“It is essential for any visitor to Botswana to understand how very much more difficult it is to generalise about this country than it is others. Botswana is only forty years from nationwide poverty and a practically nonexistent economy, from inadequate education and an almost universal adherence to an intensely traditional conservative, tribal way of life. In that short space of time the economy has expanded: Cell phones, the internet, corporate governance, big houses, expensive cars, and consumerism have become part of life – for some but not for all.”

Patience

“Batswana are an extraordinarily patient and forgiving people. These are a people who have a tradition of survival in unusually harsh conditions, devastating drought is not uncommon, unpredictable rains are the order of the day, crop failure is likely.”

Conformity

“Conformity is a traditional inheritance> When the grip on life and survival was tenuous, one did not rock the boat. People did not argue with the Chief; they did what they were told. People all agreed, conformed.”

Work ethic

“It is probably true to say of the majority of Batswana that their attitude toward work is shaped by the recent traditional past. For example, it is much preferred that starting times accord with individual preference rather than be fixed at predetermined hours of the day: the view is that time should be a comfort, a convenience, not a master.”

Marriage and Children

“There is a considerable problem today with teenage pregnancies and with single-parent (mother) families. It is said that, before independence, it was very rare for young girls to have children out of marriage. It is suggested that that young girls are having children at the same age today as was common four or five decades ago therefore it is not sexual behaviour that has changed but that the age of marriage has delayed.”

“It is the tradition among Batswana to compensate the bride’s parents for the loss of their daughter. The payment is seen as a thanksgiving to the parents for the care they have given to the girl’s upbringing and as a sign of gratitude for their kindness in now allowing her husband to marry her.”

Gender

“Traditionally, and perhaps superficially, women were considered second-class citizens after men. Women were not, however, completely powerless: behind the scenes they were always able to exercise some influence, however, subtle and covert. As a modern nation, seeking acceptance in a modern world, Botswana has embraced international standards, including gender equality.”

Rain

“Rain is central to the traditions of all agriculturalists. In Setswana the word for rain is Pula, and an indication of the importance of rain is reflected in the fact that all public speeches end with that word called out as an exclamation: “Pula!”

Cattle

“As a pastoral people, Batswana hold cattle to be of special importance. Traditionally cattle distribution was controlled entirely by the availability of surface water or the presence of hand-dug wells, usually located at the edge of pans.”

Greetings

“It is extremely important on all occasions to greet Batswana, who consider it very rude to ignore others. The basics are simple: A universal greeting, suitable for all times of the day or night, is the word “Dumela,” followed by “Rra,” directed to a man, or “Mma,” to a woman. When greeting any group of two or more (mixed or not), use “Dumelang,” instead of “Dumela,” Handshakes are normal among men and women.”

Expectations of foreigners

“Visitors will automatically be seen as wealthy, and therefore the expectation is that you will be generous. This thinking is not strictly traditional in origin, although it has its roots in a past era when chiefs were wealthy and, in times of crises, looked after their people, providing food and protection.”

Invitations home

“It is not the habit, generally speaking, for Batswana to invite people to their homes other than for big occasions like weddings and christenings.”

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