A New Botswana

Words can not express how my heart aches for Botswana. This nation has been the most peaceful country in Africa. Just 2 years ago, Botswana was the 5th most civil place to live in the world. Now it is in civil unrest. A country-wide strike by public sector employees, which began April 18, 2011, has been extended by the labor unions and declared “indefinite.” This strike is based on a rejection of a 16% wage increase request and a rejected offer of 5% from the government. Independent demonstrations by secondary school students in Molepolole, Ramotswa, and Mochudi took place on May 13 and May 16. At least one of these protests resulted in a confrontation between students and police. The result was damaged vehicles from thrown rocks, school vandalism and students put in jail. While the level of violence accompanying these demonstrations has been minimal, it has shaken up this small nation.

The strike, involves 20,000 - 30,000 government employees nationwide, has disrupted service delivery in public hospitals and clinics. On May 16, government schools closed until further notice, and most private schools in Gaborone closed on May 17 apparently at the request of the Government of Botswana. Services such as electricity, water, and telecommunications, however, have not been severely affected. Military and police are prohibited from striking and have adhered to this directive. President Khama announced all employees who did not show up to work this week are no longer employed.

The Shipes family is doing well and the streets are calm today. Demonstrations are at specific places and we do not go near there. We are moving forward with our work and see the need even more to reach the children here. To understand the grace and truth of Jesus Christ is so important right now. He is the only way for reconciliation for them to deal with what is happening around them. A population of 1.9M with 700,000 children out of school is tragic. Their belief system has been wrecked. This is a God moment as I see for the children, a time for a new generation, a new Botswana to trust in the Lord.

Please be in prayer for the nation of Botswana and the safety of its people.


Scott Shipes