China, Bilateral Ties Impress Botswanan Ambassador's Wife

Clementine George, wife of Sasara Chasala George, Botswana's ambassador to China [Women of China English Monthly/Zhang Jiamin]

Clementine George, wife of Sasara Chasala George, Botswana's ambassador to China, has been impressed by the endless cultural experiences in her daily life since she moved to China in 2011. She discussed those experiences, and the strong relationship between Botswana (known as a wildlife heaven and the world's leading producer of diamonds) and China, during a recent interview with Women of China English Monthly.

"I welcomed my husband's appointment as ambassador to China with open arms. I had the chance to visit some friends at the Botswanan Embassy in Beijing in 2001. I remembered Beijing as a quiet city. I returned to (China) to visit the Expo 2010 Shanghai China. It was apparent to me how fast China had developed. To have witnessed the country's evolution was a pleasant surprise. I found that the endless streams of bicycles, which were in the area near the National Agricultural Exhibition Center intersection, had been replaced by cars," George says.

"I have lived in different places… such as Sweden, United Kingdom, Zambia, Belgium, and I have experienced a variety of cultural nuances. China is one of the world's most vibrant places … its culture is fascinating. You can see construction, development and new infrastructure wherever you travel. It's a dynamic that is hard to find anywhere else in the world."

George had a relatively easy adjustment to life in China. She says Chinese are friendly, and the festivals that Chinese celebrate are similar to those in Botswana. China's harvest season, she adds, is comparably significant to that of Botswana.

"I don't see life in China as a challenge. I see it as an opportunity to learn and to embrace a new culture. Having married a diplomat, I must learn to adjust to different cultures, cuisines and languages. Entering a food market in China is like being back in school for me. I learn what Chinese people eat, and what ingredients they choose and trade with one another. You never leave the house without returning with new experiences, and without having had an education in something new," George says.

Botswanan women are the backbone of family life, says George. A couple of generations ago, when the men were involved in conflicts or had migrated to other African countries in search of work, the women stayed at home and took care of the family. In today's modern society, Botswanan women have seized their independence, and they have risen to positions of power, both at home and abroad, George says.

"Women from Botswana demonstrate a strong work ethic, and they rarely rely on others. The spokesperson of the National Assembly in Botswana is a woman. So is the chief of the central bank (Bank of Botswana). We have a judge at the International Criminal Court in the Hague, and several women ambassadors. There are no industries in which women are underrepresented. Our democratic system allows us to strive for independence and equality, so everything is down to your ability. Women in Botswana are not lagging behind," George says.

"I see the same spirit in Chinese women today. This is particularly apparent … when I travel to different provinces. (Chinese women) work hard and strive to obtain a higher education. The challenges that businesswomen in Botswana face are comparable to the challenges that men face.

"China and Botswana's relationship dates back to the days when Botswana struggled for liberation of its neighbors. Back then, many countries in southern Africa wanted to have independence from the oppressors of the time. Botswana became one of the countries in the Frontline States, a group of southern African states that united together to fight for their independence.

"China was supportive of our independence and (helped us) through our … struggles … Aid was provided to the countries embroiled in conflict through the independent states like Botswana, Tanzania, Zambia, etc. … Our cooperation with China … has lasted for 38 years, and China today supports the development of Botswana's education system, infrastructure and mining. The embassy strengthens ties between China and Botswana, by cooperating with various (Chinese) ministries and the central government. (Diplomats from our) embassy also travel around China to give seminars … about investment opportunities in Botswana," George says.

She is satisfied with her family's life in China, and when it is time to go back to Botswana, she will cherish and share the experience. "I really appreciate how Chinese people practice their culture. They like to invest time and energy in helping foreigners understand their culture. When I visit different provinces in China, people there show patience as they allow you to access to their cuisine and customs. Chinese are very creative people, and I admire their talent in producing man made attractions for tourism. I believe Botswana can learn from that," she says.

(Source: Women of China English Monthly July 2013 Issue)