Participatory development planning in Botswana: exploring the utilisation of spaces for participation

Abstract

English: The article examines the utilisation of spaces for participation in the development planning processes in Botswana. It has often been argued that, contrary to the widespread espousal to participatory planning, Botswana’s planning system remains non-participatory. What is perceived as a highly centralised planning system dominated by bureaucrats has often been cited as the greatest impediment to the country’s participatory governance. Despite the above perception, the article demonstrates the fluidity of spaces for participation and how, with creativity, invited spaces for participation have been used to challenge unpopular state policies and practices.

Afrikaans: Die artikel ondersoek die benutting van ruimtes vir deelname in die ontwikkelingsbeplanningprosesse in Botswana. Dit is al dikwels aangevoer dat, in teenstelling met die wydverspreide verkondiging vir deelnemende beplanning, bly Botswana se beplanningstelsel nie-deelnemend. Wat beskou word as ‘n hoogs gesentraliseerde beplanningstelsel, oorheers deur burokrate, is dikwels ook beskou as die grootste struikelblok vir die land se deelnemende regering. Ten spyte van die bogenoemde persepsie, demonstreer die artikel die vloeibaarheid van ruimtes vir deelname en hoe daar met kreatiwiteit, genooide ruimtes vir deelname gebruik is om ongewilde staatsbeleid en praktyke uit te daag.

SeSotho: Serapa sena se shebisisa tsebediso ya sebaka sa kenyeletso ya sechaba tabeng ya merero ya tswelopele ya Botswana. Ho bile le di chebisiso tse ngata tse bontshang hore le ha ho kenyeletsa sechaba mererong ya dibaka e se e le ntho e tloaelehileng ebile e se e tsebahala, naha ya Botswana yona, ha e sebetse tjena mererong ya bona. Ho bonahala e le tsamaiso ya merero e ikoalletseng ka hare, e tsamaisoa ke baithuti fela. Ebile e boledisoa ke ba bangata hore ke ona motsamaiso ona oo kenang tseleng ya puso e kenyeletsang sechaba mererong ya sona. Ntle le taba ena e boletsoeng, serapa sena se bontsha tsamaiso e monate ya sebaka sa kenyeletso ya sechaba le ka mokho ho bula kellelo ho lumelletseng sebaka sa kenyeletso ya sechaba hore se hanahanane le ditsamaiso le dipheo tsa mmuso tse sa utloahaleng.