San and Kgalagadi living in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) of Botswana have been influenced strongly over many years by indigenous political movements and government resetterent policies. This paper reviews past and present interactions of the San, NGOs, mining companies, and the state, and examines the connections among indigenous rights, rights of citizens and human rights. Results of studies of the CKGR and neighboring areas, such as Molapo, Metsamaneng, Mothomelo, and New Xade, in Botswana can improve the general understanding of their mutual relations. San and Kgalagadi living outside the CKGR now receive medical services and pensions under a development and welfare system of a democratic government. However, people living inside the CKGR receive only school services. Differences in perceptions of the rights of indigenous people, citizens and human rights were explored during long-term fieldwork in the study area.