A brief history of motshelo

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Economic diversification has always been a key priority for the sustenance of living standards for many Batswana, even before money became the primary currency of exchange.

In the decades before the economic miracles brought on by the discovery of diamonds and coal, Batswana engaged in cooperative societies commonly known as motshelo as a way of helping each other and promoting individual standards of living. 

The elderly used to engage in motshelo’ during ploughing season where they would take turns helping each other plough fields or harvest. In those days, the host would provide food and traditional beer at a low cost as way of returning the favour.

Editor's Comment
Borrowers need room to breathe

“Every time you borrow money, you are robbing from your future self”-Nathan.W.MorrisBank of Botswana’s latest supervision report shows loans placed on a watch list for potential repayment problems rising to P5.5 billion. These loans have not necessarily defaulted, which means there is still an opportunity to address the weaknesses. Meanwhile, loans already in arrears have reached P5.2 billion. For households, this pressure can mean...

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