The hand-out is a repeat of a previous visit to another relocation
centre, in which food and blankets were distributed shortly before
the court case was due to begin. That event aroused concern around
the world.

One Bushman declared today, 'These clothes are not our land. I will
take these clothes and still go back to my land.'

Another Bushman told Survival, 'The reason the President was here was
to bribe the Bushmen, so that they forget about the CKGR issue and
their land.'

Stephen Corry, director of Survival said today, 'There will never be
justice for Bushmen in Botswana if the head of state thinks it is
fair to visit another eviction site, only two days after the court
has adjourned, to give handouts to the Bushmen in an attempt to
persuade them not to return to their lands. The President is treating
the Bushmen like children, trying to seduce them with sweets and
clothes. Again, the government's actions simply reinforce the way it
looks down on the Bushmen and their chosen way of life. It's as if
the government assumes the Bushmen are already the beggars it is
trying to turn them into.'

For more information contact Miriam Ross on (+44) (0)20 7687 8734 or
email  mr@survival-international.org
--

Please help the Bushmen in their struggle to return to their
ancestral lands. Click here for more information:
 http://www.survival-international.org/bushman_home.htm

Survival International
6 Charterhouse Buildings
London EC1M 7ET
UK

Tel: (+44) (0)20 7687 8700
Fax: (+44) (0) 20 7687 8701
General enquiries:  info@survival-international.org
 http://www.survival-international.org