30 May 2013

Catapults are home-made traditional devices which form part of Batswana’s culture which in the past were used by boys for killing birds during hunting expeditions and scarring them from destroying crops at the fields.

While many traditional ways of life have disappeared from the scene, catapults are still found not only at the lands and cattle posts but even in towns where some people make businesses by selling them.

Mr Michael Dubulu, 46, a vendor from Topisi has chosen to eke a living through selling them along Blue Jacket Street in Francistown.

Mr Dubulu stated that he sells catapults to elderly people, especially those from rural areas and security guards.

Regarding selling to children, he said he always insisted on parent accompanying their young ones to buy the items.

A lot of people, he noted, buy catapults to keep birds away from their fields while farmers use them to kill snakes in farms.

Asked how his business was doing, Mr Dubulu revealed that he makes quite a good profit, especially during harvesting season and hopes his business reaches greater heights.

"I buy the material, which usually comes as a waste, from Dumela Industrial in Francistown."

To shore up his business, Mr Dubulu also sells leather belts, wallets, sunglasses, passport covers and ankle socks as means of generating more profit. ENDS