A government witness has admitted that his department stopped issuing hunting licences to Bushmen living in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, even though it had no legal right to do so.
Joseph Matlhare, former Director of Wildlife, claimed that his department stopped issuing the licences following a decision by central government in 2001. Under Botswana law, only Parliament could make such a decision.
The issue is important because the Bushmen living in the reserve rely on hunting for their livelihoods. Since the Department of Wildlife stopped issuing licences, many Bushmen have faced hunger and some have been arrested for hunting illegally.
Act now to help the Bushmen
Your support is vital if the Bushmen are to survive. There are many ways you can help.
- Writing a letter to the Botswana government is a quick and simple way to let them know of your concern.
- Donate to the Bushman campaign (and other Survival campaigns).
- Write to your MP or MEP (UK) or Senators and members of Congress (US).
- Write to your local Botswana high commission or embassy.
- If you want to get more involved, contact Survival…
- Visit the Bushmen’s own website…
