Compromising botsetsi for the joy of new life :: Mmegi Online

A traditional botsetsi had its own strict rules and regulations, but modern lifestyle has made the practice less reputable that a child can be shown to public through a selfie. Staff Writer MOMPATI TLHANKANE sat down with a local photographer who is making a business out of new borns regardless of the customs of botsetsi

In Setswana culture when norms and taboos were respected, practices like botsetsi epitomised the way of life. Confinement had its own strict rules and regulations and batsetsi (mothers) would not dare disregard them, as that was seen as taboo.

For instance newborns were only seen by a handful of people. Even the child’s father found it difficult to see his own creation until after a certain period of time after birth. The community, whether neighbours or relatives, were expected to stay away from the newborn for as long as it takes until the umbilical stump of the baby fall offs after three months.

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