And in comes traditional medicine. Traditional medicine refers to health practices, knowledge and beliefs incorporating plant medicines and spiritual therapies to treat, diagnose and prevent illnesses. Not only is it considered cheap it is also easily available and does not need prescriptions. And taking traditional medicine is becoming a fad. Where in the past it was only those in the lower strata of the economy who would visit a healer for his or her herbs, the profession now boasts a moneyed and educated customer . And there is no secrecy anymore about its consumption. Take this scene from the Gaborone Taxi Station:
A man in his late 30s arrives and asks the herbalist if he can get his medicine. He could be buying aspirin from his demeanour, there is no discomfort despite the fact that four other people, one of whom is a photographer stand at the 'shop' He adds for added clarity 'ke batla tlhamalala le mojakabomo'. At this point the old woman produces a bag full of herbs and gives three packages to the man.
