Bushmen and Diamonds: (Un)Civil Society in Botswana, Discussion Paper 23

by Kenneth Good

Botswana's democracy is often considered to be a comparatively advanced and positive example of an African state in terms of political culture and the notion of 'good governance'. This paper challenges the assumption that the country's current political and socio-economic system is, in fact, exemplary. It highlights some of the limitations by focusing on the particular situation of the Bushmen/San as a marginalized minority denied citizens' rights and losing out against the material interests accompanying the exploration and exploitation of diamonds, the most lucrative natural resource contributing to Botswana's 'success story'.

40 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2004

Reviews

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent brief introduction to the plight of the San and Khosian bushmen, diamond industry and Botswana.