The city market place is still important

Ike Vavi
Correspondent | Friday August 20, 2010 00:00

There are also a number of two-roomed small structures with tents that have chairs and tables nicely arranged in front of them. As it is lunch hour, the parking lot behind this place and its surroundings is fully packed.  It is as if the entire city population has descended upon this place.

The different companies from the industrial area seem to be well represented, as men and women in various company or departmental regalia can be seen in this place. For the next hour or so, this place is the place to be in the city. The women who are selling the food are finding it difficult to contain their hungry customers. The choruses of 'Papa and chicken' or 'Seswaa and Tswana chicken' and the constant reminder to bommaseapei to be mindful of the time factor are all over this place. In between a wide range of topics are being discussed.

They range from environmental to socio-economic and political issues. One thing is therefore clear. Despite the fact that it is a small place and probably one of the oldest in the northern city, the market place is still as relevant today as it was many decades ago to the people of Francistown.

From the other side of this place, there is a blaring sound from car radios that have been brought in for repair. In one shop the hissing sound of television sets can be heard, as a technician is busy working on them. In some stalls the sound of the sewing machines catches one's attention. There are also various types of traditional foods that are on display here and there. 'This is one place that is very important to the residents of this city, it is one place that defines this city and is part of its history,' Madambe Mbisana of Nswazwi says excitedly. He maintains that this place remains a one-stop service centre for them. 'It is a place that undoubtedly hosts a number of very important economic activities in the city. There are tailors here. There are also those who repair electronic equipment and those who fix car radios. This is indeed a one-stop service centre,' she says. Pat Ramogwana of Tutume also values the market place.

'This is one place that has and continues to add value to the Francistown landscape. Old as it might be this is one place that we must preserve. It should be preserved for the coming generations so that they will also have the opportunity to experience its beautiful atmosphere,' she encourages.

She says that despite the rapid expansion of the central business district (CBD) the market place has held its own against such new innovations. 'Although the city has seen the construction of various shopping malls, the market place still plays a pivotal role in the daily lives of Francistown residents.

It still remains relevant to the needs of the residents; it is still able to attract multitudes,' she argues. Ramogwana is adamant that this place cannot be easily forgotten. 'It has really stood the test of time and should not be neglected. It surely deserves a place in the history of the city. It is an important vestige that truly reflects the peaceful nature of our nation. It is more of a rendezvous as people meet here during lunch and share ideas or simply to refresh. I enjoy watching people converging here during lunchtime and really enjoy the peace and tranquillity that prevails despite the hustle and bustle. It really provides a refreshing environment and an opportunity to see how nice and peaceful our country is,' she says.