Motho le Motho Kgomo

This transformative practice eventually led to the "Motho le Motho Kgomo" (One Man, One Beast) philanthropic movement, which arose and became deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Botswana, and a testament to the nation's resilience and collective spirit. It finds its origins in the historic Botswana University Campus Appeal (BUCA) of 1976, a campaign ignited by  the visionary call for funds to establish a University Campus, made by Sir Seretse Khama, one of Botswana's founding fathers and its inaugural President.

Prior to this, a joint University of Botswana, Lesotho, and Swaziland had served the three countries, with different faculties split across the three countries. The urgent need for a local university became apparent after the nationalization of the University by Lesotho in 1975, which also led to the expulsion of Botswanan and Swazi students from Lesotho campuses.

The "Motho le Motho Kgomo" campaign came to symbolize the nation's spirit and served as a living embodiment of Botswana's traditional values of self-reliance and collective contribution. It united people from all walks of life in their shared commitment to establishing the University of Botswana in Gaborone, the capital city. Contributions flowed from people in different economic levels and in various forms, encompassing cash donations, livestock, grain, and other valuable resources. This remarkable initiative was built upon several pivotal pillars, collectively supporting its overarching goals. Foremost, it championed the indispensable role that higher education plays in fostering national development and social and economic advancement, deftly addressing the imperative need to nurture a pool of skilled manpower within a young democracy, thereby reducing dependence on costly expatriate labor. Second, it underscored the intrinsic importance of self-reliance, illustrating how Botswana could draw upon its rich traditional values of self-sufficiency to cultivate a national educational institution. Third, simultaneously, the envisioned university was conceived as a vital community service provider.

The impact of this campaign not only led to the realization of a national institution of higher learning but also vividly demonstrated the status of giving among traditional values of Botswana. A statue (of a man and “a beast”) at the front of the university serves as a powerful symbol of the fundraising efforts that made its establishment possible, honoring the diverse contributions made by individuals and communities. This statue stands as a reminder of the collective spirit and self-reliance that underpinned the campaign and continues to inspire generations of students and educators.

Contributor: Eshban Kwesiga