19 Jun 2013

Attorneys representing 12 Ranyane residents (applicants) and the Ghanzi Land Board, Ghanzi District Council and Ghanzi District Commissioner (respondents) appeared at the Lobatse High Court on June 18 as a follow up to the May 28 court’s interdict barring applicants’ supposed eviction from Ranyane.

A press release from the Office of the President has stated that attorneys for the respondents and government were able to reach mutual agreement, which was subsequently accepted by Justice Lot Moroka as the basis of a consent court order, being an order where both sides have come to a mutual agreement.

The release stated that contrary to what had been widely misreported by some in the media, following disinformation circulated by the Survival International organisation, and their supporters at the Open Society Initiative of Southern Africa (OSISA), there was no judgement against government by the court on Tuesday.

“For its part, the government of Botswana has consistently made its position absolutely clear that it has never been its intention to evict either the said applicants or for that matter anyone else from the settlement against their will. Neither is government in anyway barred from facilitating the voluntary relocation of any residents from Ranyane to elsewhere, should such persons wish to do so,” the release said.

It further stated that thus far, 32 households, making up a total of 81 people, had exercised their right to voluntarily relocate from Ranyane to Bere settlement in the Ghanzi District.

In addition, the release said at least eight primary school going children currently at boarding school were expected to join their parents in the next school term in August .

“Among the reasons given by Ranyane residents who have requested to relocate to Bere, is that the settlement, unlike Ranyane, has a government primary school and medical clinics.  Students currently at Ranyane are supported by government to attend boarding schools.”

The release stated that contrary to some media reports, government had consistently provided the residents with water. When the borehole was temporarily shut down last year water was trucked in until the borehole was restored. ENDS