Michelle Meineke, Africanews contributor in London. Photo: LFP blog
The Kalahari Bushmen have regained legal access to the water on their ancestral land, following a ruling by the Botswana's Court of Appeal. The bushmen filed an appeal against a judgement in 2010 that stopped their access to the natural water supply in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve.
Human rights group Survival International outlined four key decisions that were announced last Thursday by the Appeal Court judges.
Firstly, the bushmen now have access to their old borehole, while secondly, also having the right to sink new boreholes. Thirdly, the court ruled that the government’s treatment of the bushmen has been ‘degrading’ and finally, all the costs for the bushmens’ appeal must be covered by the government.
Many hope that the recent ruling will bring an end to the long-running issue, which started in 2002 when the government initially evicted the bushmen from the land.
The bushmen then won a landmark ruling in 2006 guaranteeing them access to their ancestral lands. Shortly after, however, the government restricted the bushmens’ water supply, which forced many to trek long distances for supplies.
The bushmen hope the ruling marks a turning point. “Like any human beings, we need water to live. We also need our land. We pray that the government will now treat us with the respect we deserve,” their spokesman told Survival International.
Political support is now needed to ensure that the decision is upheld and sets an example across the country, Survival urge. “A comment from President Khama would now give the clearest signal of whether or not the government's position has shifted in the light of the ruling. This is, after all, a victory for human rights and the rule of law throughout Botswana,” Stephen Corry, Survival’s director said.
