Benjamin Steinberg (1920–1975) was a Motswana (that is, a Botswana national) cattle rancher and politician who was the first Treasurer of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) and the first White Batswana Member of Parliament in 1965.[1]
Benjamin Steinberg | |
|---|---|
| |
| In office 1965–1973 | |
| President | Seretse Khama |
| Preceded by | none |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1920 Lobatse, Bechuanaland Protectorate |
| Died | 1975 (age 55) Pietersburg, South Africa |
| Political party | Botswana Democratic Party |
| Spouse | Martha Steinberg |
| Profession | Rancher, politician |
Born to a prominent Jewish family in Lobatse, Steinberg became a successful trader and rancher in Serowe before he became active in politics. In 1961 he became Treasurer of the newly formed Botswana Democratic Party and later represented the Boteti constituency in the Parliament of Botswana. In 1973 he resigned his post in protest at his government's decision to sever ties with Israel, a decision Botswana made in response to what was, in their view, Israel's unwillingness to abide by UN resolutions. In particular, the government of Botswana objected to a perceived lack of progress in complying with the 1967 United Nations Security Council Resolution 242 to quit recently occupied Palestinian territory.[2]
Steinberg died in South Africa in 1975, after traveling to a hospital in Pietersburg for brain surgery.
References
edit- ^ "Steinberg, Benjamin." Historical Dictionary of Botswana, by Fred Morton et al., Scarecrow Press, 2008, pp. 279–280.
- ^ Letsididi, Bashi (17 May 2015). "Outspoken Botswana loses its voice on Israel". Sunday Standard. Archived from the original on 3 November 2023.
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