INT. J. OF LIFELONG EDUCATION, VOL. 18, NO. 6 (NOVEMBER±DECEMBER 1999), 476±491 Adult education and the empowerment of civil society: the case of trade unions in Botswana TONIC MARUATONA University of Botswana The paper examines the potential role of adult education in the empowerment of civil society in Botswana. It shows that adult education can be instrumental in the empowerment of trade unions as organs of civil society in a liberal democracy. It argues that the country’s democratic tradition can be sustained by a strong civil society. The paper traces the history of trade unions in Botswana showing that the state has mostly weakened them through legislation. It is contended that individuals participate in trade unions as their mouthpiece when they are in trouble with capital. Most trade union members reported not being aware of adult education activities in Botswana. The paper explores some of the weaknesses of the unions and suggests how adult education provision from adult basic education to adult and continuing education at the university could help to redress the workers’ problems. It concludes by mapping out some practical ways in which adult education could empower the unions in Botswana as it has done elsewhere. The assumption that adult education and civil society are historically interlinked has often been taken for granted. Studies commonly paint a positive picture of the role of adult education in the empowerment and conscientization of civil society. However, they neglect to show that civil society organizations at times might not be aware of adult education provision and its limitations in certain political dispensations. The outcome is a rather unrealistic desire to empower civil society through adult education that overlooks the structural problems faced by both civil society and adult educators. This paper is informed by the fact that the available literature on civil society in Botswana portrays them as weak and apolitical (Molutsi 1995). However, there are no concrete suggestions as to how civil society could be strengthened to help it execute its roles more eŒectively as an agent of democracy. The purpose of the study is to explore the potential of adult education to empower civil society in Botswana, with a focus on trade unions. In order to accomplish this aim, the concept of civil society is clari®ed, then the provision of adult education in Botswana is explained through its three major sectors of basic education}literacy, extension and continuing education. The research methodology is then presented to demonstrate how data were collected on the nature of trade unions as seen by those within trade union organizations. This is followed by a presentation of ®ndings which are analysed in relation to the three major sectors of adult education provided in Botswana and comments are made on future directions necessary to enhance the capacity of trade unions. Finally, a brief summary of the paper is provided and a challenge posed to adult educators and trade unionists. International J ournal of Lifelong Education ISSN 0260-1370 print}ISSN 1464-519 X online ’ 1999 Taylor and Francis Ltd http: }}www.tandf.co.uk}journals }tf }02601370.html