22 Dec 2014

While today most people perceive the modern way of life as the only way, there are still pockets of those that still cherish the traditional way of life despite the technological advancements and devices that are made available to them.

One such is Mr Peter Molatlhegi, a 34-year-old man who resides in Tonota. Mr Molatlhegi still believes in the traditional way of living, which includes, among others, cooking with fire.

The young man said in an interview that he preferred such ways as they were more conservative and affordable. “I believe cooking with fire is much easier and cheaper. It is also a way of saving the much needed electricity in our country,” he said in an interview.

Mr Molatlhegi said if at least three in 10 houses in Botswana used firewood for cooking, there would be a great difference in electricity usage and hence the reduction of power cuts.

He added that he is accustomed to cooking with fire because he has been doing it for a long time and this does not necessarily mean he lacks the necessary devices but that he finds solace in it. Another firm cultural believer, Mr Moreetsi Kereng, aged 24, and coming from Manyanda ward also in Tonota talked about his love for using a donkey cart.

He said it does not cost him anything with regards to fuel and that he mostly uses the cart to transport goods from one place to another. “Riding a donkey cart is good in the sense that it does not need fuel and therefore no air pollution,” he said.

When it comes to the process of making a donkey cart, Mr Kereng said they simply use the back part of an old and unused van. He said to drive the animals, they are usually obliged to keep beating them time and again as that is how they control the speed of the cart.

Some of the residents still live in mud huts and said that they prefer them because they are heat resistant. “The good thing about a traditional hut is that it is cool inside and therefore during the summer season, it is cool,” said Ms Mpho Kewagamang.

The 62-year-old woman said she prefers the hut as she got accustomed to it from a very young age. Even though she has a modern house somewhere, she still finds the need for a traditional house which she uses for various chores. ENDS