12 Mar 2020

As part of measures to reduce spread of COVID-19, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has advised the public to avoid shaking hands.

People have been advised to greet each other with a wave, nod or bow, a deviation from what Batswana consider to be part of their culture.

In Botswana, the principle of Botho is characterised by, among other things, greeting each other by way of shaking hands.  

Another notable cultural aspect that still stands out is the kgotla system, a platform where people gather to discuss issues of interests. Celebrations of social activities such as weddings and funeral are still held in high regard.

However, health experts say respiratory viruses can be passed by shaking hands and through touching of eyes, nose and mouth

The recent outbreak of COVID-19 calls for a twist or maybe change in how Batswana do things.

The outbreak of the novel coronavirus or COVID-19 was first reported from Wuhan, China on December 31, 2019, while numbers keep rising in Botswana’s neighbouring South Africa.

BOPA engaged Kgosi Solomon Dihutso of Mogoditshane and some members of the public to appreciate their take on the precautionary measures.

Kgosi Dihutso acknowledged the constraining circumstances as a result of COVID-19 and advised his people to comply with the precautionary measures as advised by health practitioners.  

“There is nothing we can do, we must refrain from shaking hands, kissing and any form of close contact,” he said.

He, therefore, appealed to community members to lessen the chances of contracting the virus.

He said Batswana were still attached to their culture, adding that greeting one another by way of shaking hands was a sign of respect and affection as compared to just waving at someone.

Despite the modern and advanced ways of communication such as the prompt social media platforms, Kgosi Dihutso said Batswana were still attached to their traditional ways of sharing information by gathering at the kgotla or any other possible location.

“It is not easy for us not to gather at any given opportunity. As I speak to you now, I have planned some meetings with the community of Mogoditshane. When you arrived here, we were gathered at the kgotla shelter attending to other official issues and sharing information relating to the COVID-19,” said Kgosi Dihutso.

He said even though there were no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Botswana, it was important to stay alert at all times.

He noted that even though some Batswana still held belief in the indigenous medicine, while others found refuge in divine powers, they should not be deceived by those claiming to have the powers to deal with the virus.

Some members of the public appreciated the updates on precautionary measures against COVID-19 from the Ministry of Health and Wellness. A public transport operator, Mr Kagiso Sechotlo said his worry was about the COVID -19 new trends.

He said the virus appeared to be under control in China, but it was unfortunate to note that cases of people infected with the virus were reported in other nations even from people who had never visited China.

 “All I know is that the corona virus is spread by getting in contact with someone who is infected, sneezing, coughing and therefore we are advised to where possible avoid crowded locations, minimise our movements, use sanitisers to clean our hands and other disinfectants to reduce the risk of getting the virus.

We are also advised to visit health facilities whenever encountering suspicious symptoms like high body temperature,” he said.  

However, Mr Sechotlo was hopeful that a cure for the virus would be discovered.  He said given their trade, they interacted with different people on a daily basis, hence need to adhere to precautionary measures at all times.

The visually impaired 58-year-old man residing in Maruapula said the country’s decision to quarantine the suspected individuals was a sign that authorities were ready to fight the pandemic. He said it was also a test to the readiness of public health facilities.

He said it was important to stay focused since the virus was a serious threat to the global population. He noted that in the past when the nation was faced with HIV and AIDS, government showed determined to combat the spread.

He, however, noted that after the decision was taken by the government to provide those who were infected with anti retro virals, some individuals became complacent and therefore frustrating government efforts.

He, therefore, cautioned that the same fault must not repeat with the current fight against Corona Virus. He added that availing sanitisers at the public facility was an important factor. ENDS