MODULE 7: POLITICS AND DEVELOPMENT their impact on -select and describe the work of one

development in Community Based Organisation;

TOPIC GENERAL SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES Botswana and in -discuss the impact of Community Based
OBJECTIVES Organisations in the development of
Southern Africa.
Learners should Learners should be able to: Botswana.
be able to:
Government and Explain different -explain the concept of politics, state and The Private Sector Understand the -identify types of private sector;
government; nature and impact -account for the existence of the private
Development forms of
-discuss and evaluate types of governments; of the private sector in Botswana;
governments and
-discuss ways in which social, economic -discuss and assess the role and impact of
their influence on sector on
and political aspects interact to change the private sector on the development of
development. development in Botswana and other countries in the SADC
society;
Botswana and the region;
-identify and explain decision making
processes with specific reference to Southern African -compare government and private sector
Botswana; Development strategies for development in Botswana.
-discuss the role of government in the Community
economy with specific reference to (SADC)
Botswana’s role in the provision of social
services and the mobilisation of resources;
-discuss the social structures such as class,
ethnicity, status, and profession/trade;
-discuss challenges of nation building on
the basis of tension, conflict resolution and
consensus;
-evaluate any one of the following Acts:
Chieftainship Act, Citizenship Act,
Marriage and Property Act and Tribal Land
Act.

Non-Governmental Understand the -explain Non-Governmental Organisations;

Organisations in dynamics of Non- -account for the existence of Non-
Development Governmental Governmental Organisations in Botswana;
-discuss the work of lobbyist, welfarists,
Organisations and
conservationists and developmental Non-
their impact on Governmental Organisations;
development in -examine and evaluate government and
Botswana and in Non-Governmental Organisation strategies
Southern Africa. for development in Botswana.

Community Based Understand the -identify and describe types of Community

Organisations nature of Based Organisations;
Community Based -account for the existence of Community
Based Organisations;
Organisations and

MASUNGA SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT STUDIES MODULE 7

 GOVERNMENT AND DEVELOPMENT THE DISADVANTAGES OF A MONARCHY
i. The people are not consulted on the choice of the monarch,
EXPLANATION OF CONCEPTS therefore, the system is said to be undemocratic.
ii. Monarchies are hereditary, so there is no guarantee that the
 Politics: It involves decision making and distributing resources, it successor to the throne will be competent to rule.
is about dealing with conflict and disagreements. iii. The monarch may become corrupt and accumulate great wealth at
 State: An organised political community controlled by one the expense of the people.
government.
THE REPUBICAN/MULTI
It is an entity whereby an individual is intended to realise the highest good PARTY/REPRESENTATIVE/PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY
through good governance. The term democracy is derived from the Greek word “demos”, which
means the people and “kratos” which means authority or rule. Democracy,
 Government: A system of controlling a country. therefore, means “rule by the people”.
Parliamentary democracy is a system of government in which political
TYPES OR SYSTEMS OF GOVERNMENT authority lies with people.
MONARCH(Y)
Monarch is a system in which the country is ruled by a King, Queen or THE CHARACTERISTICS OF PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY
Emperor. i. People are free to form different political parties and identify
The examples of monarchies are Swaziland, Britain, Lesotho, Morocco, candidates of their choice for office.
Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. ii. There is freedom of speech and freedom to discuss political
THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A MONARCHY choices.
The following are some of the prominent or common features of a iii. There is freedom of the press.
constitutional monarchy; iv. There is freedom to campaign for different political parties.
i. The monarch is a ceremonial figure. v. All citizens who are 18 years or older have a right to vote. This is
ii. The position of monarch is hereditary as it passes from King to the called universal adult suffrage.
eldest son or eldest daughter. vi. There is a system of one person one vote. This means that
iii. In a constitutional monarchy, there is a Prime Minister who is the everyone has a right to vote once during the election time.
head of the government. vii. Elections are held at regular intervals. For instance in Botswana
THE ADVANTAGES OF A MONARCHY elections are held every 5 years.
i. It maintains tradition-that is, in a monarchy culture is maintained, viii. There is a secret ballot voting system so that no one is afraid that
kept and followed. other people will find out who they voted for.
ii. It creates an unchanging and stabilising influence.

iii. It is not as easily corrupted as political Heads of States.

MASUNGA SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT STUDIES MODULE 7

 ix. There are independent bodies set up to oversee the smooth running ONE-PARTY STATE
of elections, for instance, to avoid rigging of elections or
intimidation during election time. In some countries there is only one political party. This is usually the ruling
x. There is free, fair and controlled election. party.
THE ADVANTAGES OF A PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY Other parties are not allowed to stand for elections.
These countries are called one party states as they have only one political
i. There is joint decision making as everyone has a say in making party to run the affairs of the state.
decisions. A number of African countries become one party state soon after gaining
ii. People elect representatives to represent them in parliament. their independence.
iii. There is transparency regarding decision making because everyone It was argued that if there were a large number of parties the country would
is involved or consulted. split into different conflicting groups.
iv. Generally there is peace and stability which can lead to economic Such countries are Zambia, Uganda and Malawi.
prosperity.
v. People can elect a different government into power if they are not THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A ONE-PARTY STATE
satisfied with the current one.  There is only one political party.
vi. People are free to form different political parties.  Elections are held at regular intervals and people vote for
vii. There is usually social justice and equity as everyone is treated representatives from the ruling party.
equally.  The leaders of one party state normally turn out to be dictators
THE DISADVATAGES OF PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY such as Malawi’s Kamuzu Banda and Uganda’s Idi Amin.
i. There might be a problem of bureaucracy.
ii. It is very expensive to implement, that is, they are time consuming THE ADVANTAGES OF ONE-PARTY STATE
and financially waste.  There is less argument in the country.
iii. There can be tribal or religious conflicts as political parties may be  There is usually a resemblance of unity in the country
formed along tribal or religious lines.  There is prevention of social class formation because parties are
iv. Some government officials are corrupt, they accept bribes to make believed to divide people into social classes.
decisions that favours certain people.
 This prevents tribal conflict because in countries where there are
v. Sometimes government officials run unfair elections, and pretend
many different tribes parties are formed along tribal lines.
they have won many votes when they actually lost the elections
 It is cheap as costly elections are avoided.
and this may lead to political turmoil or crisis.
 There is continuity as the ruling party can plan for longer period
vi. Some people may abuse freedom of speech into character
for it is guaranteed a continuous reign or rule.
assassination and mud slugging.
vii. Consultation of people at grassroots level is a delay and a financial
waste.
viii. Development projects become election baits than genuine people
wants.

MASUNGA SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT STUDIES MODULE 7

 THE DISADVANTAGES OF ONE-PARTY STATE
 Opposition is ruthlessly or brutally suppressed or forbidden.
 The ruling party may begin to abuse its power and rejects criticism,  Elections are never held.
thus turning into dictatorship.  Leaders can be imprisoned without trial.
 People may be denied their rights to basic freedom.
 There is little transparency and accountability. THE DISADVANTAGES OF A DICTATORSHIP
 There is less participation in decision making because all decision
comes from above.  People have no power over the government.
DICTATORSHIPS  The government simply dictates to people, telling them what to do
and when to do it.
One other form of government which is even less democratic is  There is no freedom of neither speech nor press.
dictatorship.
A dictatorship comes about when one person or small group of people
control the government.
Leaders that follow this political ideology have absolute power and
authority.
Such leaders include Hastings Kamuzu Banda of Malawi who dictated even
what clothes people should wear.
Others include Sani Abacha of Nigeria, Idi Amin of Uganda and others.
Dictatorships are often set up by military leaders who seize control of the
government by force or through what is called coup d’etats, which means
to overthrow or take over power by force and rule by an “iron fist”.

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A DICTATORSHIP

 Dictatorships are normally set up by military leaders through a
coup d’etats.
 Power is in the hands of a few individuals.
 Political parties are not allowed.
 Dictators make their own laws called decrees and have them
carried out as they wish.
 Dictators control courts of laws.
 Murders , asylums, exiles and mysterious disappearances are
common in such countries especially to people who pose as threats
or who are seen a ‘enemies of the state’.

MASUNGA SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT STUDIES MODULE 7

 DECISION MAKING OR PLANNING PROCESSES - Support community-based organisations/projects
- Consult the people/Needs assessment
- Pass suggestions of the community to regional/national government
- Develop and maintain infrastructure

In a political system, whether it is democracy or dictatorship, the way that

decisions are made is very important.

1. CENTRALISED/ TOP DOWN DECISION MAKING is

whereby the national government or central government makes all
the decisions, here decisions are made at the top and passed down
to the people who are expected to carry them out.
National government

- Plan/ implement development of the country/budgeting for the country THE ADAVANTAGES OF TOP-DOWN DECISION-MAKING
- Formulate government policies PROCESS
- Make decisions in the national interest/make priorities to benefit the 1) Decisions can be made in the best interest of the whole country.
country/nation building 2) Governments have access to large sums of money and to Multi-
- Makes laws national companies, hence can finance the decisions.
- Promote social justice/ reduces inequalities between people
3) Developments are directed along the lines of the nationally agreed
- Provide social welfare services
policies.
- Develop the infrastructure.

Provincial/Regional government THE DISADVANTAGES OF TOP-DOWN DECISION-MAKING

PROCESS
- Implement government policies 1) The majority of citizens may not play a part.
- Carry out tasks allocated to them by the national government, for example,
2) It may be controlled in the interests of politicians and large
run schools and hospitals
companies.
- Makes regional development plans
- Pass suggestions from local government to national government 3) It may be contrary to local interests as the people in most cases are
- Develop and maintain infrastructure in the region/ public works not involved in decision making processes that directly affect
them.
Local government
2. DECENTRALISATION OR BOTTOM-UP DECISION MAKING
- Implement government policies
PROCESS means planning which involves sharing and transfer of decision
- Planning of local services
- Provision of local/social services making power from the top to the middle and lowest levels. The middle and
- Collect local taxes/rates lowest levels refers to the local authorities and communities respectively.
- Carry out tasks allocated to them by the national/regional government

MASUNGA SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT STUDIES MODULE 7

 THE ADVANTAGES OF BOTTOM-UP DECISION MAKING hospitals, clinics, building schools, paying doctors, nurses, and
PROCESS teachers and providing the necessary equipment. Some government
 Most people participate in the decision making process. go to the extent of offering such services to citizens for free.
 It encourages self-reliance and commitment as everybody is
involved.
 The development of the country is usually supported by the  Keeping peace in the country: The government must avoid the
communities. use of force, it can only be used to act against those who break the
 It targets all people including the poor and disadvantaged. law. The army must be used to defend the country or to help in
emergencies.
THE DISADVANTAGES OF BOTTOM-UP DECISION-MAKING
PROCESS  Planning development: Government must try to draw up national
development plans, usually for a period of 5 years.
 The local people’s plans are not always welcomed by government
officials.  Nation Building: Government must try to create a feeling of
 The representation of people’s views at the parliament may be national unity and belonging among all citizens
ineffective.
 Projects may encounter shortage of money.
 Representing people abroad: The government makes agreements
In Botswana people participate effectively in decision making at the local with other nations on behalf of the people. Government decide on
how to relate with other countries and to international
level through the kgotla and Village Development committees.
organisations, for example, ambassadors, joining United Nations
Both men and women meet at the kgotla to draw up development plans
and SADC.
which are later included in the district development plans and finally in the
national development plans.
Councillors and members of parliament take such decisions up.  Caring for the environment through conservation.

THE ROLE OF THE GOVERNMENT IN THE ECONOMY

 Social justice- magistrate courts and high court.
 Stimulate economic growth: The government can develop
infrastructure such as roads, railways and telecommunications, to The role of government as seen above is to enhance social, economic and
political development.
give producers access to markets and raw materials or industries.
The government can also invest directly in industry, for example,
The interaction of social, ecological and political development can either
building and running state corporations.
facilitate or speed up the realisation of the above or frustrate development
 Provide social welfare services: Government can give people thus leading to the following negative aspect of development:
access to health and education, building health centres such as  Having ambitious projects.

MASUNGA SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT STUDIES MODULE 7

  Corruption (v) Vehicle tax-Vehicles owners pay a certain amount of money
 Excessive government spending to the department of transport. This is also part of government
 Expanded government bureaucracy revenue.
 Over development of state. (b)Licensing
 Rent seeking Another way of raising capital or income by the government is through
 Non financial accountability and transparency. licensing. Different kinds of licences are paid for and after a certain period
of time. For example, business, hunting licences.
MOBILISATION OF RESOURCES
The government of Botswana raise money or generate revenue through (c)Penalties
different ways and means. Wrong doers are often charged and their money put in the government
The money is then used to provide social services and fund economic revenue. Offenders here include careless drivers, those who fail to pay for
activities, among others. The income raised is known as government licences in time and many others.
revenue.
There are different ways that the government uses to mobilise resources or (d)Borrowing money
to collect income, and these ways include the following: The government borrows money from other countries both locally and
overseas. The international banks include the World Banks. This money is
(a)Taxes then used as part of the government revenue.
There are a number of taxes that the government uses to raise the revenue
that it needs. These taxes include: (e)Parastatals companies/ establishments
(i) Import duty- This is in the form of percentage charged on all The government also raises money through state owned companies such as
goods entering the country from foreign countries. the railways, electricity and water supply networks.
(ii) Value Added Tax (VAT) – This is a new kind of tax which
has been introduced recently in Botswana. It is collected from (f) Partnership
consumers by all companies and individual enterprises who The Botswana government also gets a lot of income from jointly owned
make annual profit P250 000.00 and above. The tax is the companies such as De Beers and others.
periodically reimbursed to government by those businesses.
(g)Foreign reserves
(iii) Income tax-Employees pay a certain percentage of their The Botswana government keeps part of its money overseas as foreign
salary to the government. The amount of money paid depends reserves which generate a lot of interest. This income is used in times of
on the salary a person earns. This, therefore, means that people emergencies such as famine, drought and other incidents.
who earn higher salaries pay more than those who earn less.
(iv) Sales tax- A certain amount of money is added to the prices of
all goods that are sold, and this is sent to the government.

MASUNGA SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT STUDIES MODULE 7

 EVALUATION OF SOME OF THE EXISTING ACTS IN (a)Civil Marriages
BOTSWANA One type of marriage we have in Botswana is civil marriages. These
An act is seen as a legal document usually written by the government and marriages are done according to common or modern law. These marriages
approved by the House of Parliament. An act is meant to give guidance on are usually conducted by the Administration or District Officer who makes
certain subjects. sure that all the necessary steps are correctly followed. One of the first steps
THE MARRIAGE ACT is to announce or publicise the marriage notice in a public place like Church
The Marriage Act is applicable to all marriages conducted in Botswana or at the District Administration Offices for three successive weeks before
including those done under customary law or any religious rite. The act the marriage day.
gives guidance on how civil, customary and religious marriage should be (b)Customary Marriages
conducted in order for them to be considered legal in Botswana. One of the most widely practised form of marriage in Botswana is the
Customary Marriage. This form of marriage involves the giving of bride
The marriage to be valid the Marriage Act emphasises that marriage should price, or bogadi/lobola, usually in form of livestock given to the bride’s
be conducted by marriage officers who can either be Administration or family. It is important however, to note that there are some people amongst
District Officers, any Minister of Religion or a person holding responsible some groups such as Bangwato who do not demand lobala especially when
position in any religious denomination the two families are from the same area.
(c)Religious Marriages
It is important to note that in Botswana people choose who to marry. We have many different religions in the world in which different people
However, marriage between people who are closely related is not allowed. believe.
For instance, marriage between parent and child, parent and grandchild and THE CHIEFTAINSHIP ACT
so forth is forbidden. Chieftainship Act, explains what a Chief or Dikgosi are and their general
functions. The act describes a kgosi as an individual who has been
As mentioned earlier on, Marriage Act also gives guidance on marriage designated or appointed as one in accordance with customary law by his
done according to Setswana custom or any other traditional way. After the Merafe assembled in the kgotla and has been recognised as a Kgosi by the
marriage has been conducted it should be registered within two months with Minister of Home Affairs.
the Registrar of Marriages. It is evident, however, that Batswana do not The act also explains the duties of the kgosi which include the following:
register their marriages. This is not safe as one spouse can easily marry the  To promote the welfare of the members of his morafe.
second partner as their marriage to the other spouse would be missing from  To carry out any instruction given by the Minister of Home
the marriage register at the Ministry of Home Affairs. Affairs.
 To ensure that the morafe is informed of any development projects
The Marriage Act empowers the Registrar of Marriages to reject or accept in the area which affect them.
the marriage depending on the prevailing situation. If the marriage has been  To call kgotla meetings to solicit advice on how to execute his
accepted, Registrar of Marriages shall issue to the spouse a certificate of functions.
registration bearing the prescribed particulars. There are different types of  The kgosi is also responsible for ensuring that his morafe is safe
marriages that exist in Botswana and below are some of them: and secure from any harm and danger.

MASUNGA SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT STUDIES MODULE 7

 NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS (NGOs) THE CHARACTERISTICS OF NGOs

Non-Governmental Organisations are independent and non-profit making  Privately set-up, structured and sufficiently autonomous.
institutions that help improve the living standard of the people.  Non –profit making organisations.
BRIEF HISTORY  Support development.
They came into being because government had failed to alleviate poverty
and the poor continue to suffer. It was believed NGOs could compliment THE ROLES OF NGO
governments and reach rural areas where the majority of the poor were  Providing for the unprovided or serving the poor.
found. It was also believed treats some development activities were  Shaping national policies.
environmentally unfriendly, some NGOs came to promote sustainable use  Advocate for just development.
of the environment. Natural disasters were frequent in Third World  Popular participation.
countries and government was less prepared for them, so NGOs came in to  Empowerment
helping government deal with such emergencies, for example, floods and  Poverty alleviation
drought. THE ADVANTAGES/STRENGTHS OF NGOs
 NGOs are effective in identification of community needs.
THE REASONS WHY NGOs EXIST IN BOTSWANA  The enjoy legitimacy from the communities there are found.
 NGOs are effective in serving the poor because of their physical
1. They deal with social problems such as drought relief and base.
HIV/AIDS.  They have a popular participation.
2. They promote conservation of the environment, for example,  They are innovative.
Kalahari Conservation Society and SomerelangTikologo.  NGOs operate in small scale.
3. They promote disposal of obsolete pesticides and used oil, for
 There is commitment of staff.
example, SomarelangTikologo.
THE DISADVANTAGES/WEAKNESSES OF NGOs
4. They help market local products, for example, ThusanoLefatshe
helps market Devil’s Claws granules.
(a)Leadership problems
5. Thye promote development by funding developmental projects
 NGOs staff resent and impedes strong leadership.
such as construction of dams, roads and stadiums.
 Irreplaceability of charismatic guru-like leaders, which leads to a
6. They improve the status of women by:
decay and death of NGO because of no replication.
 Alleviating poverty and economically empowering them. (b)Legitimacy: Criticism of one another rather than collaboration and this
 Equality in power sharing and decision making. foster isolation.
 Protecting women’s rights and discouraging violence against them. (c)Staff problems
(Metlhaetsile, WAR)  Recruitment is one of staff who can follow orders and report to the
 Engaging in women’s education and training (BCW) leader.
7. It help improve the living standards of the marginalized people, for  Inter staff rivalry between local and foreign staff.
example, The First People of Botswana (Basarwa).

MASUNGA SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT STUDIES MODULE 7

(d)Project design TYPES OF NGOs
 Projects do not benefit the poor
 Local elite domination of decision making i. Relief and welfare agencies (RWFs) –These are non-
 No innovativeness, but extension of tried and tested services. governmental organisations that provide the needy with a service
 Limited replicability. or a need, for example, missionary society, the Red Cross, and
 Limited technical ability from staff. those that deals with orphans, and people with disabilities.
 Learning disability. ii. Technical Innovation Organisations ([Link])- Those NGOs that
 Irregular documentation of experience and subjective if any. operate their own projects to pioneer new improved approaches to
 Problems of accountability solving problems and which tend to remain specializing in their
 No challenge on the effectiveness of the project, but concentration chosen field, for example, Child Line, Women Against Rape and
on wrong aspects Ditshwanelo.
 Inadequate planning, organisation and management. iii. Public Service Contractors (PSCs) - Northern funded non-
 Inadequate staff training governmental organisations that work closely with Southern
 Small scale might mean insignificance, powerlessness and governments and Aid agencies such as Foundation of Education
disconnectedness. with Production.
THE NGOs- GOVERNMENT RELATIONS iv. Grassroots Development Organisation (GDOs)-Locally based
southern organisations whose members are poor and oppressed and
According to Thomas (1992), the relations come in threefold: which attempt to develop them, for example, ThariYa Banana of
Molepolole.
(a)Complimenting the state is when NGOs participate in providing v. Popular Development Agencies (PDOs) - They concentrate on
services which the state would otherwise not be able to produce. self-help, social development, and grassroots development, for
 When NGOs requires only the freedom to get on with their chosen example, YWCA.
tasks. vi. Advocacy Groups and Networks ([Link]) - These NGOs
 Its actions are not hampered by those of the government. campaign for changes in laws, for example, EmangBasadi.
 Their actions does not influence areas of development planning
and delivery. SOME OF THE EXAMPLES OF NGOS
 Government feels neither threatened nor challenged.
 NGOs actions are not incompatible with government.  Lobbyists- EmangBasadi refer to Women in Development-
(b)Opposing the state- The opposition can be direct or through various Module 5
pressure groups.  Welfarist-YWCA, Red Cross
 NGOs theory differs with that of the government.  Conservationist- SomerelangTikologo, Kalahari Conservation
 Common in military dictatorship, for example, Philippines under Society (KCS)
Marcos and Chile under Pinochet  Developmentalist –Habitat for Humanity
(c)Reforming the state-NGOs can represent interest groups and negotiate
with the government to improve policies.

MASUNGA SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT STUDIES MODULE 7

 AN EXAMPLE OF A CONSERVATIONIST NGO- SOMARELANG  Promote good governance
TIKOLOGO
 Encourage the use of appropriate technology
Its work:
 Improve the status of women by economically empowering them

 It encourages environmental impact assessment before a project is  Protecting women’s rights and discouraging violence against them/
started. equality in power sharing and decision making, for example,
 It encourages wise use of energy, for example, 15 houses in phase EmangBasadi
two have been retro fitted with energy saving bulbs. Results shows
 Engaging women in education and training , for example, Botswana
that there has been tremendous reduction in monthly electricity
Council of Women
bills.
 It has come up with waste Management Act that promotes proper  Help improve living standards of marginalised people, for example, The
disposal of plastic bags by retailers and customers. First People of Kalahari and disabled people
 It ensures that there is proper disposal of obsolete pesticides, which
are normally left over’s from international donations.  Capacity building in communities/ leadership development
 It promotes proper disposal of used oil. Botswana faces a problem
 Provide employment
of illegal dumping of oil.
 It promotes conservation by engaging in community activities such THE PROBLEMS FACED BY NGOS IN BOTSWANA.
as tree planting, litter picking and use of environmental dramas.
 Leadership problems whereby NGO staff usually resent strong leadership
THE IMPORTANCE OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS
(NGOS) IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF BOTSWANA  Irreplaceability of charismatic guru-like leaders which leads to NGO
collapse/ personalized
 Deal with social problems such as drought relief, HIV and AIDS /poverty
etc  NGOs often criticize each other which foster isolationism/ lack of
coordination
 Promote environmental conservation, for example, Kalahari Conservation
Society  Sometimes there is inter staff rivalry between local and foreigners

 Promote proper disposal of obsolete pesticides/ used oils, for example,  Sometimes projects benefit the easiest to reach rather than the most
SomarelangTikologo deserving people

 Help market local products, for example, ThusanoLefatsheng market  Usually the local elite dominate decision making
devil’s claw
 Limited innovativeness/ resistant to change or new ideas
 Fund development projects, for example, construction of dams/
infrastructural development  Limited funds to cover activities

MASUNGA SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT STUDIES MODULE 7

  Duplication of activities

 High staff turnover leading to poor continuity/ retaining workers very

difficult

 Negative attitude from the government, for example, Survival

International

MASUNGA SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT STUDIES MODULE 7

 COMMUNITY BASED ORGANISATIONS (CBOs) FUNCTIONS OF COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANISATIONS/ WHY
DO THEY EXIST
Community Based Organisations is all grassroots based organisations
involved in development. The following are some of the many functions of CBOs:
 They act as a way of achieving community participation.
Community Based Organisations are rural oriented institutions that are  They provide technical skills such as weaving, knitting, farming
engaged in income generating activities, aimed at poverty alleviation and and so on to members.
sustainable rural livelihoods.  They provide administrative skills such as proper record keeping,
conducting meetings, and time management to members.
They aim at bringing self reliant development.  They provide members with skills of solving conflicts and
problems together.
They are real grassroots institutions that reach the poorest of the poor, for  The members participate in different tasks as may be needed in the
example, burial societies. society.

THE TYPES OF COMMUNITY BASED ORGANISATIONS

COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANISATIONS IN BOTSWANA
 Developmental community based organisations are those
that focus on improving the infrastructure of the community/  Gabane Home Based Care (GHBC): The organisation was
promote the use of appropriate technology. formed to assist people infected with HIV/AIDS and other
terminally ill patients. It provides the HIV/AIDS and terminally ill
 Conservationist/Environmentalare those that focus on caring patient with home care.
for the environment, for example, clean up campaigns or  Save Our Souls (SOS): SOS is an organisation that cares for
protecting nature resources. orphans and abandoned children by providing them with shelter,
education and other social amenities until they reach 18 years.
 Welfarist/charities are those that focus on improving living  Total Community Mobilisation (TCM): TCM is an organisation
conditions of people such as giving food, shelter etc to the that is funded by the Ministry of Health whose members move
destitute/ orphans/ disaster victims around Botswana from village to village to raise awareness on
issues relating to the spread and prevention of HIV/AIDS.
 Economic are those that focus on income generating activities  Environmental Conservation Community Based Organisation
for profit making. (ECCBO): ECCBO refers to a number of organisations found in
different areas around Botswana teaching people on issues related
 Educational are those that focus on disseminating information
to conservation of environment.
on various societal issues.

MASUNGA SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT STUDIES MODULE 7

 THE IMPACT OF COMMUNITY BASED ORGANISATION ON THE ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT BY COMMUNITY BASED
THE DEVELOMENT OF BOTSWANA ORGANISATIONS (CBOS) WITHIN THE COMMUNITY

 Encourage local communities to come up with their needs and wants

1) It promotes bottom-up decision making. People come up with
(Bottom-up)/ identification of community needs
sustainable projects.
2) Promotes wise use of natural resources.  Locals given chance to plan and monitor their development
3) It creates employment opportunities mainly for the disadvantaged projects/capacity building
such as women and tribal people.
4) It improves country’s Gross National Products.  Engage in income generating activities to alleviate poverty, for example,
Growing of vegetables, keeping poultry, oil processing to ensure food
5) It diversifies rural economies.
security
6) It improves country infrastructure.
 Carry out activities to enhance awareness in HIV/Aids/health issues
THE WEAKNESSES OF COMMUNITY BASED ORGANISATIONS
IN BOTSWANA  Information dissemination/ announcements

 The common weakness of community based organisations in Botswana is  Open up market centers for local produce
shortage of funds
 Crime prevention/ neighbourhood watch
 Lack of support from people
 Infrastructure development
 Lack of skills
 Utilization of local resources
 Sometimes CBOs are politicised
 Skills development
 CBOs are usually personalised by leaders or founders
 Creation of employment
 Misuse of funds by leadership
THE WAYS BY WHICH THE CHALLENGES FACED BY CBOS CAN BE
 Lack of shelter for operation ADDRESSED

 Labour provided by volunteers who may quit anytime  Limited funds to cover all projects/needs/ financial support from
government and other others/ private sector
 Poor technology/lack of tool/ equipment
 People lack of interest on community mobilization- community to be
 Compete against each other than rather than working together. mobilized through training, workshops and kgotla meetings

 Lack of training- skills development should be carried out on COBs staff

by stakeholders

MASUNGA SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT STUDIES MODULE 7

  Lack of co-ordination of CBOs- CBOs should have a mother body and
work together etc

 Dominance by the elderly should be discouraged by quota systems which

creates room for youth

 Alignment to political parties should be discouraged by the government or

stakeholders. For example, through workshops.

MASUNGA SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT STUDIES MODULE 7

 THE PRIVATE SECTOR  It is the simplest and most common type of enterprise.
 The owner uses his or her labour, assisted perhaps by one or two
Private sector refers to businesses that are privately owned by individuals or workers or the family members.
by a group of individuals.  The business tends to be small in size although this is not always
the case.
TYPES OF PRIVATE SECTOR IN BOTSWANA  This type of enterprise is not confined to the retail trade.

The Advantages of the Sole Proprietor

 It is easy to set up, control and manage.

 It requires a small amount of capital to set up.
 The owner makes independent and quick decisions on how the
business is to be run.
 The owner has personal contacts with his or her workers and
customers.
 This enables him or her to try and provide them with personal
Fig.2 services, which is lacking in larger shops.
 Satisfaction and interest is gained by being self-employed.
The main forms of business ownership in the Private Sector are:
The Disadvantages of the Sole Proprietor
a) The Sole Proprietor
b) Partnerships  The owner’s personal assets are at risk because the business has
c) Co-operatives unlimited liability. This means that if the sole trader borrows
d) Multi-national money from any institution, he or she must pay back the whole of
it, whether the business succeeds or fails.
THE SOLE PROPRIETOR  The business cannot do without the owner, in fact it might end or
stop functioning when the owner dies.
As the name implies ownership of such a business is in the hands of just one  Shortage of capital prevents the sole trader to modernise and
person. provide services such as credit, delivery and other amenities to his
Features of the Sole Proprietor or her customers.

 It is a business owned by only one person who provides all the

capital needed to set it up and run it, and takes all profit as his or
her reward.

MASUNGA SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT STUDIES MODULE 7

 PARTNERSHIP The Disadvantages of Partnership

A partnership is a relationship that exist between two or more people who  Decisions may be delayed by disagreement among partners.
have come together to do a common business with the view to making  The partners have unlimited liability and are, therefore, personally
profit. liable for the debts of the business. This puts their personal assets
The Features of a Partnership at risk.
 Lack of capital may limit expansion.
 It can be formed by between two and twenty people.  If one partner leaves or dies a new partnership agreement is
 The capital of a Partnership is raised by the contribution of each required.
partner. This contribution does not necessarily have to be equal for  It is usually not easy to find a suitable partner.
each partner.
 In a Partnership ownership and control is not separated. It is owned CO-OPERATIVES
and controlled by Partners themselves.
 Partnership has no separate legal entity. This means that the Co-operatives came as a result of people putting their resources together to
liabilities of the partners, just like for the sole proprietors or cut the high costs of production per person. Profits from this enterprise are
traders, are unlimited. either re-invested or shared out between the members of the co-operatives.
 Each and every partners is entitled to be involved in the running of
the business. The Advantages of co-operatives

The Advantages of Partnership  It has more buying power than individuals because it is a large
organisation.
 It is easy to set up or establish. It does not involve long, costly and  A co-operative can give its members access to cheaper raw
time consuming procedures. materials because it buy in large quantities.
 More people are involved in the business so more capital can be  Members sell their products through the co-operatives, thus saving
raised than in the case of the sole trader who is alone. on the costs of marketing.
 Division of labour is possible as there are many people involved.  Because larger amounts are sold, the co-operative can often
 Expenses and management of the business are shared. negotiate and get better prices for its members.
 Decision making is consultative. As a result the quality of  Members can bring in expert advice to help them.
decisions tend to be better than that of a sole trader.
 A partnership is not required to publish its account annually, so
there is privacy in the business.

MASUNGA SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT STUDIES MODULE 7

 TRANS-NATIONAL COMPANIES OR MULTI-NATIONAL THE REASONS FOR THE EXISTENCE OF PRIVATE SECTOR IN
CORPORATIONS (TNCs/MNCs) BOTSWANA
A Multi-national Company or Corporation is an enterprise that has Some of the reasons for the existence of the Private Sectors in Botswana are
subsidiaries or branches in more than one country. as follows:
 It reduces prices and increases quality of goods and services.
It is usually a public limited company. For example, Toyota, Coca Cola,  It improves efficiency because of competition and the profit
Phillips and Colgate. motive.
The Advantages of multi-national companies  It removes political interference in business operations.
 It helps empower citizens where such sales are restricted to
 Paying taxes which boost the host government’s income. citizens.
 Providing jobs around the world.  It leads to creation of more jobs because many companies will be
 Bringing business knowledge, skills and technology with them to built.
other countries.  It leads to self-sufficiency.
 Bringing foreign exchange by selling their goods abroad  It leads to diversification of the economy and mass production.
 Providing vital goods and services to private households as well as  It gives the community a chance to contribute to the development
to other countries. of the country, thus leading to economic development.
 In addition they usually have world-wide contacts which the host
country can use to boost its export sales. THE IMPACT OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN BOTSWANA AND
The Disadvantages of multi-national companies OTHER SADC COUNTRIES
There are both positive and negative impacts as regards the Private Sector.
 They tend to exploit under-developed economies through Positive impacts include the following;
monopolistic practices. i. It provides jobs, income and livelihood to many people in
 They usually bring their own experts instead of training the locals Botswana.
to participate in important decision making in MNCs that operate ii. The tax paid by the company is a source of revenue for the
in their own countries. country.
 They can prevent the transfer of technology to the host country by iii. Export of goods made by companies earns the country foreign
ensuring that research facilities remain based in their home or exchange.
parent country. iv. Quality goods and services are provided to the people.
 They are able to pay high salaries and offer better conditions. As a v. Developments are made in rural areas and this contributes to rural
result, they usually attracted most of skilled locals at the expense development especially by sole proprietor.
of local industries.
 These companies take back with them all profits made in the host
countries. This drains away the host country’s foreign exchange
reserves.

MASUNGA SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT STUDIES MODULE 7

 Negative impacts include the following; THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN THE
i. Poor working conditions for the people, for example, low wages DEVELOPMENT OF BOTSWANA
and very long working hours.
ii. Damage to the environment, for example, air pollution, water  Employment creation
pollution and land pollution.
 Skills development
iii. Depletion of land.
iv. Corruption, for instance in Botswana there are schemes that are
 Technological advancement
meant to assist Batswana to start their own businesses, in some
cases corruption is involved as undeserving people may end up  Infrastructural development
using such schemes.
v. In some cases leads to massive job losses, because of use of  Ensuring quality production
automation and high technology.
vi. Profits go to private individuals and not to the whole nation.  Sponsorship of community activities, for example, sports and
vii. It leads to rich individuals getting richer and the poor getting social responsibility
poorer.
 Relieves government of burdens of running the economy
THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A SOLE TRADER AND A PRIVATE
LIMITED COMPANY  Fast decision making

 Sole trader is owned by one person whilst a private limited  Empowerment of the local entrepreneur
company is owned by many individuals/ shareholders
 Boosts foreign exchange/ foreign direct investment
 In a sole trader funding is provided by one person(owner) whilst in
a private limited company funding is provided by shareholders  Pay tax/ improve government revenue

 A sole trader operates on a small scale whilst a private limited  Quick response to the demands of the market
company operates on large scale
 Availability of goods and services
 In a sole trader the owner manages the business whereas in a
 Diversification of the economy
private limited company shareholders choose a board of governors
to manage the business

 In a sole trader, all profit belongs to the owner whereas in a private

limited business, profit is shared by shareholders.

 The sole trader has limited liability whist private limited company
has unlimited liabilities

MASUNGA SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT STUDIES MODULE 7

 THE PROBLEMS THAT THE GOVERNMENT OF BOTSWANA THE WAYS BY WHICH INCOME GENERATING PROJECTS CAN
MIGHT FACES AS IT TRIES TO UNITE PEOPLE IN THE HELP PEOPLE TO ACHIEVE SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
COUNTRY AND BUILD THE NATION
- People use income gained to buy food or increased calorie intake
 High population/ increasing population - People can use income gained to pay for health services/ increase
life expectancy through better health
 Many different tribes involved/ diversity/ multiplicity of languages - Money used for better baby care/reduced infant mortality rate
- Increased self reliance/ reduced dependency ratio
 Past conflicts between tribes - Income can be used to get safer water supply and improve
health/reduced Death Rate
 Exploitation of ethnic differences, for example, formation of
- Money gained can be used to pay for school/lessons to increase
cultural groups
literacy rate/education
 Unbalanced development between regions in the country/ people in
the areas that are neglected feel betrayed by the government/ may
be un cooperative

 The HIV and AIDS scourge depleting funds which are required to
carry out nation building activities, for example, national
celebrations

THE GOVERNMENT TAKES TO PROMOTE ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT IN BOTSWANA

- Keep peace and security

- Provision of infrastructure, for example, electricity and serviced
land
- Skills development or imparting of entrepreneurial skills
- Provision of financial assistance, for example, CEDA loans, youth
grants, young farmer’s grant
- Marketing of locally made goods
- Invitation of foreign investors
- Policies to relax registration/licensing of businesses
- Relaxed foreign exchanged regulations for easy import of raw
materials

MASUNGA SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT STUDIES MODULE 7