mmegi

Shepherding the cattle

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

Editor's Comment
Botswana must not be a flag of convenience for rogues

‘A man’s country is not a certain area of land, of mountains, rivers, and woods, but it is a principle and patriotism is loyalty to that principle’.- George William CurtisAccording to the report carried in this publication, the fraudsters operating the so-called “dark fleet” have selected Botswana’s flag as their cover of choice. This is a direct assault on our country’s most valuable asset, the good name.For decades, Botswana has...

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