Joy returns after record drought :: Mmegi Online

After the worst drought in 35 years, farmers in the country’s South are thanking God, their ancestors and the heavens for the plentiful rains that have set them on the road to recovery. Having witnessed the desperation and tears of the previous season, Mmegi Staffer BABOKI KAYAWE retraces her steps to the same fields and encounters joy, smiles, and tears of relief amid the downpours

The birds are chirping cheerfully. Butterflies flutter, their colourful wings adding to the reassuring greenery of healthy, growing crops and with the smell and sights, it is powerfully evident that life abounds here. The rain has fallen and life is good again.

The Mmegi news crew is in Llara fields, a few kilometres from Ramotswa in the South East district. Alphoncina Ramathu (79) is bubbling with confidence, as she hand pulls weeds from her field, a quiet satisfaction clear on her face. Though she is elated with the rains and prospects of good harvests, Alphoncina’s two hectares lie on very low and rocky land.

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