Pula (Currency)

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The Pula is Botswana’s currency, which was introduced in 1976, as a replacement to the South African Rand. It was developed through a consultative process and has become a symbol of the country’s stability.

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Development of the currency

Seen as Africa’s inspirational success story, Botswana has one of the highest incomes per capita in Southern Africa. Like many other nations within the continent post-independence, Botswana struggled with political and socio-economical challenges that hindered its potential. To reverse these conditions, Botswana strategically adopted good policies through traditional decision-making processes that encouraged transparency, education, and consultation. The establishment of the pula, regarded as one of the strongest and most stable currencies in Africa, is an example of this approach in action. The cultivation of a population that is informed and involved in policymaking was instrumental in facilitating successful government reform in Botswana.

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Tswana, also known as Batswana, is a Bantu-speaking ethnic group whose ancestors migrated in the 18th century to the present-day region of Botswana in Southern Africa. A central feature of Tswana's culture is the collection of public forums called Kgotlas that provide an open space for Tswana people and chiefs to handle disputes, disperse laws, offer critiques, and discuss issues of public interest. More importantly, this system allowed leaders to invite public consultation and consensus before enacting laws and rules. The importance of kgotla as a central institution in Tswana culture and governance is perfectly conveyed in Setswana as “kgosi ke Kgosi ka batho” which means “a chief is a chief by the will of the people.” Even after independence, the first ruling party, Botswana Democratic Party, traveled throughout the country to solicit input and recruit experts in order to advance many of its policy initiatives. One of these major policy initiatives was the establishment of the pula. In 1974, Botswana announced its intentions to move away from using the South African rand and pursue an independent currency with its own central bank.

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Origins of the name

The Botswana government polled public opinion on the naming and design of the currency in hopes of it reflecting the history, culture, and national pride of the country. The name pula (“rain”) as the basic unit made up of 100 thebe (“shield” or “defense”) was overwhelmingly supported by the public. Botswana is home to the Kalahari Desert, a semi-arid desert that receives very little rain throughout the year. Therefore, rain is scarce and seen as valuable. Over time, the word pula evolved to take on the additional meaning of “blessing,” which serves as the national motto and can even be used in situations such as greetings and celebrations.

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Design of the currency

Similarly, the design of the currency has constantly included symbolic illustrations of the socioeconomic makeup and heart of Botswana, highlighting key areas such as democracy, tourism, and mining. Thirty-three years after the establishment of the Pula, the Botswana government introduced a new family of banknotes that had images of a woman teaching, which highlighted the importance of education and the contribution of women to national development. In addition to getting public input, the government consulted with civil service technical experts to assist in policymaking and educating the citizens on the new legislation. By incorporating public involvement, consultation, and cultural values in the development of the pula, the Botswana government cultivated a deeper sense of ownership and national pride that aided in the facilitation of the currency’s use and ultimately, its success. The release of the pula on August 23, 1976, is a day held close to the hearts of the Batswana community, commemorated annually as Pula Day.

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By soliciting public participation and consultation in national decision-making, Botswana strengthened and unified its democratic landscape, impacting its growth and prosperity. The story of the Pula showcases this success by illustrating Botswana’s greatest strength, inclusivity.

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