A microcosm of skewed distribution policies

MATSITAMA: In the absence of a bus to Matsitama village, I embark on the Francistown-Orapa one. We leave at 11.30am but have to turn back before reaching the traffic circle near Thapama Hotel because of an impossible traffic jam.

We are soon out of Francistown through the alternative route that passes by Jubilee Hospital. My visit to Matsitama is motivated by the imminent by-election on September 4.  Besides an odd BDP, BCP or BMD T-shirt on some individuals - even Ipelegeng labourers - in the intervening villages, there is no sign that I am approaching a political battlefield. Other than the smattering of cattle chewing cud, it is drab. Even if they had the right of veto, the poor animals would probably abstain because whichever of the two candidates wins, their 'destiny' is in the pot.