Against the grain
With far-right populism gaining ground across the globe - Botswana shows that social democracy remains possible, writes Vittorio Trevitt
In 2024, the Republic of Botswana experienced a historical moment with the replacement in a general election that year of the long-governing centre-right Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) with the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), a left-wing alliance comprised mainly of socialist parties including the Botswana National Front (traditionally the main opposition force). In power since 1965, the BDP lost almost its entire parliamentary representation while the UDC won over half of seats on a turnout of over 80 per cent; a ringing endorsement. It was a stunning victory for progressive politics in a nation that until then had never had a government of the left.
The BDP’s catastrophic defeat can be attributed to deep-rooted economic problems. The joblessness rate earlier in 2024 for those aged 15 and over was estimated at above 27 per cent; a figure that had been steadily climbing for years. Income distribution is also highly inequitable, with Botswana in the unenviable position of being one of the world’s 10 most unequal nations. This was the inheritance that the BDP bequeathed to the UDC; one that it is in a powerful position to address effectively.
The pledges made by the UDC and its candidate Duma Boko (a respected human rights lawyer) during the election were striking. They included the creation of at least half a million jobs, investments in education and training, and ensuring by law an adequate salary for workers. These promises struck a chord with a broad swathe of society. Since taking office, Boko and his administration have taken steps to put their promises into practice. Massive increases have been made in benefits for students and the elderly, together with cuts in the cost of certain household utilities, an expansion in the availability of free sanitary pads for young girls, and a significant reduction in the state pension threshold. Measures have also been taken to improve earnings in the public sector while a major housebuilding scheme has been launched, designed both to create jobs and promote home ownership. In a groundbreaking move, a prohibition on same-sex relationships dating back to colonial days was lifted this April. A cash allowance for newborn babies has also been rolled out, together with tax reforms that raise the share paid by both companies and high earners, while plans are underway for introducing new school breakfast provisions.
In an interesting parallel with Labour’s Employment Rights Act, the Boko administration has presided over a major overhaul of worker’s rights that came into effect this July. Known as the Employment and Labour Relations Act, this comprehensive and groundbreaking law introduces new workplace rights including paid leave in case of adoption, hospitalisation and paternity and an expansion of protections against unfair dismissal to cover loss of employment due to pregnancy and trade union activities. It also provides for limits on the length of fixed-term contracts together with greater oversight over the workplace in tackling harassment and discrimination while ensuring a safe and healthy working environment. If implemented effectively, this legislation could truly provide a new deal for the working people of Botswana.
Not everything has been plain sailing for the UDC, however. Unemployment remains in double-digit figures, and while there have been discussions within the party about introducing a new cash benefit to mitigate hardship among those without work, this remains a proposal rather than a policy commitment. A fall in the price of natural diamonds (a commodity traditionally vital to Botswana’s financial fortunes) damaged the economy, which has been struggling over the past few years. However, expectations of 3 per cent GDP growth this year offer the hope that the UDC’s goals of lessening inequality and fostering prosperity can still be realised.
Despite the challenges it has faced, the Boko administration has so far compiled an admirable record by implementing social democratic policies that have directly benefited ordinary people. At a time when far-right populism has made electoral breakthroughs across the globe, the record of the UDC in Botswana gives hope to those who value the ideals of social democracy.
