Surviving on the proceeds of prostitution

Zim sex workers prowling a red light district
Zim sex workers prowling a red light district

FRANCISTOWN: Prostitution, often called the oldest profession, may very well be as old as humanity itself. In fact, this profession is even captured in the Holy Bible. The book of Joshua 2: 1 reads: “Then Joshua the son of Nun sent two men as spies secretly from Shittim. ‘Go, look over the land’, he said, ‘especially Jericho’. So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there”.

In all Southern African countries prostitution or sex work, as it is sometimes referred to, is illegal. The economies of most Southern African countries are intertwined meaning that what happens in one of the countries may be felt across the region.

The political situation in neighbouring Zimbabwe is a classic example following the disputed 2008 presidential elections that many believed Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) won, handing ZANU-PF its first electoral defeat since independence from colonial master, Britain.  As a result of the contested elections, many Zimbabweans crossed the border in search of better opportunities.  However, the trek for such opportunities began long before then when it became apparent that they were few and far in between.  So many Zimbabweans in the diaspora eked a living in neighbouring countries, where some could only find menial work.

Editor's Comment
Congratulations Anicia Gaothuse!

The contest had 10 beautiful young girls as finalists and unfortunately only one could wear the crown.The judges picked Anicia Gaothuse. To all those who feel their contestant should have won ahead of Anicia for whatever reason, hardly; the judges found Anicia to be the best among the best, so desist from disrespecting our newly crowned queen on social media or anywhere else, for that matter! Each of the 10 beautiful young women had supporters...

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