Donga bush: a source of life

Ike Vavi
Correspondent | Friday August 6, 2010 00:00

The bush continues to be an eyesore to residents of the city. For those who live in Donga location, the bush is more of a security threat than anything else.

They want the bush cleared. For other people, there is something special about the bush. It is no ordinary bush but a source of livelihood. They collect wood from the bush for sale by domestic and commercial customers. It appears nothing will stop the wood collectors from combing the bush.  For 32-year-old Malebogo Rabaloni, the bush is a blessing to many people. 'This bush is helping us a lot with firewood,' she says with sweat running down her face. She walks all the way from Satellite location to collect firewood from the bush. 'People come all the way from far locations to come and collect firewood from here. They come from areas such as Satellite, Somerset and even Monarch,' she explains. She says they collect firewood to use at home or to sell. 'Some of us collect this firewood to go and sell so as to make money and others collect to go and use as a source of energy at home. For some of us who cannot afford to buy gas, the bush is indeed a blessing. We are able to boil warm water for our school going kids to bath and prepare food,' the mother of four says. The 23-year-old Thatayaone Monnaatshipi of Maun has also marched all the way from Satellite to collect firewood. 'This is our only source of energy,' she declares. She says that: 'One load of firewood usually lasts a week if used carefully. This therefore forces me to visit the bush at least once a week'. 

'This trip and exercise of firewood collection is undoubtedly physically challenging but we have no option as we have to put a plate on the table for our families. As a parent, one has to fulfill the parental obligations of caring for the young ones. That is why I will continue to come to collect firewood from this far away place,' she vows.

Gofamodimo Richard of Satellite location says they are now used to the long walk to the bush. 'It has now become a compulsory exercise for us,' says the 23-year-old.  Richard explains that they usually make arrangements for the trip a day before the trek. 'We meet and set the time to start our trip which is usually early in the morning. Those who are going to use wheel barrows will have to make arrangements with the owners if they do not have one.' She says that for security reasons they move in groups while in the bush. 'We don't fear anything as we move in groups and that has so far worked well as we have never been attacked by anybody,' he says. He adds that they rely heavily on the spirit of togetherness that reigns in the bush. 'Once we are in the bush, we are like one big family. We treat each other like brothers and sisters. There is maximum cooperation and this perhaps explains why there are no incidents of attacks reported in the bush.' She says their only worry are snakes. 'We are only afraid of snakes. Fortunately we have not encountered any snakes so far and we thank God for his protection,' she says with a smile.