mmegi

Shepherding the cattle

Tuesday, November 14, 2023 | 210 Views |

Timeless: Young boys have herded livestock since time immemorial PIC: FLICKR.COM

At the cattle post, serving the elders to shepherd the livestock, life in the bush was an interesting lot. It was more than fun, albeit with its own trials, especially when one or two of the shepherded animals could go missing. Writes Mmegi Staffer RYDER GABATHUSE

It was only one-way: The boys will immediately receive two or three strokes as a sharp reminder never to repeat it. This was the elders’ first line in many attempts to inculcate a sense of responsibility and accountability on the boys, for the future engagements. In other circumstances, even the girls shouldered the responsibility to follow the animals.

Whether kept for milk or beef, cattle formed a crucial part of the rural economies as it supported many families differently.

Already have an active account? Log in here.

Or Sign up and get unlimited access to premium articles.

CATTLE

Gov't moves to close tax gaps

Staff Writer | 1d ago

Chief judge promises fairness at tomorrow's Miss Botswana finale

Larona Makhaiza | 1d ago

High pressure mounts on fuel prices

Mbongeni Mguni | 1d ago

We respect AFCON final decision – Babitseng

Mqondisi Dube | 1d ago

Court blow rocks BPF leadership

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | 1d ago

BPF moves to rebuild unity-Lucas

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | 1d ago

‘Reatile, Ookeditse deal was gentleman’s agreement’

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | 1d ago

Branch fires early warning shot as Portugal fuels title push

Kabelo Boranabi | 1d ago

A promising step for public schools, but...

For too long, the state of many public schools has been a source of shame. We have all seen the pictures and heard the stories of broken windows, unreliable water and electricity, topped by classrooms that are not fit for proper learning. The establishment of the Education Infrastructure and Management Company Ltd (EIMC) signals that authorities are finally ready to take this problem seriously. We must commend the government for this initiative....

The Monitor Editor | 17 March 2026

About us

Mmegi is the leading independent source of breaking news, latest news, current
affairs, Politics, Business, Sport, debates, analysis, and entertainment news in Botswana.

Explore

More

Shepherding the cattle

At the cattle post, serving the elders to shepherd the livestock, life in the bush was an interesting lot. It was more than fun, albeit with its own trials, especially when one or two of the shepherded animals could go missing. Writes Mmegi Staffer RYDER GABATHUSE

Gov't moves to close tax gaps

Chief judge promises fairness at tomorrow's Miss Botswana finale

High pressure mounts on fuel prices

We respect AFCON final decision – Babitseng

Court blow rocks BPF leadership

BPF moves to rebuild unity-Lucas

‘Reatile, Ookeditse deal was gentleman’s agreement’

Branch fires early warning shot as Portugal fuels title push

A promising step for public schools, but...