29 Jun 2016

Botswana is one of the countries that are richly blessed with diverse natural resources which are means of survival for most communities around the country.

People of the North-West are some of the legatees that are turning natural resources into profit making schemes and sources of survival.

Mokolwane has been part of the Wayeyi culture for centuries, but mainly its uses were more reserved for home purposes unlike today where the tree is used for business.

Speaking in an interview with BOPA recently, Odirile Keotlhokile one of the historians in the village, reminisces that mokola tree also known as mokolwane has been part of the Shiyeyi culture for centuries and people in the olden days even today are taking advantage of the tree’s expediency.

‘‘Mokolwane is a palm tree which has sundry uses which are accommodating especially in today’s economic clement. People no longer use it for consumption alone, rather they are exploring other options like venturing into profit making businesses,” said Keotlhokile.

She noted that the tree’s branches are very useful in terms of basket weaving. Most weavers in the region are not challenged in finding mokolwane for weaving because the trees are found almost everywhere.

As it is well known, apart from fishing, basket weaving is one of the most profitable businesses in the northwest and the residents take their task with the utmost seriousness it deserves.

Keotlhokile explained that the mokola tree also produces a fruit-like stem called gau which is very sweet and sour to the taste.

The fruit is juicy and orange in color and it is relished by both the young and the old, she said adding that it is usually sold at bus stops and market places by women.

They usually travel distances with huge bowls filled with the delightful orange fruit and within a few minutes, the bowl will be virtually empty and they will have to re-stock again; that is how much folks love gau, said Keotlhokile.

“Another benefit of the mokolwane is its infamous fruit called mokolwane; a round fruit which is dry, coarse and sweet inside. It has a brown covering or protective layer which is removed using a stone. It can be enjoyed on its own or it can be pounded and mixed with milk to make a healthy, nutritious shake,” she said.

Keotlhokile highlighted that most people especially the younger generation did not know that the mokola tree produces sweet palm wine and juice.

She also noted that tapping palm wine required somebody with absolute skill and dexterity and required tapping in a non-destructive manner.

These highly sophisticated techniques of tapping were developed in the olden days in order to achieve a sap very rich in sugar as well as fresh juice or fermented drinks like wine, said Ms Keotlhokile. The palm wine is called motsema. She explained that in the past, motsema was wildly acclaimed in the areas of Tubu and Shorobe and was also made in festivities like weddings. Ends