A brief history of motshelo

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 the 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 a way of returning the favour.