Human stories of the Okavango, storytellers wanted

On set: The author, Thalefang Charles, 
caught during production of the film PIC: BOSE BONDA
On set: The author, Thalefang Charles, caught during production of the film PIC: BOSE BONDA

Last year, I earned the title “National Geographic Explorer,” but I’ve mostly been exploring my own backyard. And a question I always ask is, “why do people live here?”

My country, Botswana, and particularly the Okavango Delta, has been the subject of several nature and wildlife films. But rarely do these films feature people. And almost never do these films acknowledge our people for their role in protecting our water, nature, and wildlife since the beginning of time.

On my journey to tell stories of the people of the Okavango, I have gotten to know some of these legendary humans, including one of the region's revered medicine men, former safari guides, and elders from our indigenous communities. They are all “living libraries” of the Delta and its traditions.

Editor's Comment
GBV: The big elephant in the room

Sadly, the country seems not to have proper tools and the extent to which women and the girl-child are being abused is not adequately measured.Almost every week there are reports of women being attacked by their significant others and while men are attacked as well, women seem to be more on the receiving end.On May 24, 2023 news broke that a woman who was receiving support from the Botswana Gender-Based Violence Prevention Centre in Gaborone, was...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up