Surprisingly, these superstitious beliefs have survived the increasing inclination towards rational thinking. Superstition is described as a belief that has no rational basis and is usually something forbidden, a certain kind of misfortune attached to it. The most common misfortune associated with superstition is death.
The reason superstition is irrational is probably because today's man cannot find any scientific basis for its existence. It excludes normal religious beliefs that people adhere to and it transcends cultures. Superstition is found in both the sophisticated modern societies of the First World where science and technology play a major role and the relatively conservative and traditionally minded societies of the Third World. In Botswana, like in most African countries, superstitions are common and widespread. They include absurd claims and conceptions. These irrational beliefs permeate all aspects of people's thoughts and culture. Despite modern life, superstitions still have a powerful effect on people and there are many people who believe in them. It is not surprising to hear things such as "go tshwara ka pelo (To wish someone a curse)".
