Leuba: Never Hesitate To Help

Tuesday 29 September 2015, 08:17, Kanye, Botswana.

Before I came home, my family and friends had assured me of the on-going extreme heat wave; and also with great interest I have read of the lack of rains in my Botswana. Currently, there are extremely hot temperatures I have never encountered in my life, here in Kanye; coupled with the unusual water cuts, here at home and the rest of the southern parts of Botswana – including the usually untouchable capital, Gaborone – only now I fully agree with my dear family, friends and Journalists! As confirmed by the Botswana’s Minister for Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, Hon Mokaila: ”there is a bigger crises for draught”. Just this past Sunday, it was televised on the BTV news as the various local church leaders prayed for the elusive raindrops!

The previous Wednesday, about 150 metres from the front of my parents yard. A malnourished cow – too weak to get up – took refuge on the ground. Conveniently just off the busy tomato sauce bottle flavoured gravel road (zoom the picture). We drove past it on Friday, already dead. By Saturday noon, due to the scotching heat, it was now a balloon! Fortunately, the smell was not there – yet. Blamingly, I interrogated my poor mother on what the next step would be.

She assured me that ‘they’ would take care of it soon, they being the council workers. She further stated that usually, a man from our Kgasa Kgotla (ward) or the surrounding kgotlas should report it to the area headman, who would then inform the Southern District Council. I only realised today: I am that man! A blistering hot Sunday passed! By then, one did not have to see the carcass; the smell was now well in the hot air.

Monday, just after 5pm, as the burning sun was just setting – my missus and I were walking to the Mafhikana Post Office. I saw a lady of medium height; dressed in greyish overalls, evidently, her uniform. She was confidently putting some kind of wood and a black tyre on top and around the carcass, exactly as one would make  fire (save for the tyre). I knew exactly what was happening. I have never seen that before, in my Botswana. Maybe I was too young? Clearly knowing of what was going on, the lovers romantically strolled to the Post Office.

About fifteen minutes later, approaching home, a giant flame of fire greeted us – the beast had changed – again! About 6-7 community members were helping the solo council heroine. I hesitantly went nearby, my Kaizer Chiefs top was sparkling white; I wanted to play a part; I hesitated, as usual!

Well done to the Lady in the grey overalls. Well done to the 7 from the community. Well done to the Southern District Council.

Thank you very much for inspiring me, never to hesitate to help!

 

#southerndistrictcouncil

#mybotswana

#myafrica

Malnourished, dead and burned.