15 Feb 2017

Pobepobe settlement in the  North East District, situated 13 kilometres from Matsiloje, was named after the soft soils found in that area.
According to residents, the settlement was founded in 1916.  It was the first place which Barolong squatted at when they relocated from Thabantshu, South Africa.
Residents of this area survive through farming and livestock rearing. Alhough they seem to be enjoying their farm life, transport is one of their major challenges. The closure of Tati Nickel Mining Company added to their woes.  
In an interview with BOPA recently, residents of Pobepobe said they get all the essential services from Matsiloje or Francistown, walking long distances to such places every day.
Ms Bafedile Modisapodi said she relocated to Pobepobe from Matsiloje in 1972 to be closer to her ploughing field and livestock, adding that livestock rearing was not allowed in Matsiloje, thus forcing them to move.
Ms Modisapodi also stated that life is very difficult because there is no school.  Children travel long distances to and from school and are compelled to wake up as early as 4am to prepare for a long walk to school. She added that this scenario negatively affects their performances and fuels school dropouts as well as defeats government’s endeavour to make education accessible to all.
Ms Modisapodi also indicated that the mobile clinic visits them once a month. She however applauded fellow residents for their cooperation since they managed to build a one-roomed house with their own resources to be used by the health personnel during their monthly visits.
In addition, Ms Modisapodi said that they also desire to work for Ipelegeng, but are unable to because that means travelling 26 kilometres per day to Matsiloje.
Another resident, Mr Maybe Kgabo said his life revolves around farming, therefore he cannot move back to Matsiloje, leaving behind his livestock to suffer. He prefers to wait patiently for the answer to their plea for developments.
As for Ms Ntesang Popo, born in 1949, whenever she goes to Francistown, she uses her donkey cart, which takes her only up to Matsiloje, where she then takes a taxi to Francistown.
She indicated that she cannot move back to Matsiloje because livestock rearing, which is her only source of income, is prohibited at the village.
Headman of arbitration, Mr Paul Lephalo stated that Pobepobe cannot be developed since it is Barolong’s grazing area, not a village.  “If they want proper services they should move back to the village,” he said.
He added that before they moved to Pobepobe they knew what they were getting themselves into because they were once addressed by the then Minister of Lands and Housing, Mr Nonofo Molefhi, telling them that they would have to receive services in Matsiloje.
According to the North East District Council secretary, Ms Rachel Jeremia, the council has been given P300 000 by government in conjunction with Orange Botswana to procure donkey carts to help transport pupils, especially those travelling long distances to school.
She also stated that Pobepobe was among the settlements which were earmarked for this initiative, adding that the donkey carts were also designed in such a way that they would be able to withstand harsh conditions such as rains. ENDS