‘A Name Tells a Story’: Botswana’s Place, Street and Landmark Names – A Layman’s Perspective

Abstract

It is unusual to start a discussion with a disclaimer. I find myself in that unenviable situation where I should
make a few disclaimers. I was invited in my capacity as Chair of The Botswana Society, it is now exactly a
week since I stepped down from that position. So I am just an impostor. Let me state for the record though
that The Botswana Society has since its inception been active in the retelling of the Botswana history and
its heritage. We pride ourselves as one of, if not the only longest surviving indigenous Botswana non-governmental
organisation (NGO). Since our inception in 1968 we have, without fail, produced the Botswana
Notes and Records the only Botswana based journal on JSTOR. We have held seminars, symposia and
workshops on topical issues concerning the country on an annual basis.