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MODULE 4: CITIZENSHIP AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS -being treated fairly and justly
-ownership of property such as land and wells
CITIZENSHIP -attend kgotla meetings and political rallies
This means belonging and identifying oneself with a particular group. A -join organisations in their communities e.g. VDC, Crime Prevention, PTA
citizen is a person who has rights and responsibilities within a particular etc.
group. Citizenship is not only restricted to one’s country. There are various Responsibilities of community citizens
levels of citizenship; family, community, nation, region, continent and -initiating and implementing community development activities and
globe. projects
-respecting the rights of other community citizens
LEVELS OF CITIZENSHIP: -helping the poor and the less fortunate members of the community e.g.
destitutes and orphans.
1. Family citizenship -obey laws and behave in an acceptable manner
A family is the smallest social unit to which people belong. A person can
be a member of a family through birth, marriage, adoption or assimilation. 3. National citizenship
People show that they belong to a family by using family surname and they A combination of various communities makes a nation/country. National
also have certain rights and responsibilities within their families. citizenship means being accepted and belonging to a particular country.
National citizens have certain rights and responsibilities that may vary from
Rights of family citizens one country to another, for instance, in Botswana all citizens have the right
-use family surname for identification to vote, hold political office and own property. A person’s national
-own property and personal belongings within the family citizenship in Botswana can be represented by a birth certificate, passport or
-leisure and rest an identity card.
-participate in family activities
-inherit wealth according to accepted laws Rights of national citizens
Responsibilities of family citizens The rights of national citizens may vary from one country to another
-behave in a manner that will not destroy the image of other family depending on the form of government that is in place e.g. in a dictatorship
members people may not have the right to vote or criticise the government whereas in
-cooperate with other members so as to achieve common goals a democratic government they have those rights. If a country is a signatory
-carryout duties assigned by elderly members of the 1948 UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights the following
-respect the rights of other family members rights should be enjoyed by citizens;
-right to life and security
2. Community citizenship -right to education
Individuals and groups of families make up a community. A community -freedom of expression, religion and association
may refer to a group of people who live in the same area or a group of -right to own family and property
people who have common interests, goals and culture e.g. a school or -protection from forced labour and slavery
church. -right to privacy
-right to leisure and rest
Rights of community citizens -right to vote etc.
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Responsibilities of national citizens b. Citizenship by descent- The act provides that a person born
-serve the country with pride and dignity outside Botswana shall be a citizen of Botswana if at the time of
-protect the welfare of the country e.g. by reporting corruption and birth his father or mother was a citizen of Botswana.
economic crime
-pay tax when required c. Citizenship by settlement- A person who settled in Botswana
-defend the country from external and internal enemies immediately before 30th September 1966, and has lived as a
-vote in general elections and national referendum member of a particular tribe or community, shall if he so wish,
-respect other people’s rights and freedoms make a declaration in such form as may be prescribed and shall
-abide by the laws stated in the constitution. become a citizen of Botswana.

4. Continental citizens d. Citizenship by Registration-A child of not more than three years
Botswana is a country in Africa, therefore its citizens are also citizens of old adopted under any written law relating to the adoption of
Africa. This gives Botswana the right to join continental and regional children shall, if such a child was not a citizen on the date of such
organisations such as SACU, SADC, AU etc. In addition to rights and adoption, become a citizen of Botswana by adoption on the date of
responsibilities of national citizens, continental citizens have the right to such adoption. However this is only possible if one of the adopters
share information & technology and to assist each other in times of wars or both adopters are citizens of Botswana. If a child of more than
and natural disasters. three years old is adopted by a citizen of Botswana the Minister
shall cause such a child to be registered as a citizen of Botswana. A
5. Global Citizenship foreigner who is married to a Motswana can also register to be a
Since all people live in the same planet this makes them global citizens. As citizen of Botswana.
global citizens we are responsible for looking after our planet earth. Rights
and responsibilities of global citizens are the same as those of national and e. Citizenship by naturalisation- The Minister (Labour and Home
continental citizens. Affairs) may grant a certificate of naturalization to a person of full
age, which is a person aged 21 years and above and of sound mind.
WAYS OF ACQUIRING CITIZENSHIP IN BOTSWANA The act prescribes that any foreigner who wishes to be Motswana
The 1998 citizenship act provides for six ways of acquiring citizenship in through naturalisation shall satisfy the Minister that:
Botswana. They are birth, descent, settlement, adoption, naturalization and  He or she has been resident of Botswana for a continuous
presidential dispensation period of 12 months before date of application for a
certificate of naturalization.
a. Citizenship by birth: It means that a child acquires citizenship  He or she must have been resident of Botswana for at
when at the time of birth either the mother or father was a citizen least 10 years.
of Botswana and is born in Botswana. In the past citizenship was  Must be of good character.
patrilineal i.e. it was passed from father to child only. This changed  He or she has sufficient knowledge of Setswana language
after Unity Dow successfully challenged the constitution for being or any language spoken by any tribal community in
gender discriminatory. Botswana.
 He or she intends, in the event of a certificate of
naturalization being granted, to reside in Botswana.
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-initiate development projects by forming associations aimed at raising

f. Presidential dispensation (honorary citizenship)-This is a the standard of living
special kind of citizenship given to a foreigner by the president if -fight for their rights in a peaceful manner
he feels that the person has contributed significantly to the welfare
of the country. ii. Women
The involvement of women in participatory democracy can be
QUALITIES OF A GOOD CITIZEN enhanced through the following ways:
A good citizen is the one who knows his/her rights and responsibilities. -women should challenge for positions of responsibility especially
A good citizen should perform the following: those that had been dominated by men such as MPs and councilors,
- pay tax when required so that money accumulated can be used for chiefs etc.
other economic sectors. -advocate for their rights to eliminate gender inequality as exemplified
-vote in general elections and national referendum by Unity Dow who challenged the constitution over citizenship
-defend and represent the country with pride and dignity acquisition.
-participation in development activities aimed at improving the welfare -address social ills such as abuse and oppression by forming pressure
of the country groups such as Emang Basadi and Women Against Rape.
-respect the law stated in the constitution -Defend their societies and be quality leaders e.g. Lydia Nyati
-sympathise with the less fortunate such as orphans, handicapped and Ramahobo who advocates for the rights of Wayei and Winnie Mandela
destitutes, help them by donating clothes, money and other valuable who fought for the rights of Black people in South Africa during the
items. apartheid era.
-share scarce resources with other members of the society
-use resources in a sustainable manner so that future generations can iii. Ethnic Minorities
also benefit from the same resources. These are groups that were not part of the ‘8 main tribes’ during the
colonial period. This includes ethnic groups such as Bakalanga,
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE YOUTH, ETHNIC MINORITIES AND Hambukushu, Herero, Wayei, Bakgalagadi etc. The policy of ‘divide
WOMEN IN PROMOTING PARTICIPATORY DEMOCRACY AND and rule’ divided the nation into ‘minor and major’ groups. Members of
RESPONSIBLE CITIZENRY. ‘minor groups’ often feel discriminated against and as a result they
* Participatory Democracy- this is a form of democracy in which all exclude themselves from the affairs of the country. Ethnic minorities
people take part in social, economic and political activities of the should enhance their participation by;
country. -fighting for equal recognition of all groups e.g. minority groups
[Link] successfully called for the cancellation of terms ‘minor’ and ‘major’
They are the most active members of the society and they can ensure from the constitution.
that their society is progressive in terms of development by -emphasize equality before the law so that people can be treated equally
participating in the following ways: regardless of race, political opinion, origin etc.
-participate in sports and cultural activities -eliminate ethnic rivalries brought about by colonialism and join hands
-take part in general elections and national referendum for collective development the country.
-stand for positions of responsibility such as being MPs and councilors
-attend kgotla meetings and contribute during discussions
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WAYS OF FACILITATING/PROMOTING PEACE AMONGST -Skilled personnel should also be spread evenly throughout the country
VARIOUS GROUPS IN A DEMOCRATIC COUNTRY LIKE so that all ethnic groups can benefit. There is a habit by some civil
BOTSWANA. servants to refuse to work in remote areas such as Seronga and
There is need for different groups (cultural, political, spiritual and ethnic) to Kachikau.
work hand in hand with each other so that peace and harmony can prevail in iii. Political Groups
the country. If various groups do not cooperate with each other this can This refers to political parties and other groups with political aims.
breed tensions, discrimination, intolerance and civil wars. In order to These groups can strive for peace through the following ways:
achieve peace and harmony outlined in vision 2016 various groups can do -give people equal opportunities to vote and to stand for positions of
the following: responsibility.
i. Cultural Groups -accept the fact that people have varying political opinions and
These are groups that have been formed to fulfill the interests and aims of a therefore people should tolerate others political opinions to avoid wars
particular ethnic or cultural group. Various ethnic groups have formed their that have political causes e.g. war between ZANU PF and MDC in
own associations to campaign for their rights and ambitions e.g. Mbungu Zimbabwe(Mugabe versus Tsvangirai) .
Wa Kathimana(Hambukushu) Kamanakao (Wayei) Society for Promotion iv. Religious groups
of Ikalanga Language-SPIL (Bakalanga) These are groups such as churches and other religious institutions.
They can achieve peace and unity through the following;
Such cultural associations can achieve peace through the following ways: -Religious tolerance: There are many religions in Botswana and each
-Organising cultural exchange festivals so that they can exchange religion and its followers deserve to be respected and appreciated to
talents and cultural knowledge on stage e.g. Maitisong festival. This avoid religious wars like those between Christians and Muslims in
will promote good relations between cultural groups. Nigeria and Pakistan.
-Promotion of intermarriages across cultural groups so as to attain
cultural tolerance and equity. THE ROLE OF THE STATE TO ITS CITIZENS
-Organising seminars and conferences where cultural groups can come For citizens to be peaceful and progressive the state has to provide the
together to discuss issues of concern and solve them peacefully. following:
-Educate people about the importance or respecting other people’s -improve the lives of citizens by providing health services like hospitals and
culture so as to eliminate intolerance. clinics.
ii. Ethnic Groups -provide security by establishing the police and defence force.
Botswana is a multi-ethnic state. It is made up of groups such as -provide primary, secondary and tertiary education
Bakwena, Bakgalagadi, Wayei, Bakalanga etc. For peace to prevail -protect basic human rights and freedoms of citizens.
these groups can be united in the following ways: -provide transport and telecommunication networks
-bury differences brought about by colonialism (e.g. differences -promotion of 5 national principles that contribute to Kagisano (social
between Bangwato and Bakalanga) and join hands to develop the harmony).
country. -create employment for citizens by setting up industries and other
-Those in power should spread development to all regions so that no employment creating institutions.
ethnic group can feel discriminated against.
-promote intermarriages to enhance social harmony between the groups
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MODERN AND TRADITIONAL ATTRIBUTES OF CITIZENSHIP isolation from others, even the richest countries are not entirely self
*Traditional attributes- These are qualities or characteristics that could sufficient. There are certain goods and services that they acquire from other
show a person’s citizenship in the past. Traditional attributes mainly countries. Globalisation makes the world seem like a small planet or one
showed citizenship at family and community level. In the past citizenship country. People can communicate with each other throughout the world
could be shown by the following: through newspapers, telephones and internet. Events that occur in one
 Location (Ward) - The ward from which a person came country can influence events in other countries e.g. political tensions in
gave that person an identity because each ward was Zimbabwe have led to illegal immigrants in Botswana and the depreciation
associated with a particular group of people. Wards of the Euro (European currency) can decrease the profits made by
mostly comprised of people who are related. Botswana’s exports in European markets.
 Language- In the past people could easily identify each Advantages of globalization
other through spoken language. Each ethnic group has - Exchange of skilled personnel, ideas and information e.g.
distinct dialects which may be used to differentiate them computers and medical expertise.
from others. - Countries can assist each other in times of troubles such as famine
 Age-regiments- In the past when bogwera and bojale and natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, tsunamis etc.
were practiced graduates of a particular initiation were - Foreign aid: rich countries and organizations can offer loans and
given a name which differed from those of previous and grants to developing countries like Botswana.
upcoming graduates. Such names also differed from one - Increased cooperation in resolving crises such as wars and
ethnic group to the other. Some people could identify diseases.
themselves using those names. - Cultural enrichment due to interaction of many people.
 Communal land-This refers to land that belongs to all - Promotion of human rights by international organizations such as
members of a particular community or ethnic group. Amnesty Intl. and United Nations.
Having rights over a certain communal land could also - Removal of trade barriers between Botswana and other SADC
show citizenship. member states.
 Other traditional attributes of citizenship include the
following: Disadvantages of globalization
-dress e.g. Herero women wear long and often multi- - Foreigners may compete for limited jobs with the local people.
coloured dresses with head cloths shaped like cow-horns. Most high paying jobs are occupied by foreigners especially in the
-totem e.g. Bakgatla (kgabo), Bangwato (phuti) private sector.
-Food e.g. Bakalanga (delele), Batawana (tswii) - Loss of culture due to increased interactions between Batswana
and people from different cultures.
*Modern attributes- In modern days citizenship is shown by the use of - Contagious diseases may be brought into the country by foreigners
national boundaries, passport, identity card, national symbols (e.g. coat of e.g. AIDS originated outside Africa but now Botswana is one of
arms, flag, and national anthem) and currency. the hardest hit countries.
- Monopoly of trade and markets by rich countries and thus
IMPACTS OF GLOBALISATION ON BATSWANA CITIZENS increasing inequalities between rich and poor countries.
*Globalisation is the process by which people, their ideas and activities - Increased crime due to exchange of ideas with other foreign
become interconnected and interdependent. No society on earth lives in criminals. Foreigners may smuggle in prohibited substances such
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as marijuana, mandrax and cocaine. The use of these substances is throughout the world. Countries that abuse these rights are often sanctioned
prohibited by law in Botswana but people often find illegal ways or blacklisted by international organisations such as Amnesty International.
of bringing in such drugs. There are now cases of well planned
armed robberies due to influx of fire arms from neighboring THE ROLE OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS IN
countries. SUSTAINING HUMAN LIFE, DIGNITY AND PEACE.
- Multi-national companies outcompete local companies and this
consequently leads to the downfall of local companies. [Link] Red Cross
- Braindrain- Botswana often loses skilled personnel to more This is non-profit making organization formed to help all human beings
developed countries such as Britain, USA and Canada. who are in need equally. It assists those people in need of social and health
- Influx of illegal immigrants especially from neighboring countries services in poor or countries that are ravaged by wars. The Red Cross can
such as Zimbabwe. Illegal immigrants are associated with many provide services such as food, shelter, clothing and medicine. Similar
problems such as crimes and prostitution. Repatriation of such services can also be provided to victims of natural disasters such as floods,
immigrants also puts pressure on government budget. earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. This organisation also encourages
- Restrictions on trade by international organizations e.g. Botswana governments to treat people with respect and dignity especially refugees
and other countries may not be allowed to trade with countries that and prisoners.
are blacklisted by organizations such as Amnesty International.
- Influence by global economic forces e.g. global inflation, 2. Amnesty International.
fluctuating market prices, devaluation of currency.
- Exaggeration of issues by international organizations e.g. Survival This organisation is concerned with fighting for human rights throughout
International gave wrong information to the world about the way the world. Its aims include:
Basarwa were treated in Old Xade. -ensuring that prisoners are treated justly, especially those jailed for
- Interference by International organizations in domestic issues e.g. political and religious reasons.
the involvement of Amnesty International in the Marietta Bosch -persuading governments to end capital punishment and all forms of torture
case. -making public the names of those countries that abuse human rights.
This organisation can blacklist a country i.e. it can influence other countries
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE UN CHARTER OF HUMAN RIGHTS or international donors not to trade with or assist a country that abuses
IN PROMOTING SOUND GLOBAL CITIZENRY. human rights e.g. during Marietta Bosch’s case this organisation tried to
persuade European Union member states not to buy diamonds from
In 1948 the UN issued a declaration on human rights. These rights are Botswana as they are “soiled with blood”.
regarded as the foundation of freedom, justice and peace throughout the
world. The charter describes all the rights to which all human beings should 3. International Court of Justice
be entitled and stresses that everyone should be treated without It is a court that has been formed to solve international disputes that may
discrimination of any kind such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, lead to wars and pass judgement based on international law e.g. it mediated
political opinion etc. They include the right to life, own property, vote, between Botswana and Namibia over the ownership of Sedudu Island and
nationality, freedom of movement, opinion and association etc. These rights ruled in favour of Botswana. The court can also clarify or interpret
go hand in hand with responsibilities and the consideration of the rights of agreements between countries and international organisations. On several
others. The charter guides countries on how they should handle citizens
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occasions the court tried cases involving those leaders who abused human occurs throughout the world and it has the following negative
rights whilst in power e.g. Slobodan Milosevic of Yugoslavia. consequences:
-a rise in the earth’s temperature may lead to melting of Polar Regions
4. UN Peace-keeping Forces (areas covered with ice such as Antarctica). The melting of Polar
Regions will flood rivers and raise the level of the sea.
These are soldiers from various UN member states that are assembled to
carryout some military assignments on countries affected by wars and other -a rise in sea level will submerge or inundate settlements along the sea
crises. They also fight terrorist groups that threaten peace such as Al Qaeda. coasts.
They can also do relief activities such as supplying food and medicine to -there will be climatic changes due to an imbalance in atmospheric
areas where they are needed. gases.

5. Survival International -habitats of plants and animals will be destroyed especially those that
It is concerned with the protection of rights of nomadic groups whose live in areas covered with ice e.g. polar bears.
survival is threatened by development. This includes groups such as the
Aborigines of Australia and Basarwa of Southern Africa. In Botswana this 2. HIV/AIDS
organisation is advocating for Basarwa not to be relocated from CKGR to
New Xade. One of the most significant factors affecting world’s population today is the
alarming spread of HIV/AIDS related illnesses. As there is not yet a cure
ASSESSMENT OF GLOBAL CRISES for AIDS, it remains a fatal disease and anyone who contracts it is likely to
die. HIV/AIDS is a disease that affects the body’s immune system making it
These are events or occurrences that are of concern to all people throughout vulnerable to multiple infections including those that the immune system
the world. These problems often force countries to forget about their would prevent under normal conditions.
differences and come together to solve the crises collectively. Serious
global crises include HIV/AIDS, Global Warming, Terrorism and HIV/AIDS has serious implications for governments all over the world
Desertification. because of the following:

1. Global Warming i. Loss of active and working population- In most cases the disease
attacks people aged between 18 and 45. This age group forms the core of
This is the rise in the earth’s atmospheric temperature arising from pollution the working population and this consequently reduces the workforce. The
due to natural and human activities. Natural activities that increase the early and unexpected death leads to reduced productivity and manpower at
amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere include volcanic eruptions and the workplace. Most the manpower has been trained at the expense of
veldfires caused by lightning. Human activities include the destruction of government which means that it incurs some losses and it also has to train
vegetation cover and the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, petrol, oil other personnel to replace those killed by AIDS. A lot of time spent on
[Link] activities increase the amount of carbon dioxide which absorbs looking for medication and on sick leave has serious negative impacts on
reflected radiation from the earth. This raises the temperature of the productivity.
atmosphere. This process is called greenhouse effect. Greenhouse effect
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ii. Increase in death rate-HIV/AIDS is the number one killer in the world. There is also an increase in the number of suicide bombings. Some of the
In Botswana it has overtaken other fatal diseases and road accidents as the terrorist activities are allegedly sponsored by some governments who do not
major cause of deaths. High deaths also result in reduced life expectancy want to promote world peace e.g. Iraq, Syria and Iran.
and a high proportion of young and very old population.
Terrorism is a global crisis because of the following negative effects:
iii. Pressure on government budget- A lot of money is used by
government to buy preventive medication such as ARV drugs and this - It leads to loss of lives of innocent people
consequently leads to reduced investment in other economic sectors and - Destruction of valuable property e.g. buildings, roads, brigades
ignorance of other fatal diseases. - Separation of families as others are killed whilst some run away to seek
refuge in other countries.
iv. Loss of breadwinners- Some families may lose very important people - Some people are unwilling to travel especially by air as they fear that
leading to their collapse. Loss of breadwinners may result in poverty and terrorists might hijack their planes. This disrupts business especially the
increased number of orphans who mainly end up as street children. There airline industry.
will be more destitutes who need government support. - Disruption of world trade or markets as countries supporting terrorists’
activities may be sanctioned from international trade. This may reduce
v. Stigma and discrimination- The family has to cope with the stigma of markets especially for Multi National Companies.
the virus and victims might isolate themselves from major family and - Disruption of world peace and stability as terrorism may lead to clashes
community activities. The stigma also entails negative implications on the between governments, for instance, terrorism has led to tensions between
mental status of the individual as well as the family. the Arab countries and the West. Wars may result if the issue is not resolved
diplomatically.
3. Terrorism - High expenditure on security services so as to protect people from such
acts of violence.
These are acts of violence usually carried out by small (at times large) - Pressure on a country’s budget as more money is used to
groups of people in order to achieve certain goals which may be religiously reconstruct/rehabilitate what has been destroyed by terrorists. This may also
or politically motivated. Such acts of violence have increased due to delay development.
contrasting foreign policies of certain countries and religious differences.
Such terrorist groups include Al Qaeda which is responsible for the 4. Desertification
‘September 11 attacks’ in New York and the bombing of US embassies in This is the process by which deserts are formed. The sizes of world deserts
Kenya and Tanzania. are continuously increasing due to climatic changes and the activities of
people and their livestock.
Other terrorist activities include the 1988 Lockerbie plane bombing in
Scotland and 2002 train bombing in Spain. Such terrorist activities are hard The rapid increase of human population enhances desertification through
to control because they are very secretive and have resulted in loss of overgrazing, over cultivation and deforestation. Natural disasters such as
innocent lives. frequent droughts also have a helping hand in desertification.
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Negative effects of desertification are:

-extinction of plant species that are vital to both animals and people

-loss of habitats of animals

- loss of soil quality making it unsuitable for agricultural production

-loss of trees reduces the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere and
this alters climate.