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".
