Faith Rukuro poses for a photo at her beauty parlor in Francistown, Botswana, on January 11, 2024.
This week, Batswana from different walks of life will head to the polls to decide the fate of the current leader, President Mokgweetsi Masisi, who is seeking reelection under the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). The BDP has been in power since the country gained independence from the British in 1966, and this time, Masisi will face Duma Boko of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), Dumelang Saleshando of the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), and Mephato Reatile from the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) at the polls.
Botswana voters do not directly elect the president. They vote for parties to get seats in the National Assembly, and the newly-elected MPs then elect the president, who is usually the leader of the party with the most seats.
Going into this year’s polls, there have been allegations of election rigging doing the rounds. However, the country’s election commission has called the claims “reckless.” Another notable event ahead of the polls is the return of former president Ian Khama from his self-imposed exile. Khama has made it clear that his aim is to unseat Masisi, with whom he fell out following the 2019 elections.
On the ground, young Batswana are hungry for change. They need jobs, they need better healthcare, and they need better leaders. Here’s what a few of them have to say:
Kgopotso Ramalekane, 31, Unemployed
Kgopotso Ramalekane is proud of the fact that Botswana is a peaceful country.
Photo courtesy of Kgopotso Ramalekane.
What are your hopes for the future?
Since we are approaching the election period, my hope is that Batswana will take this chance to exercise their rights to vote, and in large numbers. Thus, situations such as employment of graduates may take place and demolish the growing social inequality taking place.
What are your fears for the future?
Electoral fraud, and the continuation of the bad social and economic situation going on in Botswana. Inflation is bad right now in Botswana, with wars going on in other countries. It seems inevitable that we shall be affected, especially with the resources that Botswana imports.
What is the biggest challenge facing young Batswana today?
Lack of funding and sponsorship with the music and arts industry. Creativity is there but the government is not willing to fully sponsor the work of the creatives. The graduate's stipend is also not enough to sustain the lives of the graduates. If the private sector (banking sector, retail sector, etc) also could assist the government with sponsorships, our music and arts industry would improve and attract foreign investors to Botswana.
If you could change one thing about the country, what would it be and why?
The government that is currently in power is outdated. The system needs to be changed. We have the best equipment in Botswana but we as Batswana can't utilize it. During national football matches, we have to wait for SuperSport to bring their own equipment to broadcast the match, whereas the ones that we have are stored somewhere else. This also can assist in job creation in Botswana.
Ayishe Molefe, 28, Unemployed
Ayishe Molefe wants better leadership and better healthcare.
Photo courtesy of Ayishe Molefe.
What makes you proud to be a Motswana?
Honestly, right now the only thing that makes me proud to be a Motswana is how great the women are. They are smart, beautiful and relentless about making their mark.
If you could change one thing about the country, what would it be?
Leadership. There are systems (healthcare and education to be exact) that are falling apart due to corruption and nobody seems to care. Also, the [gender based violence] statistics are terrifying but aren’t treated as a priority.
What is the biggest challenge facing young Batswana today and how can they overcome it?
Unemployment/underemployment. Honestly, the first thing I can think of is to implement stronger wage policies and invest into the education system.
What are your hopes for the future?
Better leadership. A better, functioning healthcare system.
What are your fears for the future?
As the systems fall further into decay, everything else [is getting] worse, including violence.
Banyana Ntshole, 31, Student
Banyana Ntshole admires Batswana’s humanity.
Photo courtesy of Banyana Ntshole.
What makes you proud to be a Motswana?
Botho (humanity). We are such kind people and it makes me proud to be from here.
If you could change one thing about the country, what would it be?
It would be the leadership. They’ve had their chance to rule and it isn’t working for us right now, so a change is needed.
What is the biggest challenge facing young Batswana today and how can they overcome it?
It’s a lot of challenges facing the youth right now, and each is big in its own right. Unemployment is currently the major concern. A new economic model and strategy is what might help.
What are your hopes for the future?
My hope for the future of this country is to see a people-centered leadership that wants what’s best for its citizens
What are your fears for the future?
My fear is seeing youth lose all hope for a better future and not participate in fighting for our country. I need all of us to care about politics.
Tumisang Molapisi, 32, Account executive in advertising and marketing
Tumisang Molapisi thinks that the education systems needs a revamp.
Photo courtesy of Tumisang Molapisi.
What makes you proud to be a Motswana?
I think the one thing I'm proud of as a Motswana is the opportunity for growth and versatility in the country. It's a small country, but I've lived to understand there are so many career opportunities and enough outdoor activities to keep me satisfied enough to stay and not wish to relocate anytime soon. I only know the things I'm interested in and so far so good.
If you could change one thing about the country, what would it be?
If I could change anything, I would really improve salaries. It's not enough. We need more in order to do more. Less crime rates obviously, and more summer days.
What is the biggest challenge facing young Batswana today and how can they overcome it?
It has to be career guidance in the education system. It's a little too rigged and rigid for my liking. It doesn't open the mind enough. People study things they don't like just to end up in jobs they aren't into. Young people get lost in the system only to realize they wanted something else a little too late in life. I wish young people were nurtured in their interests as soon as possible.
What are your hopes for the future?
In the future, I just hope for stability for everyone. More opportunities to move up income levels and better health facilities for everyone.
What are your fears for the future?
My only fear is waking up to a nation that was misled into a financial crisis by politics. I have no proper insight on politics, so I'm not for nor against anyone in particular, but I hope it all works out in our best interests.
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Over the course of 2024, 20 African countries will be holding elections. For more election coverage, check out our Election Tracker.
