The clients seem drawn to the usually overly made-up face of the women, who on a daily basis line the streets hoping to get a night catch. What does it take to negotiate a price with one of these ladies of the night? And just what drives the ladies into this business that is disdained by so many? Monitor reporter Ephraim Kooreng and photographer Kebofhe Mathe paid the ladies a non-business call.
Gaborone's Middle Star Shopping Complex. Time: 11pm. Ostensibly sure that the din from blaring car music and the usual month-end excitement will effectively veil his voice a young man steps out of a vehicle. It is the fashionable type that are very popular with this particular age-group. He leaves the car idling for some time as he negotiates with one of the women that normally line the area in point. This dude knows what he is doing as it takes him only a few seconds to seal the deal and speed off with his catch. But sshh!! The guy is a royal! He had to be brisk. He is a fairly educated brother to a paramount chief of the so-called 'major tribes'. So he knew not to linger, lest prying eyes spot him. Four pairs of eyes in an unmarked car saw it all though. In disbelief. For this dude is the epitome of moral rectitude, a respectful member of the society who society, expects not to secure the services of a prostitute. Surely this 'is a filthy barbarian' thing to do, and what will the tribe, let alone the whole nation say about a royal who engages in this behavior? The double standard shown by the royal is not unique to this young man. Why, the rich and powerful do it too.
