Neighbours share more than fences, and neighbouring countries more than borders. This is especially true for the relationship between South Africa and Botswana. In the theatre of southern African politics, South Africa and Botswana share more than just a 2 000 km border: they share intertwined fates.

From 11 to 12 August, a delegation from the North-West University (NWU) in South Africa, led by its principal and vice-chancellor, Prof. Bismark Tyobeka, visited the Jewel of the Kalahari to connect, share, find joint solutions to mutual problems, and explore pathways to shared successes.

“There are few sights that soothe the soul as much as the sun setting and rising over Botswana. I feel at home here. I feel inspired here. Botswana is often, and rightly, hailed as one of Africa’s success stories, and the country stands as a testament to how political stability can thrive on a continent not renowned for it,” says Prof. Tyobeka from the nation’s capital, Gaborone.

“For both countries, a healthy partnership is both a strategic necessity and a pragmatic boon. South Africa’s industrial heft complements Botswana’s political stability and mineral wealth. Together, we can achieve so much. In an era when fractured alliances are increasingly the norm, I would like to think that South Africa and Botswana prove that the opposite is possible. There is magic where we meet.”

During their stay in Botswana, the delegation visited the South African High Commissioner, Her Excellency Thaninga Shope Soumah, who stressed the importance of academic cooperation as an essential building block in strengthening bilateral relations.

The delegation also met the Acting Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Dr Edwin Dikoloti, as well as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of International Relations, Dimpho Mogami. They engaged with Botho University and the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN). Discussions focused on collaborative research; student and staff exchange programmes; training initiatives in agriculture, entrepreneurship, and virtual internships; student life support and sport; and participation in academic expos.

“At the NWU, we are committed to regional cooperation and human capital development across the Southern African Development Community. This task is made so much easier by our friends in Botswana, who share our ideals and goals. Let’s take agriculture as an example, which was a major focus of our visit. Our countries and economies may look different, but we both battle with climate change, water scarcity, the need to modernise production, and the challenge of providing sustainable agricultural solutions and market access to smallholding farmers. We both ask: How do we produce more with less?”

Prof. Tyobeka pauses as he ponders the last question, then repeats it: “How do we produce more with less? We do it together.”

The delegation from the NWU thoroughly enjoyed their visit to the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN).

Prof. Bismark Tyobeka with Acting Minister of Lands and Agriculture, Dr Edwin Dikoloti.

Her Excellency Thaninga Shope Soumah stressed the importance of academic cooperation across borders.

Collaboration leads to success.The NWU is paving the way forward with Botho University.