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.

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