Research articles (Dept of PAS)
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Mothusi, B.; Dipholo, K.B. (John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. www.wiley.com, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: This article argues that efforts by the Government of Botswana to embark on privatisation of some parastatals as well as contracting out the provision of certain services with the main intention of enhancing productivity and strengthening the private sector will not have a negative effect on the strength and nature of the existing strong developmental state. It is argued that the cautious and pragmatic approach adopted by the government, coupled with the fact that privatisation in Botswana is embraced voluntarily (that is not imposed on the country by either the World Bank or the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as a condition for financial assistance), hiving off parastatals to the private sector will not result in the weakening and ultimate demise of the state as it has happened in some countries within Sub Saharan Africa. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1128 Files in this item: 1
Mothusi_PAD_2008.pdf (840.7Kb) -
Molomo, M.G. (Routledge, http://www.informaworld.com, NaN, 2000)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper discusses the relationship between the ruling party and opposition parties in the struggle to capture political power in Botswana. It demonstrates the resilience of the multi-party framework that is founded on the basic principles of political freedom and civil liberty. Moreover, it explains how the poverty of ideology has presented a political landscape without any clear political alternatives. More concretely, it outlines the weaknesses of opposition parties, that they do not pose any serious challenge to the ruling party. However, in spite of their weaknesses, opposition parties have played a more constructive role in shaping the democratic process than has commonly been recognised. They have provided important checks and balances to make government more accountable and responsive to peoples' needs, yet they have not projected themselves as alternative governments. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/995 Files in this item: 1
Molomo_CCP_2000.pdf (2.191Mb) -
Somolekae, G.S. (Pula: Botswana Journal of African Studies, NaN, 2000)[more][less]
Abstract: This article is about the struggles of Batswana women to attain gender equality. The article traces women's exclusion from public decision-making much broadly as a fundamental feature of the Tswana patriachal structure. This situation tends to reinforce itself within the public sphere in terms of discriminatory legislation and other forms of marginalization. The favorable international climate and the institutionalizationof the women's movement are identified as some of the factors that have helped to bring about positive change. However, it is urged that in order for their marginalization to be effectively addressed, the focus of the women's movement should not be on increasing numbers per se, but on transforming institutions. Women representatives should be at the forefront of pushing this transformative agenda. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/986 Files in this item: 1
Somolekae_PBJAS_2000.pdf (652.0Kb) -
Sebudubudu, D. (Botswana Society, NaN, 2003)[more][less]
Abstract: Botswana is widely perceived as a succesful working democracy in Africa. What is striking about Botswana is that one party dominance over the past 36 years has not led to a proliferation of corruption as it did in most African countries. However, in 1994, Botswana established a specialised anti-corruption agency, the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC), following a series of corruption scandals. The DCEC combats both corruption and economic crime i.e. thefts and frauds perpetrated on the public revenue. The focus of this article is on the DCEC, the reasons for establishing it, and the nature of its performance. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/981 Files in this item: 1
Sebudubudu_BNR_2003.pdf (2.689Mb) -
The Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) trade regime: Opportunities and challenges for BotswanaMokhawa, G.; Osei-Hwedie, B. (Botswana Society, http://www.botsoc.org.bw, NaN, 2003)[more][less]
Abstract: For a long time now, African countries have been demanding increased trade with the developed economies of the West as a means to promote economic development. 'Trade not aid,' has become the hallmark of this demand. Increased trade is to be realized through preferential access to developed economies markets, especially in manufactured goods. It is hoped that exports of manufactured goods would propel industrialization and help diversify economies away from traditional raw material exports. The USA has responded to Africa's demands through the Africa Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA) that allows Africa access to the world's biggest and most lucrative market. This article examines the objectives of, and benefits under, AGOA with a view to analysing the opportunities it creates for Botswana's economic diversification into manufacturing, especially in the case of textiles and apparel industries; and the challenges it poses for Botswana. Analysis of the challenges help us to highlight not only Botswana's internal weaknesses and problems but also that of the AGOA provisions, as well as pose the question of who benefits, helping us unravel the US motives behind AGOA. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/967 Files in this item: 1
Mokhawa_BNR_2003.pdf (2.220Mb)