22 Mar 2020

 Despite calls from government for the public to undertake precautionary measures against the coronavirus pandemic, the streets of Gaborone were bustling with patrons heading to various popular bars, night clubs and eateries on Friday night.

We took to the streets of the city just a few days after President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi made an announcement on the suspension of public gatherings of more than 100 people at various events. 

However, several hangout spots around the capital city remained opened with a sizeable number of patrons on sight.

General manager of Main Deck Restaurant and Bar at the main mall, Mr Rudolf Modise said although his establishment had opened doors for customers, strict adherence to safety measures remained their number one priority. 

Upon entering the establishment customers are given hand sanitizers while staff wear face masks and gloves. The surfaces and floor are kept squeaky clean throughout the night. 

Mr Modise said since the coronavirus epidemic has established a foothold in the world, business had experienced a dip in customers and had decided to give their staff shifts as it was not busy.

Ms Margaret Magole, who operates a bar at the high density location of Old Naledi, said closing her business was probably the most difficult decision she could take. Speaking in an interview towards midnight at her bar in Old Naledi shopping complex, she said she was now grappling with how she would maintain her business and keep the lights on. 

She said she had no intentions of shedding jobs, and that the decision to close shop would have a devastating impact on her business. 

She said the outbreak of the virus was an unfortunate turn of events and vowed to adhere to safety measures. 

She discouraged the sharing of beer by her customers, especially the 750ml beers, popularly known as quarts. Outside the bar, a youthful crowd, packed like sardines danced the night away.

In the Gaborone West suburb of phase 4, a popular drinking joint, King Pub Bar remained the only bar on the night to have observed precautionary measures. 

They closed doors on Wednesday upon the announcement of safety measures from government.

“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and following advice from relevant authorities, we closed for business until further notice for public health safety reasons. 

We apologise for any inconveniences caused and promise to open doors soon,” said resident DJ Vaughn Kex in an interview. 

DJ Vaughn Kex, real name Keletso Tebele, said they were adviced by the company director, Mr Reuben Makgato to adhere to safety precautions even before the announcements were made as they provided hand sanitizers to their customers. 

Just a stone throw away from King Pub Bar is Botswana Faith Ministries. 

Assistant pastor Nako Setoboli said as an attempt to comply with social distancing requirements, they had adviced their members not to attend the usual prayer night in order to keep reasonable numbers. 

He said they had also diverted from their normal church norms of hugging and shaking hands as cautionary measures. 

On the usually busy Friday prayer night, only 15 members turned up inside a hall that normally packs over 100 congregants.

Quizzed on whether there were any provisions made to arrest those who defied directives, Botswana Police Service spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Dipheko Motube adviced the nation to work cooperatively to guard against the pandemic.

He said public education was the number one tool to help Batswana stay safe from coronavirus. 

Botswana has not yet reported any confirmed case of COVID-19. Ends