego.

Development finance institutions e.g Botswana Development Corporation (BDC).

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

MAJOR MULTI-LATERAL TRADE AGREEMENTS BETWEEN BOTSWANA AND OTHER

COUNTRIES

Multi lateral trade agreement involves three or more countries. Botswana’s trade and industry is dependent on
other countries. Goods are exported to as well as from other countries. The following are examples of countries
that Botswana has signed multilateral agreements with:

The Southern African Customs Union (SACU)

This agreement enables Botswana to enjoy duty free trade access to the markets of South Africa, Lesotho,
Namibia and Swaziland. When goods are exported to or imported from these countries by Botswana, such
goods do not attract any duty.
The Cotonou Agreement – This agreement was signed at the capital city of Benin (Cotonou). It allows export of
products from Africa, Carribean and Pacific countries to European markets free of customs duties. Such products are
beef, textiles and clothing.
African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) – This agreement ensures that Botswana enjoys duty free access
to USA markets and that goods from Botswana are limited or restricted to certain amounts.
Economic Partnership Agreement – This agreement is intended to phase out tariffs and any non tariff barriers to
any trade done between the European countries and the ACP countries, standardize and certify trade and labour
rights, protect the consumers from being exploited and protect intellectual property rights.
Southern African Development Community (SADC) – it states that there would be no tariffs on over 85 % of
intra – SADC trade. The advantages of the removal of such tariffs are increased opportunities for new investment,
removal of regional trade barriers and lowering of external
increased integration of regional trade,
tariffs to increase integration of the region into the world economy.

ATTEMPTS MADE TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT, CITIZEN

ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT AND ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION IN
BOTSWANA.

Botswana has developed policies, strategies and acts to guide industrial development,
citizen economic empowerment and economic diversification.
Attempts made to promote industrial development
Industrial Development Policy
Its aims are to:
-support rural entrepreneurs
-Encourage highly productive and efficient export industries mainly based on local
natural resources.

The Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises Policy (SMME)

Its aims are to:-Promote the export of SMME products.

Local Enterprises Agency (LEA)

Its aims are:- to tyrain local entrepreneurs in the manufacturing sectore for business
management, marketing and technical training courses.

Botswana Development Corporation development in Botswana

-giving loans to investors who wish to set up their businesses
-conducting research to identify new business opportunities

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Attempts made to promote economic diversification in Botswana

Economic diversification involves a country earning income and creating employment from a
variety of economic activities and resources. Botswana reduces reliance on diamonds and
diversifies the economy in a number of ways:
- promoting industrial development through policies such as LEA.
- Promoting development of tourism sector through Botswana Tourism Board which
markets tourist attractions
- promoting the development of commercial agriculture. Through NAMPAAD, dairy
farming and horticulture were identifies as having great potential to diversify
agriculture production.

Attempts made to promote citizen economic empowerment in Botswana

Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA)
Its aims are to:
-Promote business spirit among Batswana.
-Encourage business competition among local businesses.
-provide low interest loans, training and mentoring to citizen owned businesses.
-Ensure that local businesses create employment for people.

b. Localisation policy: its aim is to replace expatriate workers with Batswana.

c. Business Reservation Policy: some types of businesses are reserved for citizens in
order to empower them e.g general dealers, fuel filling station butcheries etc.
d. Local Procurement Programme (LPP): its aim is to buy 30% of all government
purchases from local manufacturing businesses in order to motivate and develop local
entrepreneurship

TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION

Transport is the means by which people and goods are moved from one place to another.
Communication means sending and receiving information.
IMPORTANCE OF TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION TO BOTSWANA’S ECONOMY

Transport and communication are important to Botswana’s economy because they are:

a. A source of employment eg in transport, people can be employed as drivers, travel

agents,pilots, managers, petrol attendants etc

b. A source of income eg businesses that provide transport and communication services and
build infrastructure such as roads earn money from the work they do.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

c. Essential for local and international trade eg as a landlocked country, Botswana depends on
road, rail and air transport networks to export and import goods.

d. Affect the competitiveness of Botswana’s economy eg Where there is good communication,

people can compete as they will be well informed of what is going on around the world. Where
people are able to compete, there is economic development.

e. Influence location of businesses: a good transport network makes it easy to persuade

investors to open businesses all over the country.

f. can help improve productivity levels: e.g Communication saves a lot of money and time.
Instead of using transport to deliver information, one can use radio, television or email. When the
means of communication are poor, businesses that depend on communication can suffer.

g. Ensure that Botswana’s society is informed and knowledgeable.

DIFFERENT FORMS OF TRANSPORT IN BOTSWANA

These are Land transport, Air transport and Water transport.

Land transport -comprises of road and rail transport.

Road Transport – This is the only form of transport that is used all over the country. Different
types of roads include gravel and tarred roads. Cars, buses, vans, sledges, bicycles, donkey carts,
motor bikes, trucks etc use roads to transport people and goods.
Rail Transport- the main railway line is located in the eastern part of the country. From South
Africa, it enters Botswana at Ramatlabama and exits at Ramokgwebana in to Zimbabwe.
Currently, rail transport is used to transport goods only.
Air Transport – Air transport is quick or fast. It involves moving people and goods using aircraft
such as aeroplanes and helicopters. Air Botswana is the National Airline and the main provider
of air transport within Botswana. South African Airways and Kenyan Air ways also operate in
Botswana. There are six main air ports in Botswana: Sir Seretse Khama, Maun, Kasane,
Francistown, Selibe Phikwe and Gantsi air ports.

Water transport – is limited to boats and canoes because the country does not have large water
masses which can accommodate ships. A pantoon is used to carry people and vehicles between
Botswana and Zambia at Kasane across the river Zambezi.

DIFFERENT FORMS OF COMMUNICATION

Mail: letters and packages that are sent and received through a post office or a courier company.
Telecommunication: transmission of messages, data, pictures etc. Equipment used in
telecommunication includes a telephone, cell phones, computers and fax. are
Mass media: these are ways of communicating with the public. E,g newspapers, magazines,
billboards, television and radio

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

VARIOUS ROAD SAFETY MEASURES IN BOTSWANA.

Road safety public education campaigns – Seminars are conducted in schools to make children
aware of the importance of road safety. The media is also used to educate the public about the
road safety.
Improved driver training and licencing – Before a person can get a driver’s license, he or she
must first pass a written test on road signs.
Regular road inspection and monitoring – Traffic police are used to control traffic during peak
hours such as in the morning when people go to work and the afternoon.
Road traffic school for children
Fencing off of main roads – The main roads are fenced off to keep livestock from crossing roads
at any point and at any time.
Road traffic laws-these regulate the use of roads to ensure safety of all road users.
Vehicle inspection and testing- vehicles are tested to ensure they are safe on the roads.

CAUSES OF ROAD ACCIDENTS IN BOTSWANA.

Excessive speeding
Animals straying onto the roads.
Drunken driving
Drivers overtaking other vehicles when they should not
Poor condition of vehicles

EFFECTS OF ROAD ACCIDENTS

Loss of trained human resource.

Loss of breadwinners by families.
Physical defects – some people end up having permanent defects as some lose their legs and
arms.
Loss of property- vehicles are destroyed. Sometimes vehicles involved in accidents could be
carrying refrigerators, utensils and television.

WAYS OF REDUCING THE PROBLEM OF ROAD ACCIDENTS

Laws should be enforced more efficiently and effectively.
Obstacles on the roads such as livestock should be removed
Regular road safety campaigns should be organised
Motor vehicle owners should ensure their vehicles are in good condition before using them
Road users should obey all road traffic laws

THE ECONOMIC VALUE OF USING BICYCLES

Bicycles can be used in the smallest paths which cannot be used by cars. People using them can
reach areas not accessible because of lack of big roads.
Bicycles are cheap to use and can be afforded by most people even the poorest.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

They do not use fuel therefore those who cannot afford to buy petrol or diesel can still afford to
use them.
Where there is traffic congestion, cyclists can easily find their way around and reach their
destinations faster.

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF USING BICYCLES

There is no gas emissions that could harm the environment and people
Cycling does not cause air pollution

HEALTH BENEFITS OF USING BICYCLES

As human beings apply their power to move bicycles, they are able to exercise their bodies, so
they are likely to be healthy because of toning their muscles as they cycle.
Helps people live longer because they are fitter and healthier

DISADVANTAGES OF USING BICYCLES

They cannot carry a substantial amount of load. e.g. at most they can carry two persons.
They cannot cover long distances as the person cycling can easily get tired.

ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF USING MOTORBIKES

They are cheaper to buy than cars.

They use a small amount of fuel such as petrol or diesel and are not very expensive to operate.
Motor bike riders can easily find their way around congested road traffic and can be faster in
such circumstances.
There are less maintenance costs in operating them.

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF USING MOTOR BIKES

They use less fuel than cars therefore produce less pollution.
They use less space for parking therefore more land could be as gardens.

DISADVANTAGES OF USING MOTOR BIKES

They do not have a large carrying capacity.

They cannot be used to travel long distances as the rider could be affected by weather.

ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF USING PUBLIC TRANSPORT

It is cheaper and therefore can be afforded by the majority of people.

It is safer as it is controlled by its own rules which take into consideration that many people will
be transported at the same time in the same vehicle.

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF USING PUBLIC TRANSPORT

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Since many people use only one vehicle, emission into the atmosphere will be reduced as
emission will be from just one vehicle as compared to 60 people driving 60 vehicles.
Less waste produced when the vehicle can no longe be used because fewer vehicles are used to
transport large numbers of people.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF USING PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Usually one has to walk to a bus or taxi stop and walking is a good form of exercise.

DISADVANTAGES OF USING PUBLIC TRANSPORT

If there is an accident involving a bus carrying 30 people there could be more injuries as
compared to one vehicle carrying one person.
Public transport delays as it has times during which it can be used.

TOURISM
Tourism is a short term travel of people to places away from where they live.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN BOTSWANA

Tourist attractions are things of interest that tourists want to see or activities they want to
engage in when they travel to places away from home. These in Botswana include museums
eg Kuru museum in Ghanzi, physical features eg Okavango delta, makgadikgadi pans,
historical sites eg Tsodilo hills, wildlife eg Chobe National park etc.

THE IMPORTANCE OF TOURISM IN BOTSWANA

Tourism is a source of income eg from businesses such as providing accommodation, transport

fuel and people can sell sourvenirs to tourists.
It creates employment eg people work as waiters and waitresses, tour guides, chefs, hotel
managers etc.
It stimulates the development of other businesses eg one can run a lodge or hotel to provide
tourists with accomodation
It encourages conservation eg wildlife is protected in game reserves and national parks
It helps diversify the economy- it provides Botswana with an additional source of income and
not to rely on mining only.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

It advertises the country which in turn promotes economic development

It promotes rural development

OPPORTUNITIES IN THE TOURISM SECTOR

It improves the road networks and international airports.

Business opportunities eg restaurants, hotels, campsites
Encourages local supply of goods and services
Rural development
Increases the number of Batswana employed in tourism

CHALLENGES IN THE TOURISM SECTOR

Competition from other countries

Lack of direct intercontinental air services therefore tourists may spend some of their money in
countries they pass through before reaching Botswana.
HIV and AIDS- the death of workers means more money and time have to be spent training new
workers
Shortage of skilled local labour
Controlling the environmental impact of tourism

WAYS IN WHICH TOURISM IS ENHANCED IN BOTSWANA

Promote domestic tourism eg people living in urban areas and have little experience of rural life
so tours to villages, cattleposts and lands can be organised for them to experience rural life.

Making it easier to start tourism businesses- the government should make policies that help make
the process of setting up of a tourism business easier

Encourage involvement of local communities in tourism- local communities can make and sell
traditional arts and crafts such as souvenirs.

Develop a trained local workforce- citizens can be trained in skills needed in the tourism industry
to improve the quality of the services eg hospitality skills, business skills, foreign languages

Market and promote Botswana as a tourist destination- internet can be used to increase
awareness of Botswana tourist attractions to allow tourists to book and pay for accommodation,
tours and transport before they arrive.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

ATTEMPTS MADE TO DEVELOP ECOTOURISM IN BOTSWANA

Ecotourism is tourism that is friendly to the environment and people. It is less damaging to
the environment. It encourages local people to appreciate the environment and to see the
need to protect it.

Ecotourism aims at:

Minimising negative impacts on the physical environment and on the social and cultural life of
the local people
Maximising the active involvement of local communities in tourism
Educate both visitors and local people about the importance of conserving natural and cultural
resources.
Maximize the revenues for re-investment in conservation.
Ensure fair distribution of economic benefits from tourism to local communities

ATTEMPTS BEING MADE TO DEVELOP ECO-TOURISM IN BOTSWANA

Selective tourism policy: botswana has adoted this policy since it attracts few high spending
tourists in order to prevent over exploitation and damage to the countries wildlife. It aims at
minimising negative impacts of tourism on the environment.
Controlled development of tourism facilities: botswana carefully controls the development of
tourist facilities such as camp lodges and petrol stations within wild life protected areas, amd
does not build tarred roads in some wilderness areas in an attempt to keep the wilderness areas as
natural as possible.
Educating the people about the importance of conserving natural and cultural resources: eg
environmental education is infused in different school subjects and botswana celebrates World
Tourism Day in an effort to educate people about the importance of conserving natural resources.
Maximising money earned from tourism: entance fees to game reserves and national parks have
been increased in order to enable the government to earn more money from tourism. Some of the
money earned is used for conservation of wild life.
Promotion of non-consumptive tourism: botswana is increasingly promoting non-consumptive
activities such as cultural tourism and photographic safaris because these are sustainable unlike
hunting. This therefore allows the same resources to be used repeatedly.
Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM): This policy gives local
communities the responsibility to manage and use natural resources in their area wisely for the
benefit of the whole community.
Establishing standards and guide lines for eco tourism projects: the Botswana Tourism Board has
developed guidelines to help entrepreneurs to operate more environmentally responsible tourism
businesses.

CONFLICTS BETWEEN HUMANS, LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Human beings engage in agriculture in order to create wealth. Livestock and many wild animals
use the same natural resources such as water and grazing land. Cordon fences have been erected
to protect livestock from diseases, but these unfortunately block the movement of wild animals
as they now have to change their routes as they are being prevented from reaching water and
pasture leading to some animals dying as a result.
People need land for different activities such as growing crops, rearing livestock and for
settlements. Due to shortage of land because of increasing population, people and their livestock
are increasingly living in areas closer to wildlife areas. Sometimes predators such as lions kill
livestock and elephants destroy people’s homes.
The increase in some wild animals such as elephants means they need more space. Sometimes
these wild animals enter human settlements that are near game reserves and national parks, and
cause damage to crops and other properties.

ATTEMPTS MADE TO PROMOTE TOURISM IN BOTSWANA

Celebrating world tourism day: it raises awareness of the tourist attractions Botswana has.
Advertising tourist attractions in botswana: the media such as radios, televisions and the internet
are used to market tourism in botswana.
Decentralisation of payment of game reserve and national park fees

The government of Botswana has imposed a ban on the killing of animals without permission or
license.
Field officers involved in natural resources management meet every three months to discuss
wildlife management issues and map a way forward.
Non-governmental organizations promote, develop and support conservation and utilization of
wildlife.

THE POSITIVE EFFECTS OF TOURISM ON THE ENVIRONMENT

Generation of foreign exchange as tourists visit the country in large numbers.

Use of game parks and game reserves contribute to environmental protection and conservation.
It leads to sustainable use of natural resources as some are set aside as world natural heritage e.g.
Tsodilo hills.
Improves infrastructure as roads and buildings are constructed for tourism purposes.
It improves the economy as a whole as tourism has become one of the three leading generators of
revenue for Botswana.

THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF TOURISM ON THE ENVIRONMENT

Littering e.g. dropping of papers, bottles by tourists.

Traffic congestion as more people visit tourist sites.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Noise pollution from people may scare off animals.

Construction of buildings in the middle of the beautiful natural sites may change the natural
beauty that have been real tourist attractions.
Tourism may bring diseases that may harm the environmental eco-system.
Tourist vehicles can damage the lannd

WORLD ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

There are many environmental issues facing the world today. These are mostly as a result of
mismanagement of the environment. These issues include global warming, pollution,
deforestation, and depletion of the ozone layer.

Global warming

Global warming is an increase in the earth’s average temperature. It has been discovered
that the earth’s average temperature is rising faster than ever before. It is believed that
people are the main causes of global warming as most of the activities they engaged in
contribute highly to it.

Causes of Global warming

Global warming is caused by an increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the air.

Greenhouse gases are gases that trap heat. When fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum and natural
gas are burned, they produce carbon dioxide which is a green house gas, so the more fossil fuels
we use, the more carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere leading to global warming.
Deforestation also causes global warming because once trees have been cut there will be fewer
trees in the environment to absorb carbon dioxide and the excess gas will remain in the
atmosphere.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Methane produced by cattle as part of their digestive and excretory processes also leads to global
warming. This therefore means that as the cattle population increases, so does the amount of
methane into the atmosphere.

Consequences of global warming

Rising sea levels: as rising temperatures warm up the water in oceans, sea levels rise. Global
warming also causes glaciers and polar ice caps to melt and this also increases water in oceans
Loss of land: rising sea level may make people who live in low lying island states to move to
other countries
Shortage of food: climate change may lead to food shortages due to more frequent droughts and
flooding
Spread of some diseases: global warming results in some cold places becoming warmer and as a
result insects that live in warm climates such as mosquitoes that spread malaria may spread to
areas that were previously cold for them to exist.
Ways of controlling global warming
Reduce the use of fossil fuels
Reduce, reuse and recycle
Plant new trees and stop deforestation
Educate the public about global warming

Pollution
Pollution means adding something to the environment that harms or damages it. Pollution
is an issue of concern because it has many negative effects on the environment and all
living things in it.

Causes of Pollution
It is caused by improper disposal of waste such as human sewage and household and industrial
garbage.
Accidental release of chemicals and substances into the environment that damage it e.g. oil
spills.

Consequences of pollution

Polluted air may cause health problems in people and animals

Water pollution destroys aquatic plants and animals
Polluted water is unsafe for human consumption as it can lead to diseases such as cholera,
diarrhoea and bilharzia
Excessive emissions of carbondioxide and other green house gases causes global warming and
climate change.
Polluted land can lead to health problems eg skin and respiratory diseases.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Pollutants may leach underground water sources making the water unsafe for human and animal
consumption

Ways of controlling pollution

-reduce consumption of products that produce pollutants
- promote the use of environmentally friendly products and technologies
- pass laws that control the disposal of waste and punish those who break the law severely

Deforestation
This is cutting down of trees without replacing them.
Causes of Deforestation
People cut down forests in order to have land for settlements, for growing crops and rearing
livestock.
Trees are a source of timber, firewood, making furniture and building materials.
Forests are cleared in order to grow crops
Forests are also cleared to build roads.

Consequences of deforestation

Loss of habitat for some wild animals

Loss of tree cover making the soil easily eroded
Loss of forests means more carbon dioxide is left in the atmosphere contributing to global
warming.
Loss of biological diversity

Ways of controlling deforestation

Plant trees to replace those that are cut
Educate people about the importance of forests
Crete forest reserves where no human settlements and activities are allowed
Encourage the use of alternative raw materials and energy sources to wood

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Depletion of the Ozone layer

Ozone absorbs the sun’s ultraviolet rays preventing them from reaching the surface of the
earth and causing harm to people, plants and animals.

Causes of the depletion of the ozone layer

The ozone layer is destroyed by a chemical called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). CFCs
contain chlorine which destroys ozone gas molecules. CFCs were created by people and
are used in businesses when manufacturing products such as cleaning products, air
conditioners and in refrigeration.

Consequences of depletion of the ozone layer

If the ozone layer has been depleted, the sun’s ultra violet rays are going to easily reach
the earth and too much of this is very harmful as it can:
Lead to skin cancer
Damage eyes
Damage the immune system
Result in death of people, animals and animals

Ways of controlling the depletion of the ozone layer

Reducing the emissions of CFCs
Banning the production and use of CFCs

Desertification

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

This is the process that transforms an area into a desert. It usually occurs in areas that
experience either dry or semi-dry climatic conditions. It is caused by overgrazing,
overstocking, overcutting of trees, over - cultivating of soils and over harvesting of fuel
wood and veldt products.

Conservation of the Environment

To conserve is to use wisely, care for and to protect the environment so that future
generations can also benefit from it.

Ways of Conserving the World environment

Reduce consumption of natural resources

Reduce emissions of pollutants and waste
Replacing renewable resources where possible
Educate the public about environmental issues – People must be taught about what they could do
to help reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.
Protecting certain habitats and environments from exploitation
Production of solar power use – Countries must turn to solar power and hydro-electric power as
these have less known environmental side effects as compared to fossil fuels.
Recycling and reusing resources where possible – Recycling of paper on a large scale could help
in reducing the cutting down of forests for pulp ( soft tissue) and paper production.

Consequences of mismanagement of the world environment

Environmental problems, especially global warming may lead to climate change

Loss of biodiversity as some plants and animals become extinct due to climate change which can
result in drought.
Loss of habitat for animals eg through deforestation and polluted water
Desert conditions developing in areas that are not normally deserts may lead to extinction of
some animal and plant species.
Depletion of the ozone layer increases health risks to people and threatens the survival of some
plant and animals.
Scarcity of clean water due to pollution.
Increased poverty and famine levels due to desertification caused by the use of poor farming
methods and deforestation.
Increased conflicts and wars over limited resources especially water sources.

Efforts being made to conserve world environment

Many governments have passed laws creating game and forest reserves, controlling population
and waste management

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Governments sign Multi – lateral Environmental Agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol to
reduce greenhouse gases.
Countries and non – government organizations educate the public and children in schools about
the importance of conserving the world environment.

NATURAL DISASTERS

A natural disaster is a disastrous situation caused by a natural event which results in people
being severely injured or killed, losing their and homes as well as infrastructure and other
buildings being seriously damaged.

The Major Natural Disasters in the World

They include drought, floods, hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes, disease epidemics and
volcanic eruptions.

Drought

Drought is usually a period over more than one season, when there is very little or no
rainfall resulting in a shortage of water. Some parts of the world experience drought
frequently because they have a semi – arid or arid climate and normally receive very low
and unreliable rainfall.

Distribution of Droughts
Occur in Australia, north of China, Botswana, Ethiopia, Malawi and Namibia.

Impact of drought

Hunger and famine – Drought causes crop failure and kills livestock leading to hunger and
famine.
Land degradation – Drought kills off the natural vegetation which dies from lack of water.
Livestock and wild animals overgraze any remaining vegetation, leaving the land bare.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Increase in migration – People move to other areas in search of water, food and pasture for their
livestock.
Increased conflicts – drought can lead to conflicts among people as they fight over the limited
resources available for survival such as water and food.
Spread of infectious diseases – Shortage of water leads to people obtaining water for drinking
and personal hygiene from unsafe sources.

Drought or Famine preparedness

Farmers should plant early maturing variety of crops.

Farmers should plant early drought resistant crop varieties such as sorghum and rear drought
resistant animal breeds such as sheep.
The government and farmers should build dams to store water
Households should be encouraged to harvest rainwater eg by having water storage tanks in their
homes.
The weather office must provide people with information on weather predictions so that they can
prepare themselves accordingly.

Floods

A flood is the temporary overflowing of a large amount of water onto an area that is
normally dry. The most common cause of floods is heavy rainfall.

Distribution of Floods
Floods usually occur in Mozambique, Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Angola, China,
Bangladesh and Vietnam.

Impact of floods

Leads to loss of life, people are swept away by fast moving water.
Damage and destroy people’s property such as houses and vehicles.
Damage infrastructure such as roads, telephone and electricity lines.
Leads to food shortages and hunger.
Lead to the spread of water borne infectious diseases such as cholera, typhoid and diarrhea.
Slows down development

Flood disaster preparedness

Avoid living in areas that are prone to flooding

The government should have a flood warning system that makes people aware of when and
where it is likely to flood.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Enough medical experts should be trained on how to attend to those who may be subjected to
flooding.
People must be educated on flooding, its causes and how to prepare for them.
Keep water drainage systems clear of debris(waste)

Hurricanes

A hurricane is a severe tropical storm that develops over warm tropical waters.

Distribution of Hurricanes

Hurricanes occur between latitudes 5° and 30° north and south during the summer
season. They usually occur over the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean and in Australia, Gulf
Coast of Mexico and Indian Ocean.

Impact of Hurricanes

Cause extensive damage to and destruction of property such as boats, houses and buildings.
Damage and destroy infrastructure such as telephone and power lines resulting in loss of services
such as electricity and telecommunication.
Lead to loss of life.
Disrupt people’s daily lives as they may be asked to vacate their places to safer areas.

Hurricane preparedness

Avoid growing trees close to the house

Board up windows to prevent glass breaking
People must be provided with accurate and timely information on when hurricanes are likely to
occur.
People must always be ready to be evacuated.

Earthquakes

This is the vibration and shaking of the ground caused by a movement of blocks of the
earth’s crust that are stuck together and suddenly slide against each other or move apart.

Distribution of Earthquakes

Occur at places like Haiti, China, Iran, India, Turkey and the Philippines.

Impact of Earthquakes

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Fires - As the earth shakes from an earthquake, both electric and gas power lines may be
damaged and cause fire. This leads to loss of life and damage to property and power lines.
Loss of life – People inside buildings die.
Physical injuries – People are injured and some end up with permanent disabilities.
They cause tsunamis which kill people.
They can trigger landslides

Earthquake preparedness

The governments should have emergency plans ready in order to lessen loss of life

Gas and electric supplies should be installed with automatic shut off switches to lessen the risk of
fire

People should not be allowed to build in places that are likely to result in great destruction eg
mountain slopes

The public through mass media should be informed about how to prepare for an earthquake and
what to do during an earthquake.

Tsunami

A tsunami is a huge volume of water that moves very fast across the ocean until it hits a
coast.

Distribution of Tsunamis

All coastal areas can be affected by a tsunami however, large destructive tsunamis occur
most often in the Pacific Ocean. They also occur in Japan and Indonesia.

Impact of Tsunamis
Loss of life and physical injuries.
Damage and destruction of property and infrastructure.
People become homeless.
Losses of revenue as tourists avoid visiting places that have been damaged by a tsunami.

Tsunami preparedness
People must learn the facts about tsunamis e.g. all coastal areas can be struck by tsunamis. They
can move faster than a person can run.
People must be aware of the signs that a tsunami may be coming towards the coast.
People must follow safety advice given by authorities about what to do.

Volcanic Eruptions

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Deep inside the earth is hot molten rock called magma. A volcanic eruption happens
when molten magma rises up from the mantle and flows out through faults in the earth’s
crust and reaches the surface of the earth. Magma may be ejected gently or violently.

Distribution of Volcanic Eruptions

They occur along tectoctonic plate boundaries. Places such as the Philippines, Mexico,
Italy and in Japan usually experience volcanic eruptions

Negative Impacts of Volcanic Eruptions

Loss of life
Destruction of settlements.
Destroy the ozone layer
Lava damages woodland and agricultural land.

Positive Impacts of Volcanic Eruptions

Tourist attraction – this creates employment and brings income.
Lava and ash contain minerals that have fertile soils so people practice arable farming.
The heat of magma provides opportunities for generating geothermal energy.
Mining of diamonds is common where volcanic eruptions occur.

Volcanic preparedness

People must settle away from areas that are prone to volcanic eruptions.
People living close to volcanoes should always be ready to evacuate at short notice
The government should prepare a plan for communicating warnings to people and evacuating
them to a safe place.

Epidemics

The term epidemic is used to refer to a widespread outbreak of an infectious disease

among a community or a region during a given period. During an epidemic, many
individuals are infected with the same disease at the same time.examples of infectious
diseases that became epidemics are HIV and Influenza.

Distribution of Epidemics

Most of the epidemics occur where there is poor sanitation and hygiene, where people gather
or are crowded eg schools, cities, airports an where there is movement of people from one
place to another spreads diseases quickly. Generally, epidemics occur worldwide e.g.
influenza, malaria, tuberculosis and HIV and AIDS.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Impact of Epidemics

Loss of life.
Increased absenteeism from work as workers are sick.
Stimulate medical developments e.g. vaccines and treatment for HIV and malaria.

Epidemic and pandemic preparedness

People should:

Be encouraged to go for vaccination, if vaccines are available.

Follow medical health advice on how to deal with people who are sick with infectious disease

Minimise their chances of becoming infected by adopting good personal hygiene habits such as
washing hands thoroughly

Ensure health workers know what to do when there is an epidemic

Have public health education campaigns so that people are aware of how to protect themselves
from becoming infected and what to do when they fall ill.

Have well informed disaster preparedness teams and centres in all communities so that if there is
an outbreak it can be arrested as soon as possible.

Population dynamics in Botswana

The term population means the total number of people living in a specific area. Population
growth is an increase in the size of the population over time.

Factors that influence population growth

Birth rate - this is the number of live babies born per thousand people per year. The reasons for
high birth rate are:
Lack of access to family planning services and education about contraceptives as well as the
decision an individual makes not to use contraceptives. This results in many babies being born.
Traditional cultures – some ethnic groups still practice polygamy. This results in many children
born by many wives to one man.
The uncertainty of not knowing how many children will survive – Families have large numbers
of children to ensure the survival of at least some children and thus ensure the continuity of the
family.
Religious beliefs – Some churches forbid their members to use any form of modern or traditional
birth control measures and techniques.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Early marriage – some cultures arrange marriages in which female children are married at the
tender age of between 12 and 16. The high fertility and birth rate of these couples increase the
population.

Death rate – is the number of people who die per thousand people per year. Factors that can
contribute to the reduction of the population are:
People marry when they are quite old, this reduces the number of childbearing years that the
mother has.
Use of contraceptives.
Education – Educated people do not want to have many children because they believe that
children can delay progress of their careers.
Diseases e.g. HIV and AIDS and bird flu can reduce a population.
Lack of availability or access to good sanitation, health care and medical facilities resulting in
many babies dying before the age of 5.
Migration - the relocation of people from one area to another. This can lead to population
growth if more people move to a particular area than leave the area or population decrease if
more people leave an area and move elsewhere than come to settle in the area.

Population Distribution in Botswana

The distribution of population is the spread of population in any place.

The population of Botswana is unevenly or unequally distributed. Some areas are densely
populated than others
Most people live in the eastern part of the country
Fewer people live in the western side of the country.
More people live in urban areas than in rural areas.

Factors that influence population distribution in Botswana

Availability of employment and business opportunities
Availability of services such as schools, shops, banks entertainment etc
Availability of natural resources
Wildlife protected areas

In botswana, most people live in the eastern part and along the western edge of the
Okavango river because:
These parts have fertile soils suitable for growing crops
The eastern part has beter and more services and facilities such as universities, schools, banks,
medical facilities etc
Mines that attract employment seekers also located in this part of the country

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

The areas receive adequate rainfall which provides enough water for people to grow crops and
rear animals.

Fewer people live in the western and northern parts of Botswana because:
The western part receive rainfall inadequate for growing crops
Both these areas have poor sandy soils that are not suitable for agriculture
The presence of tsetse fly in areas north of the Okavango has limited settlements in the area
Most of Botswana’s game reserves are located in the northern and western parts of the country

The main population problems in Botswana

Waste disposal – An increase in population causes blocking of sewerage in urban areas. This
leads to air pollution causing health problems and air borne diseases.
Expenses on utilities – population increase results in an increase in the demand for utilities e.g.
water, electricity. This puts a financial burden on the government which ends up failing to
provide essential services.
Inequality in access of services – Increased population growth can cause the government to fail
to provide certain services e.g. education. This results in the rich paying for their own education
and being more educated than the poor.
Moral decay – The movement of the youth from rural areas to urban areas contributes to
abandoning of traditional activities and the formation of illegal settlements. Once the youth are
far from their parents, they are likely to participate in criminal activities.
Depletion of resources - demand for agricultural land, food and wood becomes very high.
Economic and social developments fail as sources of raw materials are scarce.

Relationship between population and development

Botswana uses land for habitation as people put up residential structures.

Because of its small population size and adequate natural and financial resources, Botswana can
provide services and pay for development projects that improve the people’s standard of living
and quality of life.
Overpopulation puts pressure on the limited financial resources available and strains the
government’s ability to achieve development.
Overpopulation leads to crowding in hospitals and schools and a decline in the quality of service
that these facilities can offer.
Overpopulation creates shortage of land.

Relationship between population and environment

People live in the environment and their survival depends on it. e.g. they mine, grow crops,
manufacture and use the natural resources that are in their environment.
A growing population increases the demand for natural resources.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

The unavailability and high cost of environmental friendly technologies e.g. electricity forces
people in rural areas to depend on wood fuel, this leads to deforestation.
Most people live in the eastern part because of reliable rainfall.

Strategies used to manage Population growth

Public Education – The government uses public education to provide knowledge on ways to
control population growth and the advantages of controlling population. The knowledge that
people gain helps them to decide when to have children and the number to have.
Laws – The government’s education policy of making ten years of basic education compulsory is
an intervention that can delay learners from having children during adolescence.
Policy on maternity leave – This is meant to motivate employees to have fewer children. e.g.
maternity leave policy pays a full salary to women during the first 5 maternity leave
confinements.
Forced child support policy - is aimed at men who have children and do not intend to marry
mothers of such children. Child support is paid until the child reaches 18 years. This policy
encourages men to use contraceptives.
Uses of contraceptives – Contraceptives reduce the rate of fertility and pregnancy.

The causes and consequences of Internal and International migration

Internal migration is the movement of people from one town, village or district to another.

International migration is the movement of people from their home country to a foreign
host country.

Emigration is when someone leaves a country to live and work elsewhere.

Immigration is when someone enters another country to live and work there.

The reasons for people leaving their homes are called push factors while the reasons that
attract them to go to a particular place are called pull factors.

Push factors Pull factors

Lack of employment Availability of employment
Lack of business opportunities Many business opportunities
Low standard of living High standard of living
High crime rate Low crime rate
Lack of personal safety and security High levels of personal safety and security
Wars Peace and security
High levels of corruption Low levels of corruption
Violation of human rights Respect of human rights
High risk of disasters Low risk of disasters

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Lack of water supply Adequate and reliable water supply

Harsh climate Good climate
Lack of democracy Democratic society and respect for rule of law

Consequences of internal and international migration

Discrimination – immigrants face different kinds of discrimination when looking for jobs.
Sometimes their qualifications are not recognized.
Loss of skilled manpower – Countries where immigrants come from lose human resources who
have skills and knowledge.
Influence on culture – They influence the values and culture of society by increasing crime,
violence and corruption.
Influence in salary difference – international immigrants are willing to work for lower wages
than locals. This increases the unemployment rate among the locals.
Reduction of revenue in home countries – The countries they come from lose revenue from the
skilled labour as labour that migrates is the one that pays government tax.
Improvement in standards of living - Immigrants find better jobs that pay them good salaries.
Technology and skills – Local people gain skills from immigrants as they exchange ideas.

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT IN BOTSWANA

Empowerment means helping people gain control of their lives by giving them the power,
knowledge, skills and resources that they need to make informed decisions and to realize
their full potential as individuals or as a group.

The word youth describes the state of being young. It is the stage of human development that
comes after childhood. The youth in Botswana comprises of people who are in the age
category of 12 to 29 years.

Youth empowerment involves creating conditions that enable young people to make
informed decisions, gain control of their lives and realize their full potential as individuals or
as a group.

Behavioural problems exhibited by the youth

Substance abuse – The youth drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, use illegal drugs and abuse glue.
Juvenile delinquency – Young people are involved in different criminal activities such as
shoplifting, vandalism and violence.
Early Sexual behavior – Young girls drop out of school as a result of teenage pregnancy. Young
people are involved in unprotected sex and are at risk of becoming infected with HIV.

Factors that contribute to the development of unacceptable behavior among the youth

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Adolescence – Some of the changes in teenagers’ bodies as they become older result in behavior
that they never displayed before e.g. rebelliousness against parents and teachers.
Poor parenting – Some parents allow their children to do as they please as a result their children
do not understand acceptable ways of behaving.
Domestic violence – when there is violence in the family, children are socialized to accept
violence as an acceptable way of solving conflicts between people.
Academic factors – some students who are struggling to cope with their studies may begin to
dodge lessons and eventually drop out of school.
Globalization – Technologies such as television and the internet mean young people are aware of
how others in other countries behave. What they see may influence them to behave in the same
way.

The role of different stakeholders in the welfare of the youth

Parents

Provide good parental care e.g. meeting the basic needs of their children.
Teach their children good morals and promote positive and acceptable behavior.
Protect their children from exploitation and other forms of abuse.
To be role models so that they children copy the proper values, attitudes and behavior from them.

Community

Protect the youth from exploitation, discrimination and all forms of abuse.
Create and support services which cater for the needs of youth.
Support youth business initiatives.
Allow the youth to participate in community affairs and decision making processes.
To be role models.

Non – governmental organizations (NGOs)

Educate the youth about their human rights.

Protect the youth’s rights.
Create and support training opportunities for youth in various skills.
Influence the government to include youth issues when making decisions.
Educate the youth on issues of sexual and reproductive health.

Civil Society ( trade unions, Red cross, churches)

Protect the youth from exploitation and discrimination.

Support the youth financially, emotionally, morally and mentally.
Encourage young people to participate and contribute to the economic, social and political life in
the society.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

The government

Make laws and policies that protect the youth.

Provide the youth with education and training.
Provide facilities for sports and leisure.
Provide the youth with the knowledge and skills they need to earn a living and function well in
the society.

Private Sector

Provide training opportunities.

Create employment
Encourage youth entrepreneurship.

The major challenges facing the youth in Botswana

Unemployment

This leads to problems such as poverty, poor health and involvement in criminal activities.

Education and Training

Young people who drop out of school or are not trained in any particular skill are likely
to get low paying jobs. The current challenge is to ensure that the youth complete their
secondary education and receive training.

HIV and AIDS

A major challenge facing young people is to ensure they remain free from HIV and AIDS
through behavioural change and the use of condoms.

Teenage pregnancy

There is a large number of teenagers who drop out of school due to pregnancy.

Sexual, physical and emotional abuse

Young people are the main victims of sexual, physical and emotional abuse by older
people.

Crime

Rape, vandalism of property and theft is mostly committed by young people.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Economic projects that could be run by the youth

Young people can run agriculture business projects e.g. bee keeping and chicken farming.
They can run businesses that provide services to the public and other businesses e.g. selling food,
run car washes and sell agriculture produce.
Young people can run manufacturing projects like making arts and crafts and sell to the public.
They can run information technology centres and provide access to the internet, printing and
photocopying services.

Assessing efforts being made to empower the youth

All political parties in Botswana have youth wings.

The youth are provided with equal access to basic education.
Guidance and Counselling has been included within the education system so that young people
have important life skills
Children’s rights are promoted and protected.
The government has established the CEDA Young Farmers Fund to provide loans and training in
entrepreneurial skills in order to encourage young people to start and run agricultural businesses.
The government established the Youth Development Grant to cater for the welfare and income
generating activities for out of school unemployed and disadvantaged youth.
The government introduced the graduate internship programme so that young graduates can
work and obtain some work experience.

THE POST COLONIAL ERA

Major domestic challenges leaders of the new republic of Botswana faced after
independence

Drought – A severe drought that started in 1961 and lasted after independence killed crops and
large herds of cattle.
Lack of money - the income the country earned from beef was not enough to pay for all the
developments required in the country.
Limited industrial and commercial businesses – The new government faced the challenge of
promoting and supporting the establishment of different kinds of businesses by Batswana.
Poverty – most people in the country were poor and were mainly subsistence farmers. Many
people had to seek work in South Africa in order to earn money to support their families.
Inadequate and poor education services – Poor and limited education facilities meant that most
people were illiterate. They could not read or write. The new government had to employ
expatriate civil servants (foreigners).

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Limited health facilities – Very few people had access to sanitation facilities and clean water.
The new government had to spend money building health facilities and improving access to
sanitation facilities and clean water.

Botswana’s major socio – economic and political achievements since independence

Rise in income levels – Botswana is no longer one of the poorest countries and has moved from
being a least developed country to a middle income country.
Education – Literacy levels and the number of highly educated and skilled Batswana have risen.
There are now tertiary institutions and technical colleges in the country.
Health – Currently over 90 % of the population has access to health care services available
through facilities such as mobile health posts, clinics and hospitals.
Access to safe drinking water – Most of the villages and towns now have access to clean piped or
tapped water.
Reduction of poverty – The government has come up with programmes that help vulnerable
groups of people in order to reduce the impact of poverty e.g. she provides basic food items to
destitute people and pay the old a pension monthly.
Improvement in infrastructure – transport and communication has improved a lot. Botswana now
has tarred roads and most of the villages have been electrified.
Rule of law – the government does not make laws that violate the Constitution or people’s rights.

Botswana’s long term vision

The long term vision also known as Vision 2016 describes what kind of nation Botswana should
be in 2016. It includes the following pillars or goals:

An educated and informed nation.

A prosperous, productive and innovative nation.
A compassionate, just and caring nation.
A safe and secure nation.
An open, democratic and accountable nation.
A moral and tolerant nation.
A united and proud nation.

The significance (Importance) of the Long Term Vision for Botswana

It describes the hopes of Batswana regarding the kind of nation they would like their country to
be by 2016.
Ensures that Botswana continues to make the right choices in terms of social, economic and
political values and decisions.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

It provides Botswana with clear and measurable goals. Batswana can therefore always check
progress and see how far the country has gone in achieving the goals of 2016.
It creates common and shared national goals which help promote national unity while
recognizing and respecting the diversity in cultures and languages in the country.
It guides citizens in their interactions with fellow citizens as well as outsiders by describing
expected standards of behavior and values.
It makes Batswana aware that while they must adapt to the challenges of globalization and
changing values, they should still retain the positive aspects of their cultural values that
distinguish them from other nations.

FOREIGN RELATIONS / INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Foreign relations is the interaction between countries. It is also defined as the strategies
that a country chooses or employs to deal with other countries.

How nations interact with one another

Trade – Countries buy goods from one another e.g. Botswana exports goods to other countries
and buy or import goods from other countries.
Labour exchange – Botswana gets experts from other countries to come and work in Botswana
while Batswana also go and seek jobs in other countries.
Tourism – Foreign visitors come to Botswana and Batswana visit other countries for business,
study and leisure.
Elections – Botswana allows other countries to observe its elections while it also participates in
observing elections of other countries.
Celebrations – Botswana attends independence celebrations of other countries to show
recognition and support for their political systems.
Peace keeping – Botswana sends soldiers through the United Nations peacekeeping forces to
countries that are not politically stable to keep peace e.g. Somalia, Sudan etc.
Education – Batswana exchanges students with other countries e.g. teachers and doctors.

Factors that determine Botswana’s Foreign policy

Botswana’ small population – Because of her small population, Botswana needs external markets
to sell its goods in order for its economy to grow.
Realism or pragmatism – this involves being aware of her own political, economic and political
strengths and weaknesses also being honest in assessing her own power, influence and abilities
to protect, defend and promote her national interest.
Geographical location – As a landlocked country, Botswana’ foreign policy has to ensure the
country remains on good terms with the countries that surround her.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

The common good - this refers to that her actions and ways of behaving must be for the benefit
and in the interest of the majority and not the individual. e.g. it is for the common good that
countries should resolve disputes peacefully and maintain peace and security in the world.
Membership with different organizations – Botswana’s foreign policy is determined by the
agreements she has signed with organizations such as SADC, AU etc.

The major principles that guide Botswana’s foreign Policy

Botswana’s national interest – Botswana’s foreign policy does not support agreements, decisions
or policies that would damage her principles of botho, democracy etc.
Peaceful co – existence and good neighbourliness – Botswana has demonstrated her belief for
peace by participating in the United Nations peacekeeping missions and shown good
neighbourliness by expressing concern for suffering caused by natural disasters in other
countries.
Respect for international law – Botswana respects rules and regulations that govern the conduct,
rights and responsibilities of nations and governments. e.g. laws on treatment of prisoners, caring
for the environment etc.
Respect for human rights – Botswana recognizes and accepts the importance of respecting
human rights and condemns violations of these rights.
Non – interference in the internal affairs of other countries – Botswana believes that every
independent country has a right to manage its own affairs without interference for other
countries.
Respect for the territorial integrity of other states – Botswana will not claim land belonging to
another country or encourage groups within other countries to breakaway and establish new
countries.
Non – alignment – Botswana remains neutral in civil wars or conflicts between other countries
and will not take sides in situations where there is conflict.

Major Foreign Policy Challenges from 1966 to the Present

The South African liberation struggle – Botswana had to accept refugees from South Africa but
at the same time could not afford strained relations with South Africa for trade reasons.
Military invasions from Rhodesia – Rhodesia used to invade Botswana under the pretext of
following the refugees who fled into Botswana. This threatened Botswana’s political stability
The current political and economic stability in Zimbabwe – Because a lot of Zimbabweans come
into Botswana illegally, this costs Botswana a lot of money when they have to return the illegal
immigrants
Relocation of Basarwa from the CKGR – This attracted the attention of non – governmental
organizations which criticized the relocation as a violation of the land and cultural rights of
Basarwa. This challenge threatened to damage Botswana’s diamond exports and her international
image as a country that respects human rights.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

The 2008 global recession – This slowed down economic growth as prices of goods went up and
diamonds were not bought.
Small population – Botswana depends on external markets and imported goods, the high cost of
imports and exports make manufacturing difficult and so it is not easy for the economy to
diversify, grow and achieve sustainable development.

Major foreign Policy Successes from 1966 to the present

Botswana is a member of the United Nations. This is good because the organization aims at
promoting peace and providing humanitarian aid to the whole world.
Batswana has managed to maintain cordial relationships with her neighbors. This has encouraged
peaceful trade between Botswana and her neighbours.
She has been able to attract large amounts of foreign investments.
Through her membership of the Frontline States Botswana managed to liberate Mozambique,
Angola, Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa.
Managed to peaceful settle the Sedudu Island dispute with Namibia through the international
court of justice.
Has protected human rights by granting refuge to people running away from Zimbabwe and
Namibia.

Botswana’s involvement in Peacekeeping Missions

Peacekeeping involves putting intermediaries (mediators) between fighting factions to physically

keep them apart and stop them from attacking each other and innocent civilians. e.g. soldiers
from nations that are not part of the conflict.

Somalia, Mogadishu – In 1992 Botswana sent some soldiers to Somalia as part of a

peacekeeping mission.
Mozambique – Between 1993 and 1994 700 BDF soldiers were sent to Mozambique to keep
RENAMO and FRELIMO from fighting.
Rwanda – A team of BDF officers participated in a UN peacekeeping mission in Rwanda as
observers, this was after the Hutu killed the Tutsi.
Sudan, Darfur – In 2004 Botswana sent 10 BDF soldiers to take part in an AU peacekeeping
mission in Sudan.
Lesotho – in 1998 380 BDF soldiers arrived in Lesotho to stop riots and establish and maintain
order.

Botswana’s involvement in peacemaking initiatives

Peacemaking is the process of negotiating an agreement by fighting factions or sides to end a

dispute or fighting in order to have peace.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Democratic Republic of Congo – The former president of Botswana, Sir Ketumile Masire, was
involved as a conflict mediator in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1999.

Ways in which foreign relations affect the lives of Citizens

Travel – foreign relations can affect the ease with which people can travel from one country to
another e.g. before they are allowed into a country, visitors must have a valid passport and a visa.
Foreign aid – good and friendly relations can result in citizens benefiting from aid given by one
country to the other e.g. Cuba has provided Botswana with doctors and nurses who have been
working in government hospitals. This helps the government to deliver health services to all who
need it.
Trade – Citizens are able to start and operate businesses that import goods from or export goods
to other countries.
Creation of business and employment opportunities – friendly relations enable creation of
employment which help people earn salaries and pay for their children’s education.
Development of education – the foreign exchange earned through exports has been used in the
development of education.
Shared natural resources - Countries share water and wildlife that migrates across borders. The
Okavango river is shared by Angola and Botswana, this benefits citizens of both countries.
The Formation of Southern African Customs Union (SACU)

SACU was formed on 29 June 1910 by South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Swaziland and
Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe left in 1923. The headquarters of SACU is Windhoek. It was
formed to:
allow free trade among members.
Charge a common external tariff on all goods imported into the Customs Union form non
member countries.
NB a tariff or customs duty is a tax charged on imported or exported goods
Create a common pool of revenue for customs duties that would be collected and to share the
revenue among members.
Allow free movement of goods between member states.

Organisation of SACU

Council of Minister -------------------------- Tribunal

Customs union commission Tariff Board --------- National Bodies

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Secretariat Technical Liaison Committees

Agriculture
Transport
Customs
Finance
Trade and Industry

Responsibilities

The SACU Council of Ministers is the main decision making body made up of one minister from
each of the SACU member states.
The SACU Tribunal is a body responsible for setting tariffs. It ensures that there is no dumping
of environmentally unfriendly toxins in the SACU member states.
The Customs Union Commission supervises and oversees the work of the SACU secretariat.
Tariff Board is responsible for making recommendations to the Council of Ministers on the level
and changes of duties on goods imported from outside the Customs Area and other revenue
matters.
Secretariat is responsible for the daily running of SACU.

Responsibilities of the Technical Liaison Committees

Agriculture committee provides technical advice on matters affecting production, consumption

and trade in agricultural products.
Trade and industry Committee advices the Customs Union Commission.
Customs Committee assists in the development and implementation of common and simplified
Customs policies, instruments and procedures.
Transport Committee facilitates the movement of goods and passengers with a view to reducing
transportation costs and transit times.
Finance Committee facilitates the collection and analysis of economic, trade and revenue data
that is used to decide how much money each member gets from the Common Revenue pool.

Formation of the Southern African Development Community (SADC)

Leaders of a group called the Frontline States felt that they needed to work together to
promote economic and social development in the region, and to reduce economic dependence
on other countries.

A regional conference was held in Lusaka, Zambia in April 1980. As a result of the
conference, an organization called the Southern African Development Coordination
Conference (SADCC) was established with Sir Seretse Khama as its first chairperson.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

In 1989 at a meeting in Harare members agreed to transform the organization from

coordination conference to a development community. In 1992 SADCC changed to SADC.
Currently it has 15 members.

Its objectives are :

To promote sustainable economic and social development through regional entegration.

To develop common political values, systems and institutions.
To promote and defend peace and security.
To co ordinate national and regional strategies and programmes.
To strengthen historical, social and cultural links among the people of the region.

The Organization of SADC

Summit of Heads of State and Government ----------- Troika

Council of Ministers ----- Troika Tribunal Organ on Politics, ---- Troika

Defence & Security co operation

Standing Committee ------ Troika

Of Senior Officials

Integrated Committee of Ministers

SADC Secretariat

Executive Secretary

Support Services Dept of Strategic Planning Dept for Politics, Defence and Security
Administration Gender & Policy harmonization
Finance
Legal Affairs
Internal Audit
Knowledge & Directorate 5 Directorate 6
Information Politics & diplomacy Defence & security

Directorate 1 Directorate 2 Directorate 3 directorate 4

Trade, Industry Food, Agric and Infrastructure & Social & Human Development &

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Finance, mining Natural resources Services Special Programmes

& investment

National Committees

SADC uses a Troika leadership system meaning a group consisting of three. These are
the current Chair, incoming Chair and the outgoing Chair. The Troika system operates at
the level of the Summit, the organ on Politics, Defence and Security, Council of
Ministers and Standing Committee of Senior Officials. This system enables SADC to
take quick decisions in between regular meetings of these organs.

Responsibilities
The Summit of Heads of State and Government is responsible for the overall policy direction
and control of functions of the Community. It elects the chairperson and deputy chairperson of
SADC.
The Council of Ministers oversees the functioning and development of SADC and ensuring that
policies are properly implemented.
Integrated Committee of Ministers oversees the work of the Secretariat. It reports directly to the
Council of Ministers.
Standing Committee of Senior Officials prepares the agenda for council of Ministers meetings.
Organ on Politics, Defence & Security is responsible for promoting peace and security in the
region.
Tribunal is responsible for settling disputes referred to it concerning the adherence to and
interpretation of the SADC Treaty and agreements.
SADC Secretariat is responsible for strategic planning and management of SADC programmes,
implementation of decisions of SADC policy organs and institutions such as the Summit and
Council.
SADC National Committees provide inputs at the national level in the formulation of regional
policies, strategies, the SADC Programme of Action as well as coordinate and oversee the
implementation of these programmes.

The formation of the African Union

The Organization African Unity was formed in 1963. Its headquarters are in Addis Ababa in
Ethiopia. Members met in 1999 and agreed that instead of being only a political organization,
OAU should also concentrate on economic issues. It was at a meeting in Durban South Africa
2002 that the organization officially launched African Union. Its aims were :
To accelerate the political and socio – economic integration of the continent.
To promote and defend common positions on issues of interest to Africa.
To promote and protect human rights.
To work towards the eradication of preventable diseases and the promotion of good health.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

To promote sustainable development at the economic, social and cultural levels.

The organization of the African Union

Assembly of Heads of State and Government

Pan – African Court of The Executive Economic, Social Peace

Parliament Justice Council of ministers & cultural council Security Council

The Commission Specialised Technical Permanent Financial

Committees Representative Council Institution

Responsibilities

The Assembly is the supreme decision making organ. They elect a chairperson of the AU who
holds office for 12 months.
The Executive Council advises the Assembly.
The Permanent Representatives’ Committee prepares the work of the Executive Council.
Peace and Security Council prevents, manages and resolves conflicts.
Pan- African Parliament ensures the full participation of African people in governance,
development and economic integration.
The Economic, Social and Cultural Council advises the organization.
The Court of Justice settles disputes concerning the interpretation of the Constitutive Act of the
Union and matters related to the work of the Union.

Formation of the United Nations

The UN was formed in 1945 after the second World War. Its headquarters are in New
York, USA. Its main objectives are:
To bring all nations of the world together to work for world peace.
To promote friendship and international co – operation among all nations of the world.
Encourage nations to work together to stop environmental destruction.
To encourage respect for each other’s rights and freedom.
To promote development so that the standard of living and quality of life of all people is
improved.

The organization of the United Nations

The United Nations Organization

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

General Economic & Security Secretariat International Trusteeship

Assembly Social Council Court of Council
Council Justice

*Subsidiary * Commissions *Subsidiary Departments Registry

Bodies * Specialised Bodies & Offices
*Progremmes Agencies * Committees
* Funds * Committees
* Research & * Forums
Training
Institutes.

Responsibilities

The General Assembly is the only organ in which all members are allowed to participate in
discussions and make recommendations on any issue of global concern.
The Security Council maintains peace in the world. It condemns actions that threaten world
peace, authorize UN peacekeeping and peacemaking missions. Call for sanctions or authorize
countries to use military action in order to deal with threats to world peace.
The Economic and Social Council coordinates the economic and social work of the UN
specialized agencies. It initiates research on international economic and social issues. Identifies
solutions to international economic, social and health problems. It facilitates international
cultural and educational cooperation.
The international court of justice settles legal disputes brought to it by member states according
to international law. It also gives legal advice to other UN organs.
The Secretariat carries out the administrative work of the UN.
The Trusteeship Council no longer exists but used to administer colonial territories that had been
put under UN care and control.

BOTSWANA’s ELECTORAL SYSTEM

An electoral system or voting system is a set of rules that are used to determine how a
candidate or political party wins an election and, how parliament or council seats are
allocated to winning candidates or political parties.

NB constituency means dividing Botswana into electoral districts.

Comparing Botswana ‘s Electoral System with other types of Electoral Systems

First Past The Post (FPTP)

This is the electoral system Botswana uses during general elections to elect members of
parliament and councilors.

Each constituency or ward has one seat and is represented by a single elected member.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

The candidate who receives the most votes wins and becomes the elected representative, that is,
member of Parliament or Councillor.
The political party that has most representatives elected and therefore has the majority of seats in
parliament also wins the right to rule the country.

For a example in a constituency, 100 people vote for 3 candidates. Candidate A gets 40
votes, candidate B gets 35 votes and candidate C gets 25 votes. Candidate A wins even
though the majority of voters ( 60) did not vote for him or her.

Block Vote (BV)

Each constituency has several seats. The constituency elects as many representatives as the
number of seats available in the constituency or ward.
Each voter has as many votes as there are seats to be filled in a constituency e.g. if a constituency
has 3 seats, each voter gets 3 votes.
Voters can vote for any 3 candidates. They can vote for candidates from 3 different parties. The
candidates are ranked according to the number of votes each one receives.
The top 3 candidates with the highest number of votes win.

For example a constituency has 3 seats, 100 people vote. Candidate A gets 30 votes,
candidate B 25 votes, candidate C 20 votes, candidate D 15 votes and candidate E 10 votes.
Candidate A, B and C win.

The Two – Round Vote (TRV)

If a candidate receives more than 50 % of the vote in the first round, he or she wins the election.
If no candidate gets more than 50 % of the vote in the first round, a second round of voting is
held usually within few weeks of the first ballot. In some countries only the top two candidates in
the first round move to the second round while in other countries, all candidates with a certain
minimum percentage of votes move to the second round.

For example 100 people vote in a constituency, if candidate A gets 51 votes, candidate B
29 votes and candidate C 20 votes, candidate A wins the election.

If in the first round candidate A gets 49 votes, candidate B 31 votes and candidate C 20
votes. A second round of voting is conducted involving only candidates A and B. The
winner will be the one who gets more than 50 % votes.

The alternative Vote (AV)

Voters rank candidates in order of (preference) choice on the ballot paper, marking “1” for their
first choice and “2” for their second choice.
To win a candidate must get more than 50 % of the votes as first – choice votes.
If no candidate wins more than 50 % the first choice votes, the last placed candidate is removed.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

The voting process is repeated until one candidate has more than 50 % of the votes as first
choice.

For example if candidate A gets 40 votes, candidate B 30 votes, candidate C 20 votes and
candidate D 10 votes. Candidate D is removed and voting is repeated for the remaining
candidates until one of them gets more than 50 % of first choice votes.

Party List Proportional Representation

Each political party presents a list of its candidates who will represent it.
The list should be equal to the total number of seats.
Voters vote for a party rather than a candidate.
The candidates are ranked / votes are added up and a percentage calculated.
e.g. if a party receives 55 % of the national vote, it would receive 55 % of the seats in
parliament.
Elected representatives are taken from the party list in order of their ranking on the list. For
instance if a party has won 20 seats, the first 20 candidates on the list are taken.

For example there are 100 seats in parliament. If party A wins 40 % of the votes, it gets
40 seats. The top 40 candidates on its party list get the seats. If party B wins 30 % of the
votes, it gets 30 seats and the top 30 candidates on its party list get the seats. If party C
wins 20 % of the vote, it gets 20 seats.

Single Transferable Vote

Voters vote for individuals not parties.
Voters indicate an order of preference on the ballot paper for several candidates by ranking them
1st, 2nd and so on.
A formula is used to determine the minimum number of votes (quota) that an individual
candidate must get in order to be awarded a seat.
If the first choice candidate gets the required minimum number of votes, he or she wins a seat
and any additional votes for this candidate are transferred to the second choice candidate.
If the second choice candidate reaches the required minimum number of votes, he or she also
wins a seat and any additional votes for the second candidate are transferred to the third choice.
This process continues until the seats in the constituency are filled.
If no single candidate gets the minimum number of votes required, the candidate with the lowest
number of first choice votes is eliminated. The votes he or she got are transferred to the
candidate with highest number of first choice votes.

For example a constituency has three seats and 5 candidates. A voter ranks the
candidates from 1(first choice) to 5(last choice). If the quota is calculated to be 300.
The process of determining the winner is as explained above.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Mixed member proportional system. ( New Zealand)

The legislature consists of a block of seats that are elected by plurality or majority for single
member districts and another block of seats that are elected in multi – member districts under a
proportional system.
The proportional seats are awarded in such a way as to compensate for disproportional effects in
the single member district outcomes.
In some countries, voters get two choices, one vote for a party and the other for a candidate; in
others, voters may make only one choice, and vote for a candidate. The total number of seats a
party gets are derived from the total votes cast for the individual district candidates.

For example, if one party wins 10 % of the vote nationally but no district seats, it will be
awarded enough seats from the proportional representation list to bring its representation
up to 10 % of seats in the legislature.

Single Non – Transferable Vote (SNTV)

Each constituency has several seats.
Each voter can vote once only.
The candidate with the highest number of votes wins the seats available.
Votes cannot be transferred from one candidate to another.

For example, a constituency has 4 seats and 7 candidates. Each voter votes for on
candidate. The top 4 candidates with the most votes are elected.

Parallel Systems
The legislature consists of a block of seats that are elected by plurality or majority from single –
member districts and another block of seats that are elected in multi – member districts under a
proportional representation system. The proportional seats are awarded independently of the
outcomes in single member districts. The proportional representation component of a parallel
system does not compensate for any disproportionality within the plurality / majority districts.

For example Russia has 450 seats, 225 seats are filled using proportional representation
system, while the other 225 are filled using First Past the Post System.

Canada has 125 seats, 25 seats are filled using proportional representation system, while
100 are filled using Two Round System.

The Establishment of the Independent Electoral Commission in Botswana (IEC)

It was established in 1997 by an act of parliament to oversee the running of elections. It

ensures that elections in Botswana are transparent and conducted in accordance with
internationally accepted principles and standards of democratic elections. Its functions
are to :

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Conduct and supervise elections

Encourage citizens to register to vote.
Ensure elections are conducted fair and freely.
Ensure the secretary of the commission performs his / her duties according to the constitution
and electoral law.
Educate people about voting throughout the country.
Arrange and conduct the national referenda.
Register all political parties wishing to participate in any general election.
Register citizens who qualify to vote and prepare the voters roll.

Processes and procedures regarding delimitation of Constituency Boundaries and

Polling districts / towns

Before the actual voting process can take place, constituency boundaries are established
throughout the country. This is called delimitation of constituency boundaries. Botswana is
divided into voting or electoral districts called constituencies for electing members of
parliament.

When setting constituency boundaries the following processes are followed :

The judiciary service commission appoints a Delimitation Commission as provided in section

64 of the constitution of Botswana. This happens after every population and housing census.
The commission draws the constituency boundaries on the basis of the census population.
The IEC divides delimitated constituencies into polling districts and establish polling stations
within each district. Outside Botswana, polling stations may be the Embassies or other places
identified by IEC. They then avail the resources.

At the last delimitation of boundaries in 2001, Botswana was divided into 57 constituencies,
2 28 internal polling stations and 25 external polling stations.

Identifying of and demarcation of Polling stations

Demarcation and identification of polling district boundaries is carried out by a committee

made up of representation from different stakeholders. e.g. secretary of Independent Electoral
Commission, traditional leaders and political representation.

Basic Elements of the voting process

Voters go to the polling station in the area where they have registered to vote.
They show their registration cards and Omang to the polling officer.
Polling officer checks the name of the voter on the voter’s roll to confirm personal details.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Polling officer then gives the voter a ballot paper and marks against it to prove the ballot paper
was given out.
The voter then goes to a polling booth and secretly marks his / her paper, folds it up and puts it in
a ballot box and leaves the polling station.
When voting ends, the ballot boxes are sealed and sent to one place where votes are counted in
the presence of representatives from all competing parties.
The candidate who wins the most votes in a constituency becomes the Member of Parliament for
that constituency.

The Importance of voting

Promote democracy - Voters have a say in the way

It is the means by which citizens express their choice.
Voting is the lawful and peaceful way of choosing and changing the government and political
leaders. For example voters can remove weak or bad leaders by voting them out during elections.
It enables voters to communicate to the government and political leaders what is important to
them by voting for candidates and political parties that have policies that best match their
interests, values and views.
Voting forces elected leaders to try as much as possible to promote and protect the interests of
the people, so that they re – elect them.
Roles of Elected Representatives
The President
Issues rules, and regulations and instructions which do not necessarily need parliamentary
approval.
Dissolves parliament and calls for general elections every 5 years.
Leads and guides the country.
Is the commander – in – chief of the armed forces.
Heads the judiciary.
Members of parliament
Make laws.
Make the government aware of the needs of people in their constituencies.
Elect the president after general elections.
See to it that the electorate get services in their areas.
Encourage people to register and vote.
Promote freedom of speech by allowing people to openly discuss their opinion.
Councillors
Raise awareness about available programmes, such as poverty alleviation and drought relief
programmes.
Facilitate developments in their wards.
Work hand in hand with members of parliament on issues of community interest.
Ensure that water, clinics and electricity reach local communities.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Debate issues concerning their electorate in council meeting in order to come up with solutions.

Ways of holding elected representatives accountable

Refusing to vote for a bad or weak leader in the next elections.

Holding an internal or independent inquiry in response to allegations of misconduct or
corruption.
Passing a motion of no confidence to a weak leader.
The electorate can arrange meetings with their representatives on any particular issue they would
like the government to attend to.
Keep a record of campaign promises and monitor their implementation.
Constituents should be aware of their leader’s contribution to debates and discussions in
parliament and council meetings and ask him to explain why they voted for or against a
particular issue, law or policy.

Self Employment

Self employed people start and own their businesses and work for themselves. They are known
as entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneurship is the action and skill of starting and running a business or an enterprise in
order to make a profit.

Factors of Production

Entrepreneurs need to have certain resources in order to produce goods or services for sale.
These are :

Land – These are all the resources that are required to produce goods and services. e.g water, oil,
fish, vegetation.
Labour - These are people who provide knowledge and skills to produce goods and provide
services. (workers).
Capital – These are goods made by people that are used to produce other goods and services e.g.
include tools, equipment, machinery, computers, vehicles and factory buildings. Capital also
means money that is used by an entrepreneur to start a business or to increase production.
Enterprise / Entrepreneurship – the entrepreneur comes up with a business idea and takes
responsibility for all the risks in the business.

The Effect of Supply and Demand on Prices

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Businesses supply goods and services people want and need at a price. Price is what people
pay when they buy a good or a service and what they receive when they sell a good or
service.

The prices at which goods and services are bought and sold are affected by supply and
demand. An increase or decrease in the supply and demand for goods and services results in
prices going up or down.

The law of supply

Supply is the quantity of goods and services available for sale at a given price. Supply affects
prices of goods and services because if supply is higher than demand, the price will decrease
and if supply is lower than demand, the price will increase.

It is important to note that the prices of goods and services can also affect supply. Thus if
there is a large drop in the price of a good or service, the production of that good or provision
of that service may be temporarily or permanently stopped leading to reduced supply.

Fewer goods and services will be offered for sale because entrepreneurs cannot carry on
producing and selling goods and services at a loss.

Entrepreneurs try to sell their goods and services at the highest possible price, this may
increase supply.

The law of demand.

Demand is the quantity of goods or services that people want or need and actually buy. Quantity
demanded is the amount people are willing to buy at a certain price. The relationship between
price and quantity demanded is known as the demand relationship.

Demand affects price of goods and services because if demand is higher than supply, the price
will increase. If demand is lower than supply, the price will decrease. Low demand for particular
goods or services means few people want to buy them and are actually buying them.

Prices at which goods or services are sold can also affect demand. Thus the lower the price of
goods and services the higher the demand. The higher the price of goods and services the lower
the demand.

When prices of goods and services fall, demand increases. A decrease in prices enables more
people to buy the goods. The increase in demand of goods comes from people who could not
afford to buy the goods and services but are now able to buy them because of the lower prices
and those who would not buy even if they had money but have changed their minds because the
lower prices make goods and services more worthwhile to buy.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

When prices increase, demand decreases. This is because a price increase means only high
income earners will still afford to buy the same goods and services after a price increase.

The equilibrium price

When the quantity of goods and services demanded is equal to the quantity supplied we have the
equilibrium price. e.g. when the price of a 10 kg bag of maize – meal is P20 and there is demand
of 50 bags of maize – meal and 50 bags of maize – meal are supplied to the market at that
particular time, then we say the equilibrium price at that time is P20.

The Concept of Borrowing and budgeting

Borrowing is any arrangement by which one obtains something, e.g. getting money from
someone else and agreeing to return it within a specific period of time.

Borrowing allows individuals and businesses to obtain money to pay for goods and services that
are expensive or require immediate payment, while allowing the cost to be spread over several
months or years.

Before an individual borrows money, they must think carefully about whether or not it is
necessary to borrow the money. This is because if one fails to make repayments when they are
due, the lender may sell all borrower’s property to get their money back.

The Concept of Spending

Spending is the act of using money to buy goods and pay for services. Money is paid out in
exchange for goods and services. e.g. paying for raw materials, equipment, rent or salaries. A
good rule to follow when spending is spend money on essentials first.

The Concept of Saving

Saving is the act of conserving money by not spending it. This money may be put aside and
accumulated over time. Accumulated money is referred to as savings.

Importance of Saving

So that one has money during emergencies or unforeseen events.

To raise capital for buying goods.

The Concept of Investing

Investing is using money in order to earn more or to increase output over a long period of time
such as three years or more. It involves becoming the owner or part owner of whatever one is
investing in, for example, when you buy shares in a bank you become part owner of the bank.
When a business person buys machinery to increase production he or she owns the machinery.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Importance of Investing

To earn a lot of money or earn profit.

Money saved can be used to pay for advertising campaigns .
Money can be used to expand or buy equipment.

The Concept of Budgeting

Budgeting is the process of planning and making a budget. A budget lists all expected income
and planned expenses for a given period e.g. a day, week, month or a year. When budgeting, the
income and expenses listed should be accurate and complete. Do not plan to spend more than
you earn. Prioritise needs over wants.

Importance of budgeting

It helps one stay in control of their money.

Helps one plan and ensure that they always have money.
Help identify and reduce unnecessary spending

Ways of Saving.

Open a savings account – banks pay interest on money in saving accounts.

Start a piggy bank – a container such as a tin or box that is used to store coins or notes.
Be a smart borrower – borrow money from lenders offering the lowest interest rates.
Contribute to pension fund – people should prepare for life after retirement by paying money
into a pension fund.
Join a burial society – This will enable one to save for the costs of their relatives’ funerals
because when a member dies the society pays out an agreed amount of money to the bereaved
family.
People should spend little than they earn – they should cut down on spending on non – essential
and unnecessary items.

Ways of investing

Property – one can rent out or invest on land and buildings such as houses, offices and
warehouses.
Bonds – bonds are traded on stock exchange and their value can rise or fall. After a specific
period, the initial amount invested plus the final interest due is paid back to the investor.
Buying shares – a share is a unit of ownership in a company. They are also known as stocks or
equities. Shareholders earn money through dividend payments or sale of shares.
-- dividend payment is when the company makes a profit and distributed some of the
money to the shareholders in proportion to the number of shares they hold

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

* collective investment – this is a single fund made up of money deposited by many people.
The money is invested on their behalf by a fund manager. Investors share in the profits
the fund makes. The fund manager usually charges a fee for managing the investment.
e.g. unit Trusts.

Opportunities of self employment

The government of Botswana has set up various schemes to help citizens who want to start their
own businesses and be self – employed.
Training in entrepreneurship and mentorship through organizations like LEA and CEDA.
Agricultural support schemes.
There is the potential to earn more money through the profits the business makes than if you
were employed by someone else.
It gives an individual experience on starting and running a business. This gives individuals the
opportunity to develop business management knowledge and skills that one may not learn when
working for someone else.
It provides a route out of poverty and an alternative to unemployment due to factors such as lack
of jobs and work experience.

Challenges of self employment

Lack of business management and entrepreneurship skills.

Inadequate capital as a result of lack of collateral (guaranteed) security to raise loans.
Inadequate raw materials.
Shortage of skilled labour.
Poor market for some products.
No business is risk free. If the business fails, the investor loses a lot of money.

Government Policies that promote investment

Citizen Economic Empowerment – agencies like CEDA provide Botswana with loans at low
interest.
Encouraging long term saving – Letlole National Savings Certificate encourages citizens to
invest in long – term savings. The certificates earn a higher interest rate than those offered by
commercial banks.
Tax policies – Botswana has low tax rates. People who earn less than P36 000 per annum do not
pay tax.
Foreign exchange policies – In order to attract foreign companies to invest in Botswana, the
country does not have any foreign exchange controls.
Business friendly laws – Botswana laws respect the right to own property and run private
businesses. Business registration and licensing laws have been simplified so that it is easier and
quicker to start and run a business in Botswana.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Encouraging foreign direct investment – International Financial Services Centre has attracted
banks such as Kingdom bank, Enterprise Banking Group and BancABC to se set up in Botswana
and offer international banking services.

Sustainable Development

Sustainable development means development that meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Ways of achieving sustainable development

Proper management of the environment – conserve wild animals and plants in protected areas
such as national parks, teach farmers to use farming methods & practices that help conserve the
soil.
Controlling population growth – this can allow a country to meet people’s needs and improve
their standard of living while using resources available in a sustainable way.
Increasing resource productivity – Resource productivity means using the same amount of
resources to produce more. This can be done through recycling and reusing resources.
Inventing new or using technology which use fewer natural resources, cause less damage
to the environment or use renewable energy sources ( solar & wind power).
Sharing wealth and resources fairly and justly – The poor must be given something so that they
have something to meet their need with.
Maintaining peace – For people to go to work and invest money for the future, they need to feel
safe and secure. War and conflict divert resources and attention from development.

Good Environmental Management

Good or sound environmental management involves taking care of the environment and
limiting the negative impact of humans on it. e.g. planting trees, protecting and conserving
wild animals and their habitats, recycling paper & cans, making firebreaks and conducting
environmental impact assessments before any construction, mining and other development
project work starts.

The benefits of good environmental management

It conserves natural resources on which human development depends upon. e.g. resources such
as the soil, wildlife and vegetation do not become depleted or damaged.
It promotes sustainable use of resources which ensures that present generations can meet their
needs and future generations can meet their needs too.
Saves money by reducing environmental damage caused by human activities thus it is cheaper
and easier to protect, conserve and preserve the environment than to fix problems caused by
mismanagement.
It preserves the aesthetic value or beauty of the natural environment.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

It helps maintain defences against natural hazards such as floods, drought and wildfires.
It creates and maintains a healthy environment which can help ensure the survival of all living
things e.g. diseases that spread through poor sanitation or illness which are a result of pollution
are likely to be controlled and limited.

The relationship between environment and development

The environment can promote or hinder development. Development takes place within the
environment and depends on resources from the environment. This is why for development
to be sustainable, it is important to protect the environment and to use natural resources
wisely.

The environment contributes to development by providing natural resources that enable people to
undertake various economic activities which help improve their lives. Manufacturing industries
use natural resources as a source of raw materials to produce different kinds of goods.

Agriculture requires resources such as soil, water and pastures. For example fertile soils,
adequate water supply and pastures lead to high production.

Some natural hazards cause natural disasters that can hinder development efforts. For example
floods, earthquakes, hurricanes can cause extensive damage and destruction of life, property,
crops and infrastructure. Money is spent rebuilding damaged infrastructure and providing
emergency aid rather than on new development projects.
Low rainfall limits agriculture production and makes it difficult for countries to achieve food self
– sufficiency. In times of drought people have little or no food and governments spend money
importing food and less money is available for development.
Diseases and pests affect the health of people and animals, and damage crops.
Inhospitable physical environment – some environments have limited development opportunities
due to poor soils and extreme temperatures e.g. deserts.

Different economic activities that people undertake as part of development affect the
environment . For example

The raw materials for producing vehicles, cell phones and building materials come from the
environment.
Vegetation is removed when dams or roads are constructed.
The lack f electricity in homes forces many people in rural areas to use firewood as fuel. This
leads to the depletion of wood resources.
Waste from our homes if no disposed properly can pollute the environment.

Education and Human Resource Development

The purpose of Education

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

To equip people with knowledge and skills – Education helps people to produce goods and
services, acquire employment and improve their lives.
To develop positive values and attitudes – It helps people acquire values such as tolerance,
honesty, kindness and compassion that are desirable and necessary in order to have a fair, just
and peaceful society.
To develop the ability to reason and think critically – It develops people’s ability to reason and
think critically about they do, see, hear and read. It helps people to think for themselves; evaluate
information and make informed decisions and judgements.
To awaken the desire to learn - It produces people and societies that are always asking questions
and are willing to learn new things all the time and improve their lives.
To transmit the culture of society – Through education, people are socialized about things such
as the history, language, customs and norms of their society.
Education and human resource development

Human resources are the people who have acquired knowledge and skills which they can
use to earn a living and contribute to the economic, political, social life of the society. For
example skilled workers are a human resource because they have acquired special skills
or expert knowledge in specific types of jobs.

Human resource development is the planned, systematic and organized process and
activities undertaken to equip people with necessary knowledge and skills that they need
to meet current and future job demands and to contribute effectively to the economic,
social, intellectual and political life of the society.

The relationship between education and human resource development

Education is the basis (starting point) of human resource development. It is through

education that human resources of an organization, institution or country are improved.

Most of the modern jobs require people who have specialized knowledge and skills, e.g.
ICT skills, technical knowledge and an understanding of science. Individuals acquire the
knowledge and skills they need to do such jobs through education and training. Education
creates a pool of people with the knowledge and skills that they can use to contribute to
economic development.

Education is a pre – condition for admission to most tertiary institutions e.g. one needs to
have a BGCSE certificate in order to be admitted to the University of Botswana.

Education plays an important role in developing attitudes like tolerance, empathy and
compassion among people.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

It helps develop people who can think critically and solve problems efficiently.

Ways of Improving human resources in Botswana.

Providing basic education to all children - The government should ensure that all citizens
receive 7 years primary and 5 years of secondary education. This will help citizens to acquire the
basic knowledge and skills required for further education and training.
Creating life – long learning opportunities – People who did not complete their formal education
or those who want to improve their knowledge, skills and qualifications while at the same time
being employed must be allowed to continue with education.
Providing relevant curriculum at school and tertiary level - What learners are taught and trained
in must equip them with the relevant knowledge, skills, values and attitudes that are required for
personal survival and fulfillment by employers and society.
Training people to become skilled workers – Learners must be trained in formal institutions such
as technical colleges or by learning on the job as apprentices.
Providing career guidance – Schools should provide effective career guidance to all learners so
that they are able to identify and choose careers that not only match their interests but also offer
skills that are in demand by employers.
Regulating and monitoring education and training standards – Education offered to people must
be of high quality. Training institutions must be monitored to ensure that they maintain high
standards.

Career Opportunities in the formal sector

The formal sector refers to government, private and non – government sectors which
have legal rights to operate in trade of goods and provision of services to the public. The
formal sector operates in premises through licenses. Employees are paid regular salaries
on monthly or weekly terms.

Professional Careers – these require a person to have at least a diploma, degree, masters or a
doctorate. People here have to abide by ethical code of conduct of the profession and belong to
associations. They usually apply for training institutions and are issued with licenses before they
are allowed to practice their profession. They include teachers, lawyers, doctors, engineers,
economists, nurses etc.
Vocational careers – Involve skills that have been acquired through practical training at technical
colleges or apprenticeship programmes. A certificate may be awarded at the end of the training
period. Examples are mechanics, carpenters, builders, computer technicians, chefs.
Some of the formal sector jobs include working in management e.g. directors and chief
executives. People also do general duties like cleaning, clerks, secretaries, office assistants.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

Career Opportunities in the informal sector

This involves operation of small – scale businesses. People do not have trade licenses
while others may use hawkers licenses issued by the city council. Traders use the skill
they learnt from their experiences and natural talents. People here are self employed.

Some of the businesses involve renting existing stalls. Traders require skills like basic
literacy, numeracy, technical, marketing and management skills. Their qualities involve
self – discipline, determination, self – motivation, good customer service, good public
relations and perseverance.

Career opportunities in this sector involve traditional pottery, hair dressing, brewing
traditional beer, dress – making, traditional doctors and traditional musicians.

Careers related to the care for the environment

Teaching in an educational institution – one can become an environmental education teacher or

lecturer.
Environmental education officer – This work involves making people aware of environmental
issues, promoting conservation and sustainability and enhancing the public’s enjoyment of the
environment through teaching them about the natural world.
Environmental engineer - This is the application of science and engineering knowledge, skills
and principles to care for and improve the environment. Environmental engineers identify and
design solutions for environmental problems such as pollution and improper disposal of waste.
They provide safe drinking water, treat & properly dispose of waste.
Waste management officer – Oversee the safe disposal of waste. They manage waste disposal,
collection and recycling facilities.
Wildlife officers – responsible for enforcement of the laws that protect wild animals.
Recreational parks officers – responsible for developing and caring for recreational parks and
open spaces.
Conservation scientists – manage, improve, and protect natural resources. They develop ways to
use and improve the land while protecting the environment.

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA
 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT 2012

PAGE
\*
MERGE
FORMA