03 Aug 2020

Residents of Khudumelapye and Sorilatholo in Letlhakane sub-district say they fully understand COVID-19 protocols.

Speaking in an interview, residents expressed worry that some people ignored calls from the COVID-19  Task Team and health officials, saying such people were a major reason the Greater Gaborone area was under lockdown.

Following positive cases in Oodi, Gaborone and Mogoditshane, government declared a 14-day lockdown in Greater Gaborone zone.

Kgosi Mr Mhaladi Molotlhanyi of Khudumelapye urged residents to strictly follow health protocols adding that the pandemic threatened to wipe out humanity from Earth.

At the time BOPA visited the village, there were only a few people on the street and all of them wore masks and practiced social distancing.

Mr Koketso Maseelane advised his fellow residents to minimise risk by avoiding unnecessary trips.

He said the latest lockdown was a clear indication that Batswana needed to strictly adhere to COVID-19 protocols adding that they could not freely undertake their daily activities.

For Mr Tlalelo Ramarotse, although he acknowledged lockdown importance, he said it negatively affected their lives as pastoral farmers.

He said they could not  even look for cattle that went astray or even sell their livestock although they needed money.

Mr Tsholofelo Kantini of Sejweng cattle post also said it was difficult to source medication and other products from Letlhakeng as they did not have permits.

He however was hopeful that the current lockdown would pass and life would return to normal.

All the heardsmen that BOPA saw in the area wore their masks and water and soap were availed to everyone who had come to the borehole to water their cattle.

For her part, a pensioner Ms Kebofeditse Ditlou of Sorilatholo said she received a food package during the April lockdown. She however said this time she did not need the package as she was already listed as a destitute person  and also got a monthly pension.

The elderly lady and said the village Kgosi and police visited each homestead to announce the lockdown, adding they had also been taught about coronavirus and how to protect themselves from the virus. Ends