DEPENDENCY SYNDROME

What is dependency syndrome? According to Phil Bartle PhD., the “dependency syndrome” is an attitude and belief that a group cannot solve its own problems without outside help. It is a weakness that is made worse by charity.
It was the nation’s joy to finally become an independent state in 1966. To finally become globally recognized and to be able to plan a future for a country that will cater to the welfare of its citizens. However, there was a problem, we became heavily dependent on our neighbouring country South Africa for the importation of essential goods.
For years we have enjoyed South Africa’s years of prosperity. However, we have enjoyed too much of it that we have forgotten that as an independent state, it is absolutely crucial that we should produce our own products. The COVID-19 pandemic has completely turned Botswana upside down when we couldn’t even access South African borders due to the lockdowns and travel restrictions. It was a huge wake up call especially for the Government. Government initiatives were proposed to tackle this gigantic problem but it has been over a year and we have not seen much of any difference.
The transformation of Botswana’s economy has been only mentioned by word of mouth but no action. The import bill is still sky high and it doesn’t look like the situation is going to change anytime soon. Yes, there have been a few import restrictions here and there but the agricultural sector is going to need far much more than that. The sector really needs a robust and clear action plan that can completely transform the agricultural sector for us to acquire optimum food selfsufficiency.
Unfortunately, while we were still trying to gather ourselves from the effects of the pandemic, then comes the South African unrests and riots. It sends uncertainty towards our country because whatever happens over there will have an economic impact towards Botswana. Botswana should really remove herself from the shackles of dependency syndrome and actively strive to making completely independent and self-sufficient.