05 Apr 2018

By the look of things, when one is embroiled in solitary confinement in an island where nobody is nearby, one would think it is literally the end of the world. That is not the case when it comes to Jao residents.

As much as they are far away from refinement and dual developments as compared to other progressing villages, theirs is a life of contentment; it is as intact as a precious stone tied around a neck.

In an interview, Kgosi Johane Xhokwe, 54, recently, highlighted that they still upheld their cultural norms and values since they are not yet perturbed by advent of modern technology such as social media.

Theirs is a world of serenity and peace. They are not fazed by outside influence. They live their lives the best way they know how.

In his words the name Jao means “overflowing water” in Shiyeyi.

Kgosi Xhokwe explains that during the 1960’s Bayeyi were lovers of water. He laments that since the Bayeyi migration from Angola, they settled in different places like Rakops, Nokaneng, Tsienyane, Gumare up to Mombo east.

“Bayeyi habitually use the term Watshara which symbolises that “ke banoka” or lovers of the water. As much as they were hunters and gatherers they emphasised much on settling near the water for other staples like fish, tswii as well as gathering letlhaka better known as water reeds for shelter,” Kgosi Xhokwe said.

Kgosi laments that as much as their population is small, they are a closely knit community.

The Spanish term “mecasa es su casa” which means my home is your home vividly describes them.

He explained that most of the villagers relocated to nearby locations like Seronga, Sepopa and Shakawe seeking for greener pastures as well as to enroll their children in schools since there was not any yet in the settlement.

However, Kgosi Xhokwe excitedly explained that developments are slowly but sure trickling down in their settlement. A school which is boasting of two classrooms has just been completed and awaiting teachers.

Some of the services that were brought in by the government include a health post where health professionals frequent the settlement on a monthly basis to check on the wellness of the residents.

Another heart warming aspect that the government provides is a well fueled boat that was initially bought to transport the residents across if they want to visit nearby villages for their daily essentials like groceries, visit government offices for empowerment programmes and others.

Like any other settlement, Kgosi Xhokwe explained that residents of Jao face challenges every day.

“The rate of unemployment is high. The youth of this village have nothing to pass time with let alone put bread on the table. Since Jao is a far-off place it is really hard to reach certain destinations like Maun to seek for jobs. Money is really hard to come by,” he said.

Another unruly problem, he said, is that some children who have attained the age of nine have not yet started school. ENDS