No more space left for Botswana's giants

Elephants frequently stray out of the wild,encountering humans in the process PIC:THALEFANG CHARLES
Elephants frequently stray out of the wild,encountering humans in the process PIC:THALEFANG CHARLES

As Botswana legislators prepare to consult on the lifting of the controversial hunting ban, a decision that was taken without any consultation by the previous administration, Staff Writer THALEFANG CHARLES argues that it is not by accident that Botswana is a refuge for the African elephant. "Keyboard conservationists" must know that the safe haven created by Batswana is now full and it is time for the real conservationists to solve the problem

Let me start with a disclosure. I love elephants. Ke motloung – that means it is my tribe’s spiritual animal and a totem too. As a custom, I am not supposed to kill it. I have gone out to learn about this animal that I was taught to venerate.

That is why an elephant is the central figure in the cover of my first book, Botswana’s Top 50 Ultimate Experiences, and even on my Facebook profile cover there is a picture of seven elephants marching single file in Pandamatenga. I have touched an elephant, stroked it and felt its coarse skin texture. I have walked with elephants in crocodile and hippo-infested waters of the mighty Okavango Delta. I have also rode on it and I have even transgressed our tribe’s beliefs and tasted its meat.

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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