Ok, I'm an outsider of sorts (US citizen) though I've lived in Botswana off-and-on for more than 13 years and since 1976 have kept track of things in this fair Republic. Since I was young, I've loved reading humorous columns in the newspapers and magazines, especially the ones that help people laugh at themselves without being mean or abusive.
The way I see it, the ability to laugh at oneself and those around me is a form of affection. It does the soul good not to allow ourselves to be too full of ourselves or to think we're above criticism. So back to the point. Where else in the world can you read something as funny, and good, as Nitty Gritty? Yes, I'm a head-over-heels fan of Loose Cannon, and for years have gotten a kick out of Billy Chiepe's cartoons, but for me there is only one champion of humour: Barolong Seboni. Why? This guy can take any issue of substance facing the nation, be it political, social or whatever, and come up with words and dialogue that make it hilarious and dead serious at the same time. Take the recent Political Dictionary parts 1-3, for example. While we laugh, he has us thinking. But, most of all, he loves language and the people who mix and match it without inhibition.
