Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE STATS
Botswana has one of the lowest population densities on earth: three people for every square kilometre which puts
it on a par with Australia, Mauritania and Mongolia. An estimated 61% of people in Botswana live in urban settle-
ments, mostly in eastern Botswana. Like most African countries, Botswana has an overwhelmingly young popula-
tion, with an average age of 22.5 years, and one-third of the population under 14.
Basubiya & Wayeyi
The Basubiya, Wayeyi (Bayei) and Mbukushu are all riverine tribes scattered around the
Chobe and Linyanti Rivers and across the Okavango Panhandle. Their histories and mi-
grations are a textbook example of the ebb and flow of power and influence. For a long
time, the Basubiya were the dominant force, pushing the Wayeyi away from the Chobe
River and into the Okavango after a little spat over a lion skin, so tradition says. The Bas-
ubiya were agriculturists and as such proved easy prey for the growing Lozi empire (from
modern Zambia), which in turn collapsed in 1865. They still live in the Chobe district.
Originally from the same areas in Namibia and Angola as the Mbukushu, the Wayeyi
moved south from the Chobe River into the Okavango Delta in the mid-18th century to
avoid the growing conflict with the Basubiya. They established themselves around Lake
Ngami and eventually dispersed into the Okavango Delta. At the same time, the Bangwato
(a Batswana offshoot) were pushing northwards and came into contact with the Wayeyi.
Over time this relationship became a form of clientship, which many Wayeyi still feel re-
sentful about today.
In 1948 and 1962 the Wayeyi made efforts to free themselves of Batswana rule, but
neither attempt succeeded. In 1995 these efforts were renewed in a more concerted man-
ner with the establishment of the Kamanakao Association, which aims to develop and pro-
tect Wayeyi culture and language. Following this, the Wayeyi decided to revive their
chieftainship and on 24 April 1999 they elected Calvin Diile Kamanakao as Chief Kaman-
akao I and recommended him for inclusion in the House of Chiefs. The government rejec-
ted this proposal, so in 2001 the Wayeyi took the matter to the High Court, which passed
judgment that chiefs elected by their own tribes should be admitted to the house. In 2008
the Wayeyi chief Shikati Fish Matepe Ozoo was appointed to the House of Chiefs by
former president Festus Mogae. In the meantime, the UNHCR has pointed out that most
Wayeyi children cannot speak their ancestral tongue, one of the keys to maintaining a dis-
tinct ethnic identity.
