A brief reflections on History

of Islam and Muslims

in Botswana

By Sheikh H Hassan

When you speak about Islam in Botswana, you cannot do so without tracing

the origin of Islam in South Africa, especially in Kwazulu Natal. It was in this part

Southern Africa that the colonial masters from United Kingdom introduced

three commercial programmes namely: sugar cane, railway and core industry.

Zulus the indigenous people of Kwazulu Natal were asked by their British masters

to work in these two industries. The Zulus refused to implement the wishes of

the British masters. This rebellion of Zulu forced the British masters to bring

labourers from India to come and work for them in the abovementioned programmes.

Two groups of Indians arrived in South Africa during the period of British

occupation of Kwazulu Natal Province. The first group consisted people contracted

by the British to come and work in sugar cane, railway and core industry in Kwazulu

Natal. They were given a contract of five years after which they could decide to

return back to their country of origin or remain behind and live in South Africa.

There was a small group of Muslims in this group that came to work for the British

masters in the sugar cane, railway and core industry.

The second group arrived in South Africa from India, who paid their own fare.

Their aim was to adventure in trade, especially with their countrymen who came to

work in the abovementioned industries and later expand their trade to include other

people if possible. There was a big number of Muslims in this group. Their trade

activities were concentrated in the Natal Province.

It was from this small number of Muslims who arrived in South Africa in early

1800s in different conditions of life managed to move from Natal and penetrate

other places and villages to trade with the local people of the area. The colonial

laws were not friendly at the time with Muslims who were regarded as a potential

challenge in the trading industry. The discovery of gold and diamond in Transvaal

and Kimberly opened doors of opportunities for Muslims to move as far as to the

land of diamond in Kimberly and finally to the surrounding areas.

The humble beginning

From Natal to Kimberly

1

According to the oral reports, the first Muslims could have arrived in Botswana in

1886. It is mentioned that Ramotswa served as the first centre of Muslims in

Botswana, despite that there was no a physical building such as mosque or madrassa

visible in the Bamalethe village. The tribal chief of Bamalethe was very friendly

to Muslim traders, and the first Muslim grave yard in Botswana is found in

Bamalethe Village and it is still functioning. In the subsequent years, other Muslim

traders of Indian origin could be found in areas of Moshupa, Manyana, Lobatse,

Molepolole and in areas of the Kgalagadi such as Hukuntsi, Tshane,

and Lokhwabe etc..

The early Muslims in the new land of Botswana which was under the colony of

British faced significant problems and challenges including resistance from the

colonial government at that time. They were not allowed to practice trade in towns and

along the main railway route; they were also not allowed to bring their own families

to Botswana and own land. Despite these problems, the first Muslims in Botswana

managed to build up and maintain a good relationship with the indigenous people

of Botswana.

During this colonial era of Botswana Muslim immigrants had no intention to

introduce Islam among the people of Botswana, even though there was good relation

between them. The general population in various villages was encouraging, Muslims did

not use it and become opportunists. They preferred to preserve and maintain their

faith among themselves.

It was after the independence of Botswana in 1966 that, Muslims enjoyed

significant rights like any other Batswana. They had rights to become the citizens

of Botswana it they wish to do so.

Town of Lobatse at time of independence was functioning as an administrative and

business hub of Botswana. After the independence, Muslims managed to establish

some businesses in Lobatse, which eventually necessitated the building

of the first masjid in Botswana.

2

Ramotswa welcoms Islam

It wasn't easy

Independence and Muslims

The masijid was established immediately after the independence. It was built on the

efforts of the local Muslims, male and females in Botswana.

There was no outside contribution or collection to the project of the mosque. Except that Muslims

in Botswana were in very small number compering to number of Muslims in

neighboring countries. Muslims in this country learnt from the beginning that,

the progress of Islam is Botswana is their responsibility and they are accountable

to that. Therefore, they should try by all means to solicit funds and become

self-sufficient economically and financially.

The first mosque in Botswana 1967.

As the economy of Botswana and the country was growing very rapidly, the town of

Lobatse became very small to handle this rapid development, taking into

consideration its geographical and physical location. there was a need to move

administrative activities to Gaborone, which by the facto became the capital city

of Botswana. Muslims did not lose this opportunity. Tthey moved and established their

b u s i n e s s i n t h e n e w c i t y o f G a b o r o n e . .

3

Now the doors of Botswana were opened to the rest of the world, Muslim community

also continued to grow and develop very fast. Other Muslims from neighbouring

countries and other countries migrated to Botswana for economical, cultural, intellectual and social reasons.

First masjid in Botswana

Islam and migration

The masjid in Lobatse continued to serve as a unifying force for Muslims from all

corners of the country. Muslims could come from their villages and towns to

perform their Juma salah and ‘Eid salah at Lobatse masjid. It was the opportunity

for them to meet and chart the way forward on various issues of their concern.

As the Muslim community was growing in Gaborone, the need of establishing

the second masjid in Botswana was inevitable. In the early 80s, the project became a

reality, and Muslims have now an Islamic Centre that could serve as a place of

performing five daily salah, Juma, ‘Eid salah and madrassah.

Second masjid in Botswana 1985.

The Botswana Muslim Association which was established in early 70s serves as the mother association for all Muslim affairs in

Botswana. There are management committee in each town, city, or village that managethe Muslim’s affairs on behalf of B.M.A

wi th fu l l au tonomy. The Management Commit tees cons i s t o f d i ffe ren t sub commit tees , e .g .

Masjid Committee, Burial Committee, Madrassah Committee, Halaal Committee, Zakaat and Lillah Committee, Hilaal

C o m m i t t e e , D a ’ w a h C o m m i t t e e , e t c .

There are more than 20 Islamic Centres around the country fully functioning under

the auspice of Botswana Muslim Association. There is Botswana Muslim Youth

Movement and Al-Muslimah, both groups are affiliated to B.M.A.

The need of masjid in Gaborone

Role of Botswana Muslim Association

4

Masjid in Gaborone West 2005.

Masjid in Rasesa 1990.

Masjid in Selebe Phikwe 2010.

Some other masajid in Botswana

5

The state of Islam in Botswana is improving now among Batswana. There is a

significant number of Batswana who accepted Islam as there spiritual way of life.

The number is growing especially among the young generation age between 15-30.

Intermarriages between Batswana and different Muslims from various countries in

Africa, Asia etc. is contributing to the growth of Islam among the local population.

6

Muslims contribution to the social welfare and development of Botswana which

include the set up of medical facilities like that of A.S Dada foundation which already

handed four completed clinics with equipments to the government of Botswana.

Hajee Goolam Mustapha Children’s Home, and the Muslim’s response to the call of

His Excellency Lt. General Seretse Khama Ian Kham to contribute to his programme

of poverty alleviation by putting up homes for the destitute people in the country.

these and other unmentioned social activities to the people of Botswana

is a cllear indication that Islam and Muslims are working to achieve not

only the spiritual life but also their social and development welfare.

Muslim and social responsibility

By Sheikh Hategekimana Hassan