SOCIAL SECURITY IN BOTSWANA,FROM HISTORICAL EVOLUTION TO POLICY AND LAW

1. SOCIAL SECURITY IN BOTSWANA,FROM HISTORICAL EVOLUTION TO POLICY AND LAW BY DR. K SOLO

2. Evolution of social protection • Prior to independence in 1966, Botswana relied on traditional systems of support • This was in order to address issues of poverty and destitution • The extended family was seen as a social security regime when members went through life cycle crisis • The family provided a window of support during difficult times • Children were seen as a social safety net when parents became sick disabled or old.

3. The family • The society during this time was guided by principles of solidarity and reciprocity • The principle of solidarity emphasized a sense of unity and shared responsibility towards other family members • There was also generalized reciprocity when each member of the family provided assistance without expecting anything in return • There were also other forms of social security arrangements

4. Other forms • The mafisa system allowed the destitute poor to look after the rich people’s cattle and in return to have access to these cattle • While taking good care of these livestock recipients had access to free milk, meat, draught power to transport water, firewood and harvest • Others received some cattle as part payment for their labour These systems predated independence.

5. Post independence period • Government acknowledged that solutions to social problems could still be found in the traditional support systems • There was a devastating drought in the mid sixties, necessitating government intervention • With assistance from the Food World Programme to counteract the effects of the drought, early forms of social security emerged

6. Early signs of social security • Vulnerable groups such as lactating mothers, pregnant women, pre-school children, TB patients, malnourished children, children aged 6-10 were beneficiaries of the drought relief food programme. • The rest of the community benefited from this programme through what was called “food for work” • People were provided with food in return for work on community projects .

7. Signs of social security • Community projects included building of rural roads, schools, dams, bridges • These were on a small scale • By the National Development Plan (1970-75) government articulated clearly the need to promote social protection. • This was to be through principles of social justice and equality

8. Signs of social security • A Remote Area Development Programme was developed • Beneficiaries were the marginalized poor communities in the remote parts of Botswana • A social welfare unit was established within the department of community development to address emerging social problems • There was a weakening in the traditional social safety nets.

9. Other programmes • Labour Intensive Public Works Programme • Remote Area Deveolpment Programme • Community Home Based Care • Short Term Plan of Action for the Care of Orphans • Old Age Pension • World War I & II Allowance

10. Social policy • Education • Health • Housing • Water • Sanitation • etc

11. Law • What remains a major challenge is to translate what historically evolved as social security programmes, and what evolved as social policy entitlements to have the sanction of law. • That is the next stage in the development of a comprehensive, participatory and inclusive social security system in Botswana

12. THE END THANK YOU