18 Nov 2013

Dr David Livingstone has been described as a radical figure than commonly portrayed as humanitarian imperialist by imperialists after his death.

Giving a presentation entitled: David Livingstone and the Making of Modern Botswana: Portrait of a Young Radical, in Gaborone on November 13, a historian, Dr Jeff Ramsay said in Dr Livingstone’s early periodical writings, one could find a fierce critic of racism, colonial conquest and coerced labour.

He said the Livingstone family fled the economic and political oppression that drove most of the highlanders to either America or the emerging industry of the south.

Dr Ramsay said not only was the Dr Livingstone responsible for Botswana’s first church and school, but served as a covert agent of Batswana to procure advanced munitions in the years leading up to the Boer War of 1852-53. He said his actions showed a militant commitment to the universal right to armed resistance by any people seeking to secure their freedom from oppression.

“Livingstone was as scathing in his denunciation of British war crimes against the AmaXhosa as he was of Boer subjugation of Batswana,” he said.

Dr Ramsay said during his time in Botswana, Dr Livingstone looked for a king who could lead Batswana to greater unity, prosperity and peace through the blessing of Christianity, commerce and civilization and he found Kgosi Sechele of Bakwena.

He further stated that the missionary had intended to install a moruti in Bakgatla ba ga Kgafela but his spirits were dampened by the rejection from Boers. He affirmed that Dr Livingstone made an immense contribution to Botswana in that in the 19th century, Batswana groups made remarkable transition from iron age to guns.

In response, a renowned UB linguist professor, Thapelo Otlogetswe, concurred that Dr Livingstone was indeed a radical as he risked his life and faced diseases all for the salvation and emancipation of Africa.

He said the missionary used his medical training to endear and help those who were in need. Prof. Otlogetswe stated that Dr Livingstone said he wanted to open up or patch Africa for Christianity, civilization and commerce.

He said the missionary showed his commitment to Africa in many ways as he was involved in military as well as preaching anti-slavery and against oppression. The event was sponsored by the Botswana Society and Livingstone Kolobeng College with the support of the National Museum and Art Gallery, the British High Commission and British Council. ENDS