Lydia Nyati-Ramahobo (Botswana)

Lydia Nyati-Ramahobo (48) was born in Botswana. She obtained her Masters’ and PhD degrees in Applied Linguistics at the University of Pennsylvania. She is associate professor and dean at the Faculty of Education at the University of Botswana. She is co-founder of the Kamanakao Association, a pressure group for the linguistic and cultural rights of the Wayeyi tribe. She is also founder of Reteng, a multicultural coalition of Botswana people. Through her efforts, the government of Botswana set up a committee to review all laws that discriminate against non-Tswanas.

Though the Wayeyi tribe are the majority in Botswana, theirs is a minority language. Many Wayeyi are afraid to disclose that they are Wayeyi, derogatorily referred to as “makoba” (stupid people). Lydia Ramahobo herself is a member of the Wayeyi. Unfortunately the Botswana government has supported the oppression of the Wayeyi, both during the colonial era and at the present time. Lydia is working in the area of human rights, specifically dealing with linguistic and cultural rights of non-Tswanas. The constitution of Botswana, the Chieftainship Act, and the Tribal Territories Act only recognize the Setswana-speaking tribes at the exclusion of 26 others. As a result, only the Setswana language and culture occupy the public space. Non-Tswanas have no rights to land, and can be dislocated without compensation. Their children learn in Setswana and English. Their traditional chiefs are neither recognized nor admitted to the House of Chiefs, which is part of the legislative branch of the government. The Wayeyi’s struggle for freedom in 1936, 1946–48 and 1962 failed to liberate them from subjugation. Through Lydia’s efforts, the government of Botswana set up a committee to review all laws that discriminate against non-Tswanas. As a result, the Wayeyi cultural festival started in 2000, and in 2002, the Kalanga started their Domboshaba cultural festival.

Africa | Botswana