'We co-existed with wild animals'

Humans have co-existed with wildlife since the dawn of time PIC: THALEFANG CHARLES
Humans have co-existed with wildlife since the dawn of time PIC: THALEFANG CHARLES

Culture played an important role in resolving the conflict between elephants and us back in the olden days. There were certain traditions that were observed and beliefs that we practised mostly during the harvesting season when elephants would come to our fields and this was observed in the evening within and in the fields.

We were always advised to use a knife to collect melons and whatever was in the fields, otherwise just pulling by the hand would bring attention from wild animals, especially elephants. We called it tama, a taboo. There was a certain way of disposing of melon leftovers (dixhaba tsa magapu). You were not allowed to throw them into the thorn bushes, but we put them gently on the ground for cows and donkeys to eat outside letswabi, a traditional enclosed kraal-like farm dwelling. 

We observed taboos even when going for hunting in the bush, when going fishing in the river and even to collect thatching grass and reeds. It worked and we have experienced that and they know it. You break the norm, something strange might happen but we avoided that, so we observed the tradition and it is something we still hold to today.

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...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up