Urban, Elite and Professional Bias in Public Policy Formulation in Botswana: The Case of Tribal Grazing Land Policy

Latang Sechele

Abstract


Drawing on documentary sources, and taking Tribal Grazing Land Policy formulation as a case study, this article attempts to investigate the consultative processes in public policy making in Botswana and the extent to which such takes into account the views of the masses that policies would affect and benefit. This is based on the general consensus that a holistic and therefore relevant policy should take into account the views of the beneficiaries. This research reveals that although in Botswana there are structures, such as the kgotla system, where the masses are consulted, the consultative process itself is flawed. It is meant to impose the views of the professionals and the elite (politicians and urban based professionals) on the general populace. Public policies are adopted despite protest by masses or those who closely work with them. This challenges the generally held view that Botswana is the most democratic country in Africa.


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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.5296/ijssr.v6i2.12347

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