03 Aug 2014

Mr Yi-Chieh Shih who originates from Taiwan has commended Botswana for the recognition she had bestowed on the elderly by providing pensions. 


Mr Shih came to Botswana in 1970 as an employee with the Taiwan Agricultural Mission to Botswana and stayed behind to farm when the rest of his countrymen returned home in 1975. 
 He later on applied for citizenship which he was granted in 1982. 


He said he was intrigued by peacefulness that reigns in the country. He also said he likes the hospitality and lack of discrimination by the government for ensuring that the elderly were well taken care of so that they can live long and fulfilling lives. 


Ever since he got citizenship, he said, he is always treated like any other citizen having full rights to everything. 
 Mr Shih said together with his wife, they have been benefiting from the old age pension for over two years.

As a person who has more interest in farming Mr Shih wants to continue with farming but he faces challenges that hinder his progress in doing that.He said he has a portion of the farm somewhere in Belabela but does not have water to irrigate and he has applied for water rights with the Department of Water Affairs but his efforts are in vain. 


He also pointed out that he wants to give Batswana a variety of vegetables especially Asian vegetables as they are rare in the country. He said at the moment he is using a friend’s farm to grow a variety of vegetables like chomolia, spinach, Chinese cabbage and celery among others.


Mr Shih strongly believes in fending for himself and does not only want to rely on government, as such he does piece jobs like translating for courts so that he can get income. He also believes that hard work pays in everything and he likes working hard to ensure that he supports his family.


He also said he makes organic fertilizers from natural components like food waste, bark, wood flour, maize husk, grass and animal droppings to make his fertilizer. 
He however lamented that it is hard for him to find market for his organic fertilizer and it sells at a lower rate despite its quality. ENDS