Benjamin Steinberg

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(s) Martha Steinberg
Profession Rancher, 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 Motswana Member of Parliament in 1965.[1]

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

  1. “Steinberg, Benjamin.” Historical Dictionary of Botswana, by Fred Morton et al., Scarecrow Press, 2008, pp. 279–280.
  2. 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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