In search of a framework for social discourse: The case of the state and labour formations in a post-colonial emergent Botswana

The search for credible and stable democratic systems in post-colonial African countries takes different forms. It would appear however that whatever the modalities may be, the results invariably are not holistically beneficent to the major segments of these societies. Efforts demonstrated appear not only to lead to deferred hopes but also delayed reprioritization of priorities once political liberation has been supposedly attained. The study sets out to explore and attempt to answer the question as to whether the attainment of political dominance and sustainability are a sine qua non for development of or a short term goal in itself. Secondly, whether this quest for dominance is strategic or a relic of the historical connectivity wherein the post – colonial regime assumes some of the trappings of the colonial overlord such as legislative authority. Impliedly, this could also suggest a situation wherein once having achieved political independence, a reappraisal is called for during which opposing ideological modus vivendi et operandi are jettisoned (Onoma, 2009). Often, one of the major casualties would appear to be labour formations despite their significant contributions during the struggles for political independence. The study suggests that the answers are embedded somewhere.   Key words: Post-colonial, democratic systems, socialization, labour law.