Botswana’s 2021 stamp program begins with the best members of the arachnid family – scorpions! Not sure what else is in store for the year because Botswana doesn’t issue a sneak peek at future issues. But, given the country’s track record, they are bound to be beautiful and highly collectable.
Collectors of animals and insects on stamps should take note of Botswana’s yearly offerings. Four series were issued last year, so it’s likely the same number will be published in 2021. Botswana isn’t prolific with its stamp offerings, instead opting for relevance & quality over quantity.
Botswana maintains a conservative issuing policy. A definitive set is released every 5 years illustrating a theme of international interest. Commemorative sets are issued 4 or 5 times per year illustrating themes that reveal the environmental, cultural, and historical heritage
BotswanaPost | Philately (philatelybotswana.co.bw)
2020’s first arachnid stamps featured spiders, not my favourite topic, but they were beautifully rendered. Young Botswanan artist Totang Mokoloki is behind the artwork for this year’s scorpions. 6 stamps, plus souvenir sheets and more are available. One great feature is the information sheet issued with every series. It offers information on the designers, artists, and the subject. I’ve included the brochure at the bottom of the stamp issue and will do so for subsequent stamps. Click on it to blow it up to a readable size. It’s worth the time.
Enjoy the beauty and keep coming back to see the next issues. No idea when they’ll be, but I’m happy to wait.
February
Invertebrates of the Kalahari
3rd in series
2nd in Arachnid series
6 stamps, souvenir sheets, sheets, blocks, FDC, cancel
Designer: Monkgogi Samson, Demographix Agency
Previous designs include 2020 Invertebrates Spiders
Artwork: Totang Mokoloki
Previous artwork: 2020 Owls of Africa
Release date: Feb 27, 2021
SCORPION BROCHURE <- click on the brochure to download the pdf.
May
Fish Eagle
4 stamps, FDC, cancel
Artist: Cheri Verster
This is Verster’s first stamp for Botswana Post
Designer: Shathani Basupi
This is Basupi’s second stamp design. His first stamp was Water Utilities Anniversary 1970- 2020
Release date: May 26, 2021
Botswanna
Nelson Mandela in Botswana – road to democracy
Design note: the border design includes circular emblems. Botswana Post explains the symbolism behind the emblem in their Mandela Brochure:
2 stamps, souvenir sheet, 2 sheets of 20, 2 FDCs, cancel, blocks, gutter strips
Artist: Itumeleng Motswetla
This is Motswetla’s first stamp for Botswana Post. You can see more of her artwork on her Instagram page Itumeleng Motswetla Art (@artbyitumelengm) • Instagram photos and videos
Designer: Onica Lekuntwane
Lekuntwane began designing stamps in 2015.
I am passionate about the collaborative power of Education and Design to change the World. I continually strive to grow personal, as a socially responsible designer, to contribute meaningfully to the development and sustainability of education (through design) in Africa. Onica Lekuntwane
Release date: July 22, 2021
November
Cheetahs
Designer: Joseph Ebulu-Otim
Artist: Sara Glendinning Sara Glendinning – Artist in Botswana
“I paint pictures when I am not distracted by life in general. Painting is hard.” Sara Glendinning
Release date: November 30, 2021
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