There are numerous folklores on why this crucial shortcut route from Palapye Station to the fertile lands of Moeng was abandoned, just a year after its labourous construction had begun in 1948. To get the full account of the events surrounding this road’s desertion, I travel to the villages of Malaka, Moeng, Ratholo and Moremi. I am embedded in the Y-Care Charitable Trust team in their preparations to lead a sponsored/adventure walk through this abandoned road. The Trust send two of their toughest walkers, Shiela Camm and Sarona Moabi on an expedition to mark the route. We track the road’s approximately 52km length from Malaka to Moeng on foot.
The walking starts at Old Palapye LMS church ruins and Goabamang Tonkana (31) from Malaka is our guide. The last time Tonkana was on this road was five years ago following behind the late Solly Mokgachane. Mokgachane from Ratholo village, we hear, was the master in navigating this road and he had a ‘relationship’ with the ‘landlords’ of Tswapong Hills. We stop by the revered ancestral shrine at Motetane Gorge where a number of pilgrims from African churches and traditional healers frequently visit to petition the ancestors. From Motetane Gorge the road is clearly visible as it climbs the hill on a rocky terrain. The boundary wall is still intact. At the top of the hill it is sandy and there is tall grass.
