Understanding chieftainship in Botswana: the status and powers of chiefs in present day Botswana

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Periodical article

Title:	Understanding chieftainship in Botswana: the status and powers of chiefs in present day Botswana
Author:	Ifezue, Godsglory O.
Year:	2015
Periodical:	Journal of African Law (ISSN 1464-3731)
Volume:	59
Issue:	2
Pages:	271-293
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Botswana
Subjects:	chieftaincy political change social change
Link:	https://doi.org/10.1017/S0021855315000157
Abstract:	This article seeks to provide a critical analysis and understanding of the institution of chieftainship in Botswana. It looks at the institution of chieftainship starting from before colonization, right through colonization to the present day, post-colonization. It will be observed that interference with the institution started from colonization and continues to the present day. Consequently, the article weaves a discussion of the justification for such interference through an analysis of the status and powers of chiefs during colonization and their status post-colonization. The chiefs' reaction to the encroachment is also covered, for the chiefs were not simply passive and co-operative while their powers were being taken away. Notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract]