When you open Botswana is Home, the latest novel by celebrated author Brigitta Zwanie, you’re not just reading a story, you’re taking a journey through Botswana’s soul. From the vast Kalahari to the tranquil Okavango, Brigitta’s new book captures the country’s beauty, warmth, and resilience through the intertwined lives of four remarkable women.
Fresh from announcing her book’s preorder, Brigitta sat down with us to share the heart and inspiration behind her newest work.
A Love Letter to Botswana
“What inspired the book is the love of Botswana, to be honest,” Brigitta says with a smile. “I spent time traveling our beautiful country, experiencing local cultures, and so the story flowed.”
Her deep affection for the nation is felt on every page. The book encourages readers to explore Botswana’s hidden gems, embrace its simplicity, and celebrate its people. “I want readers to love Botswana, to visit different nooks and crannies, to try new things, and to appreciate who we are,” she adds.
What Home Means
The title Botswana is Home carries a message that resonates deeply with Brigitta. For her, “home” is not just a place, it’s a feeling. “It’s the simple things,” she reflects. “Visiting the moraka, masimo, and playing batho safe mo strateng. Enjoying a beautiful sunset, the smell of fresh rain on parched land, laughing with old folk, trekking through the pans or the Kalahari. Botswana is a gem, and it truly is home.”
Bringing the Story to Life
The novel, which took longer than expected to complete, follows four dynamic women, three of whom readers may remember from Brigitta’s previous works, as their lives intersect in a narrative rich with emotion, discovery, and identity. “It’s a continuation of the stories from The Shrink, Hope, and Kasane, woven into one with a new character passionate about cultural tourism,” Brigitta explains.
The writing process was not without its hurdles. “At times, it’s plot holes. At times, it’s writer’s block. And sometimes, it’s having your editor tell you things you don’t want to hear, like removing a chapter,” she laughs.
Celebrating Culture and Creativity
Beyond the storytelling, Botswana is Home also celebrates local art and creativity. The cover features artwork by Roger Brown, an artist based in Maun, whose painting of Seronga was selected through a competition run with Canon Botswana. “We wanted something that truly captured the essence of Botswana,” Brigitta notes.
Her travels also led to fascinating encounters that shaped parts of the book. “I loved visiting the folks who distill Okavango Gin,” she recalls. “They hosted me at their distillery near the Okavango and shared their process of making their award-winning gin. Their story made it into the book.”
Other inspirations include Ferelith Moltke, founder of Beabond, which creates jewelry from Botswana’s diamonds while supporting wildlife conservation, and Mr. Lempheditse Odumetse (MC), Managing Director of Chobe Holdings, whose wisdom and passion for the country left a lasting impression on Brigitta during a night under the stars in the Kalahari.
The Heart of the Story
At its core, Botswana is Home is about belonging, about finding one’s place in a rapidly changing world. “It’s just my take on how I view Botswana,” Brigitta says. “There are so many versions I could write, and maybe I will eventually. This particular story came from my readers, who wanted a continuation of the earlier books, and so I conceded.”
The novel weaves together stories of four women, Tori, Andi, Khavu, and Thembi, each navigating life’s crossroads. From economic struggles in Kasane’s tourism industry to rediscovering identity after exile, the characters reflect real struggles and triumphs familiar to many Batswana.
A Journey Shared
With the preorder window now open, Brigitta admits the anticipation is nerve-wracking. “I hope people enjoy the story,” she says sincerely. She plans to launch the book in Maun, though details are still in the works. “Once I have a clear vision, I’ll share it on my socials,” she teases.
As for what comes next, the author is taking a well-deserved break. “I’d like to travel more and read more,” she says. “Right now, I’m focusing on my NGO, which promotes cultural heritage. Maybe in the future, I’ll get bitten by the writing bug again.”
A Celebration of Identity
Botswana is Home is more than a novel, it’s a celebration of identity, culture, and pride. Through vivid storytelling and heartfelt reflections, Brigitta Zwanie reminds readers that “home” is not just where we live, but where we truly belong.
And as Brigitta herself says, perhaps best of all:
“The title sums it up, Botswana is Home.”
Takudzwa Joylene Chigura