01 Oct 2025

As the country celebrated 59^th independence anniversary, a palpable sense of joy and pride enveloped communities across the nation.

This milestone is not merely a date on the calendar; it serves as a reminder of resilience, unity, and the shared journey of a people determined to forge their destiny. Among those who marked this momentous occasion included refugees who arrived in Botswana in 1979, and now wholeheartedly embrace the spirit of independence and community. 

They celebrate not only the nation’s progress but also their own remarkable journeys toward integration and belonging within the rich tapestry of Botswana’s diverse society. The story of 72-year-old Mr John Yanamalha offers an insight into the depth of this sense of belonging. 

His journey reflects the intertwining threads of unity and consultation that the nation’s leaders had cultivated over the years, crafting a narrative that welcomes refugees as vital contributors to the fabric of the country.

Recalling the tumultuous times of his youth, Mr Yanamalha shares the harrowing experience of fleeing his war-torn homeland of Angola. At just 18, the deafening clamour of gunfire shattered his childhood, forcing him to abandon the familiar comforts of home and leave behind beloved friends and family.

His heart-wrenching trek across treacherous paths ultimately brought him to the warm embrace of Botswana, a land that would become a sanctuary. Upon arrival as a refugee, Mr Yanamalha was deeply moved by the unparalleled kindness extended to him. In a nation grappling with its own challenges, he felt a sense of welcome that was strikingly sincere.

 “I was never seen as a stranger,” he reflected. “Instead, I was enveloped with love. The deep sense of unity among communities made it possible for me to settle after being released from Dukwi camp in 1981 and to begin rebuilding my life.”

He speaks with admiration of the spirit of solidarity that characterised Batswana back then, a spirit rooted in open conversation and a collaborative approach to restoring lives.  This foundation became the cornerstone of various societies, paving the way for the successful integration of refugees into the community.

Mr Yanamalha also emphasises that the collaborative efforts of government officials and traditional leaders played a crucial role in providing refugees with access to vital resources such as education, healthcare, and opportunities for economic participation.

He says through these collective endeavours, the nation has not only welcomed him but made him feel no doubts about choosing Botswana as his second home. Since then, he has married, built a home in Selebi Phikwe, and is proud to have served as a driver for the Selebi Phikwe Town Council, a job he diligently performed until his retirement.

Mr Yanamalha expresses that while the country successfully cultivated a strong ethos for a long time, one he has had the opportunity to witness, he is concerned that these values are slowly fading. 

This decline has left some communities and individuals feeling disconnected from their societal roots, which he noted has contributed to rising social issues that have become challenging to address. ENDS