Benjamin Steinberg (politician)
Benjamin Steinberg (1920–1975) was a Motswana cattle rancher and politician who was the first Treasurer of the Botswana Democratic Party and the first White Botswanan Member of Parliament in 1965.[1]
Benjamin Steinberg | |
|---|---|
| Member of Parliament for Boteti | |
| 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 due to the government's decision to sever ties with Israel, a decision to which he objected due to his Jewish heritage.[2]
Steinberg died in South Africa in 1975, after traveling to a hospital in Pietersburg for brain surgery.
References
- "Steinberg, Benjamin." Historical Dictionary of Botswana, by Fred Morton et al., Scarecrow Press, 2008, pp. 279–280.
- Letsididi, Bashi. "Outspoken Botswana Loses Its Voice on Israel." Sunday Standard, 17 May 2015, www.sundaystandard.info/outspoken-botswana-loses-its-voice-israel.In-text Citation
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