21 Apr 2016

The economic principle of supply and demand is attaching huge value to donkeys these days. It is not surprising that in Nzwazwi, in the North East District, a single donkey can fetch up to P3 000 in the open market.  

A donkey is often described as an animal related to the horse family, with short legs mainly used for riding purposes and carrying heavy loads.

In Botswana the animal is used for draught purposes. This animal is famous for transporting the Lord Jesus Christ.

For Mr Mmilili Moesi of Nswazwi in the Tutume Sub-district, a donkey has always been one of his closest animals since a young age.

He would spent a lot of time in the bush herding the animal.

The 25-year-old, who has graduated in bricklaying and plastering from Senyawe Brigade in the North East District, said  in an interview that he opted to venture into the business of rearing and slaughtering donkeys and selling its dried meat to customers due to its high demand in the village.

He said he would be buying some of the animals from farmers as he currently has a few, which were enclosed at his fields.

Mr Moesi also said the majority of his customers were government employees in the village.

He said some praised donkey meat  for being free of  Foot and Mouth Disease and that it was healthy.

“I will be buying many donkeys using the money I have been saving out of the bricklaying work I have been doing around the village,” he said.

He further said some farmers around the village and surrounding areas have agreed to sell him at an affordable price of P3 000 per donkey to add to the ones he already has.

Mr Moesi nonetheless said he would only seek government funding in the future to expand as the business grows.

He will be asking the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) for inspections and approval so that the business can take off.

In addition, he noted he would be specialising in selling biltong, which he intends to market and sell to shops and supermarkets across the constituency as a start before invading the greater market as far as Francistown.

Mr Moesi also noted that most of his clients were encouraging him to open up and hopefully, by May this year it will be opening its doors to the public. ENDS