peolwane, march 2015, second pass

MARCH 2015
THE INFLIGHT MAGAZINE OF AIR BOTSWANA
YOUR COMPLIMENTARY COPY
TRAVEL: NAMIB DESERT
CONSERVING THE CHEETAH
YOUNG AFRICAN LEADERS
INITIATIVE
POLKA: FROM BOHEMIA TO THE
KGALAGADI
PHOTO ESSAY: HYENAS AT CHIEF’S
ISLAND
PLUS
SON OF THE SOIL FESTIVAL
ARTIST STEVE JOBSON
AFRICAN SUPPLY CHAINS
MISS
HERITAGE
BOTSWANA

6 PEOLWANE MARCH 2015
NEWS
08 AIR BOTSWANA NEWS
12 DUMELA
Welcome on board
FEATURES
14 TRAVEL: CONQUERING BIG DADDY
Desert of Fantasy: Climbing the
Namib’s highest sand dune
24 CONSERVATION: STRIDING
TOWARDS CO-EXISTENCE
Cheetah Conservation Botswana marks
its tenth anniversary, highlighting
projects in research, education
and community outreach
30 FOCUS: EMPOWERING THE
LEADERS OF TOMORROW
Fifteen Batswana participate in Barack
Obama’s Young African Leaders Initiative
34 CULTURE: FROM BOHEMIA
TO THE KGALAGADI
The polka dance takes Botswana by storm
42 PHOTO ESSAY: THE HYENAS
OF CHIEF’S ISLAND
UNWIND
53 ABOUT TOWN: A
CULTURAL IMPERATIVE!
Son of the Soil festival
celebrates traditions
56 ART: ANOTHER YEAR
Water colourist Steve Jobson’s exhibition
reflects his thoughts and dreams of 2014
62: BUSINESS: RESILIENT
SUPPLY CHAINS IN AFRICA
The key to success in 2015
64 TAILPIECE: MEET KATLEGO
Miss Heritage Botswana
68 BOTSWANA BRIEF
Publisher
Bhupendra Taylor
Managing Editor
Linda Pfotenhauer
Contributors
Vincent Grafhorst, Thabang Kololo, Legodile
Seganabeng, Berry Shaba, Onalethata Basimane,
Sumesh Rahavendra, Atlang Sebakile
Art Director
Carlo Nicolaou
New Business Development Director
Susie Paylor
Accounts and Administration
Shekhar Goel
Sales and Marketing Manager
Solomon Legwale
Sales and Advertising Executives
Lebo Ntwaagae
Office Administration
Ivy Ebineng
Circulation
Lebo Ntwaagae
Clerical Assistant
Onkabetse Choene
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Peolwane is published monthly for Air
Botswana by Imprint Botswana. Opinions
expressed are not necessarily those of Air
Botswana.
CONTENTS
IN THIS ISSUE
AD
Cover: The reigning Miss
Heritage Botswana, and second
princess, Miss Heritage World
2014, Ms. Katlego Gaotsenelelwe
(photo: courtesy of K.
Gaotsenelelwe).
Left: A strong wind blows sand
over the dune crests, eventually
changing its shape and clearly
showing the dynamic nature of
the Namib (photo: V. Grafhorst).

8 PEOLWANE MARCH 2015 PEOLWANE MARCH 2015 9
FEATURE FEATURE

Dumela!
Welcome on board
Visas
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Please contact Customer Relations, Air
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ADAD

TRAVEL
The Sossusvlei sand dune
landscape: the Namib is the ultimate
embodiment of a desert, with its
huge, red, curvy dunes stretching for
as far as the eyes can see.
Conquering
BigDaddyVincent Grafhorst climbs one of the tallest sand dunes of the Namib – and the world, capturing the
haunting, sur-real beauty of this desert of fantasy. Photos by Vincent Grafhorst
TRAVEL

TRAVEL
‘B
ig Daddy’ doesn’t look all that big
from a distance, actually. Once you
stand at his feet, you may be a bit
more impressed with his height, but
not terrified. At this point, you may
even start wondering what all the fuss
is about and whether he really is the
tallest and meanest of them all.
Or, it might be the scorching sun that will make
you hesitate to challenge him. But now, you have
come this far; you know you have to do this. You
simply cannot turn back; you want to return home
and proudly tell everyone that you ‘beat Big Daddy’.
Standing at approximately 330 metres, this aptly
named, magnificent parabolic red sand dune is one of
the highest in the Sossusvlei area of the Namib Desert,
in the Namib-Naukluft National Park.
‘Namib’, which evidently also inspired the name of
the country, Namibia, is of Nama origin and means
‘vast place’. No name could be more appropriate for
this immense, wild, inhospitable desert.
With an average annual precipitation of a mere 10
millimetres, the Namib is, in fact, the only true desert
in southern Africa. Having endured arid or semi-arid
conditions for at least 55 million years, this coastal
thirstland is also believed to be the oldest desert
in the world.
The sand comprising the Namib’s spectacular
dunes probably originated in the Kalahari Desert
between three and five million years ago. It washed
down the powerful Orange River out to sea, where
the Benguela Current swept in northwards and
deposited it along the coast. From there the wind
did the rest.
This ancient sand is comprised mostly of tiny
grains coated in a thin layer of iron oxide, giving the
Namib dunes their distinctive reddish colour.
The name Sossusvlei, which often refers to the
surrounding area, has a mixed origin that roughly
translates to ‘dead-end marsh’. Vlei is the Afrikaans
word for ‘marsh’, while sossus is Nama for ‘dead end’.
The name is once again fitting, as Sossusvlei is where
the ephemeral Tsauchab River ends, its natural course
towards the Atlantic Ocean blocked by this enormous
sea of dunes.
Big Daddy technically isn’t the biggest; that title
belongs to the 380 metre high ‘Dune-7’, which is the
seventh dune after the Tsauchab crossing. It is the
highest dune in the Namib and acclaimed to be the
highest in the world. To be sure, it is the one to climb,
above: Above: Every
room in the ghost
town of Kolmanskop
looks and feels
different, with
variations in wall
colour, amount of
sand in the room,
furniture and
fittings, or even the
play of light. The
surprise of this room
was the presence of
a bath tub!
Facing page: This
skeleton of an
ancient Camelthorn
acacia has been
rooted firmly into
the hard white
clay soil of the
Deadvlei Pan,
probably for many
hundreds of years.

Three open doors, immobilised by
the shifting desert sand, in the sur-
realistic ghost town of Kolmanskop.
Fresh tracks of arthropods and
reptiles can be seen.

TRAVEL
particularly because it is next to and overlooking the
Deadvlei, arguably the most famous tourist attraction
in the country.
Deadvlei, meaning ‘dead marsh’, is a clay pan a
mere couple of kilometres from the Sossusvlei. Both
pans were formed in wetter times when the Tsauchab
River flowed much more regularly. The abundance of
water allowed camelthorn trees (Acacia erioloba) to
grow, and the Deadvlei had many.
When the climate changed, and drought set in, the
trees died. The remaining tree skeletons are believed
to be many hundreds of years old, the extreme dry
climate preventing their decomposition.
Scorched and darkened by the intense sun, the
ghostly shapes on the bright, white, cracked clay
pan – surrounded by the enormous vibrant orange-
reddish sand dunes, under an intense blue sky – are
one of the most breath-taking and sur-real landscapes
imaginable. This is undisputedly Namibia’s most
iconic scenery.
It’s only at sunrise, or sunset, that the full extent
of Sossusvlei’s legendary beauty is truly revealed. The
low sun makes one side of the curved line of the
dune’s crest glow, while the other is entirely in deep
shadow. Colours change quickly with the angle of the
sun – from a purple hue, to an intense red, followed
by a vibrant orange shifting more and more towards
yellow, gradually fading in vibrancy. This desert of
fantasy truly is a paradise for even the most novice
photographers.
THE ASCENT
Climbing the massive Big Daddy is most certainly not
for the faint-hearted. You need to start very early in
the morning, for with every degree the sun rises, the
challenge grows exponentially.
The easier approach is from the northern side,
ascending the father dune’s longest crest. Only the
really brave will dare to take him on from a steeper
side and look him straight in the eyes!
The very beginning of the climb is easy
going, but then, as the incline grows steeper and
steeper, a realisation sinks in; you have under-
estimated this guy!
Carrying on requires chivalry, stick-to-it-ness –
with each two steps you take forward, you slide back
at least one! – and a big bottle of water.
Ploughing through the soft sand of the dune’s crest
above: Backdropped
by the slip face
of the super sand
dune ‘Big Daddy’,
the extremely low
humidity of the
Namib allows these
dead trees to stand
for hundreds of
years, like skeletons
in this eerie,
inhospitable desert.
Facing page: The ghost
town of Kolmanskop,
an abandoned
mining town in the
Namib Desert, is
truly an other-
worldly place. The
deserted German
colonial town has
been taken over
by the desert; and
the dilapidated
buildings are now
engulfed in sand.

PEOLWANE MARCH 2015 2322 PEOLWANE MARCH 2015
TRAVEL
in this barren desert, the sudden sight of a lone springbok in the
far distance – or a little beetle crossing your path – may come as a
shocking surprise. You will probably wonder how on Earth plants
and animals can live in such a harsh environment!
The secret to their survival lies in morning fog, created by the
collision of the cold Benguela Current and warm air from the
Hadley Cell, which comes in from the ocean and pushes inwards
into the desert. This fog is a vital source of moisture for desert life.
How long you take to reach Big Daddy’s peak depends on your
level of fitness, your angle of approach and how many times you
stop to enjoy the sweeping panoramas. The rewards for reaching
the summit are certainly worth it – astounding views over the
endless sea of dunes – and, not to be under-estimated, the
bragging rights you earn for conquering this Namib giant!
Next comes the fun part – going down the steep slip face! Two
hours of endurance to the top, five minutes of sheer adrenaline,
speeding down the extremely soft, steep slope, to the hard rock
bottom of the Deadvlei.
DESERT GHOST TOWN
If, after a visit to Sossusvlei and conquering Big Daddy, you
haven’t had enough of the Namib’s sand between your toes, a trip
further south to the ghost town of Kolmanskop – near the coastal
town of Luderitz – is a must! This simply has to be experienced to
be believed.
The old, deserted mining town derived its name from
Afrikaner trekker, Mr. Jani Kolman, whose ox wagon became
bogged down in sand, near a small hill, during a blinding sand
storm. It was left abandoned.
Later, in 1908, during the construction of a railway line to
Luderitz, a diamond was found. Upon realising the area was
rich in alluvial diamonds, German miners began settling there;
and soon after, the German Government declared the large
surrounding area Sperrgebiet (‘Prohibited’), and began to exploit
the diamond fields.
The initial riches of the first mining activities inspired the
settlers to build a town completely in the German colonial
style; and many imported materials, such as wooden doors and
windows, iron mongery, sanitary ware, tiles and paint, were used.
The town flourished, boasting all modern facilities, including a
hospital, school, power-station, casino, bowling alley, theatre, and
even a tram!
Kolmanskop’s heyday ended relatively quickly, with the slump
in diamond sales after the First World War, which continued to
above: At sunrise, scorched, dead Camelthorn
acacia trees cast long shadows in the
extraordinary Deadvlei Pan.
facing page: Sunset as seen from the summit of
the super dune ‘Big Daddy’, with a view over the
adjacent Deadvlei Pan, and the seemingly endless
dune sea beyond.
decline with the discovery in 1936 of much richer diamond fields
further south, near the Orange River mouth.
Ultimately, by 1956, the town had been completely abandoned
and left to the mercy of the unforgiving Namib. Sand quickly
invaded the beautifully decorated buildings, creating scenes so
quintessentially sur-real, not possibly imagined by even the most
creative of minds.
From the outside, the old, grey, deserted buildings partially
covered in sand look interesting; but it’s only when you enter –
and sometimes that means crawling through a half open window
– that you will be truly flabbergasted by the colourful dream
world that lies hidden inside.
There are so many buildings, rooms and passages to explore
that one visit is simply not enough. Even more fantastic is
that each room looks and feels differently. Varying stages of
deterioration, shifting levels of sand encroachment, as well
as changing wall colours, decorations, fittings and furniture,
all create plays of light on the windows, doors, passages and
broken ceilings.
The Kolmanskop ghost town is yet another photographers’
paradise in the hauntingly beautiful desert of fantasy,
the Namib. P

CONSERVATION
With a current outreach of over 15 000 schoolchildren, 500 teachers and
5 000 farmers, Cheetah Conservation Botswana works in virtually all realms of
wildlife conservation – research, education and community projects.
The highly successful NGO marked its tenth anniversary late last year.
By Thabang Kololo
Photos courtesy of Cheetah Conservation Botswana
STRIDING
TOWARDS
CO-EXISTENCE
A
frica is home to many
predators, but none
is more elegant – and
enigmatic – than the
cheetah. Endowed
with a sleek, slender
body and acceleration
abilities that have been
scientifically proven
to exceed that of most
speeding automobiles, cheetahs possess a certain
mystique and beauty surpassed by few other animals
on the continent.
The coat is of tan colouration with black, oval spots
throughout, whilst the throat and abdomen are white.
The long tail, which acts as a kind of rudder when the
animal is running at high speeds, has four to six black
rings, and a white, bushy tuft at the tip.
The head is small in comparison to the size of its
body. Eyes are set high, with black streaks running
from the inner aspect of each eye down to the cat’s
mouth. These ‘tear marks’ give some protection from
the glare of the sun.
The cheetah is Earth’s fastest land mammal and
can exceed speeds of up to 120 k/p/h. However, it
can only maintain such high speeds in short spurts,
after which time it quickly tires. Seeing a cheetah in
the bush running at top speed, in pursuit of one of its
favoured prey – often impala or warthog – is surely
one of the safari thrills of a lifetime.
Although often a brilliant, arresting sight to
behold, cheetah with territories in, or bordering,
farmland, can choose an easy kill – goats, sheep or
other small domestic animals, thus creating a situation
of human/wildlife conflict. It is this potentially lethal
factor that makes communities who share their land
with the cheetah often harbour antagonistic and/
or fearful attitudes towards them; and this can lead
to the killing of cheetahs seen in proximity of farms,
or retaliatory killings of cheetahs that have actually
preyed on domestic farm animals.
Human/wildlife conflict is on the rise in most
areas of Botswana, for many species, not only
carnivores. It is caused principally by expanding
human populations, human encroachment on wildlife
areas and loss of wildlife habitat. Cheetahs are often
killed or persecuted because they are perceived to be a
threat to livestock, even though they cause relatively
little damage. However, with increased awareness and
improved management practices, this conflict can
be reduced.
Cheetah Conservation Botswana (CCB), recently
celebrating its tenth anniversary, was established
precisely in response to this situation – to deal
with escalating human/cheetah conflict and the
worrying decline in cheetah numbers in Botswana.
The programme is multi-pronged, carrying out
vital research, education, community outreach
programmes, and – crucially – working with farmers,
to educate them about the importance of cheetah
conservation and to create more effective means of
managing and caring for their domestic animals.
Speaking at CCB’s ten year anniversary cocktail,
held late last year at Thapong Visual Arts Centre,
Gaborone, Mr. Tiroyame Mmereki, a farmer with
35 years of field experience, addressed the matter of
human/cheetah conflict, demonstrating a clear and
progressive attitude towards predator conservation
and Batswana’s responsibility to find ways to live side-
by-side with them. “Modern farming is a business, so
we farmers have to deal with any predator, including
cheetah, which can harm our livelihood,” he said.
Like other farmers in Botswana, Mmereki said
he works with CCB to better understand the habits
and behaviour of cheetahs, to develop more effective
ways of caring for and protecting his livestock, and
to reduce widespread persecution of these beautiful
carnivores.
Ms. Rebecca Klein, a founder and current director
of CCB, also speaking at the cocktail, said: “The
options are conflict or coexistence. Coexistence
is not possible without first understanding and
implementing effective methods and techniques for
avoiding or minimising conflict. CCB believes that by
above, left:
Students holding
educational
pamphlets at
CCB’s first school
outreach.
above, right:
Participating in
the CCB 2014
art competition,
Ghanzi Senior
Secondary School
student Tumisang
Tshekelo drew
an outstanding
picture of a lion
cub.
above, left: A
collared cheetah
in its natural
habitat; tracking
gathers data on
the cheetah’s
home ranges,
behaviour and
the effects of
translocation,
disease and
genetic status.
Anthony English,
director of
Freedom Won
South Africa; Mr.
Jonathan Gibson,
CEO of Chobe
Holdings.

CONSERVATION
above: CCB’s most
famous cheetahs,
Duma and Letotse,
resting between
guest visits at the
Mokolodi Nature
Reserve.
facing page: Guests
at CCB’s tenth
anniversary
cocktail last
December, at
Thapong Visual
Arts Centre.
understanding the wildlife we live with, and utilising
appropriate solutions to minimise conflict, the hope
of people and predators living side-by-side can be
a reality.”
ORIGINS OF CCB
In the late 1990s and 2000s, Mokolodi Nature
Reserve, just outside Gaborone, became famous for
its two endearing and legendary cheetahs – Duma
and Letotse.
Taken in by the reserve as young cubs, after their
mother had been shot by farmers in the Ghanzi
region, in 1995, the two brothers quickly became
iconic ambassadors for their species.
Residents and citizens of Botswana, as well as
visitors to the country, rarely had such an opportunity
to come into close contact with this majestic animal.
They were invited to walk with the cheetahs, touch
and pet them, and interact with them.
With their keen willingness to have contact with
humans, and their playful personalities, Duma and
Letotse quickly captivated the hearts of thousands –
young and old – who came to see them.
Indeed it was after a visit with the two cheetah
brothers at Mokolodi that three women, all with
wildlife backgrounds – Ms. Rebecca Klein, Ms. Anne-
Marie Houser and Dr. Kyle Good – took the bold
decision to establish CCB, to ensure the continued
existence of the species in the country.
Founded in 2003 and legally registered in 2004 as
a non-profit organisation, CCB established its head
office in Mokolodi Nature Reserve, with satellite
offices in Jwaneng and the Ghanzi farmlands.
Following the sad demise of Duma in 2011 and
Letotse in 2012, CCB moved its headquarters out of
the reserve to Kgale Siding, just outside Gaborone.
RESEARCH
Research is an important aspect of CCB’s work;
it informs the community and feeds national
government departments and the international
cheetah conservation effort with valuable
scientific data.
One product of the research programme is a new
‘Cheetah Status Report for Botswana’. It provides
information to a scientific publication by the Cat
Specialist Group for IUCN on the status of the
cheetah in southern Africa.
CCB conducts research into cheetah ecology, to
understand how and where they live, move, and how
they interact with wild prey, domestic stock, and
humans. Studies gather data on the cheetah’s home
ranges, behaviour and the effects of translocation,
disease and genetic status.
Orphaned cheetah cub rehabilitation forms part
of the research programme, which can enable young
cubs to avoid a life of captivity.
CCB PROJECTS
Conflict with livestock farming communities,
habitat destruction, declining prey populations,
poaching, human population increase and the illegal
wildlife trade severely affect the cheetah’s rate of
survival. Population numbers for the continent are
approximately 7 500.
The cheetah is classified as an endangered/
vulnerable species in the IUCN Red Data book.
With a population of approximately 2 000 cheetah,
Botswana is one of Africa’s last strongholds for
this animal.
For a full decade, the CCB team has been working
tirelessly to ensure that the cheetah does not become
extinct. The project is dependent on national and
international donor support. CCB partners with
government departments, such as the Department
of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) and the
Ministry of Education, to implement its projects.
The CCB team is located in farming areas, where
human/predator conflict is most prevalent; they
undertake a wide range of programmes and activities
geared to the specific circumstances and problems of
the farmers involved.
Workshops are organised all over the country;
these include informative lectures on farm
management, maximising grazing and herd health,
and how to farm to minimise losses to predators. The
first farmers’ workshop was held in Jwaneng in 2005;
and the following year, teacher training workshops
were initiated.
In 2010, CCB began investigating, through a
nation-wide survey, the effectiveness of livestock
guard dogs, to protect farmers’ animals. Results
have interestingly indicated that the ‘Tswana’ breeds
are most effective in this protective role, are better
behaved and are cheaper to maintain than their pure
bred, non-indigenous counterparts.
The project has proven enormously successful
to date. A CCB study indicates that 97 per cent of
farmers using Tswana dogs experienced a reduction in
livestock losses to predators. Half of all farmers had
experienced a complete end to livestock losses since
getting guard dogs. (Some farmers had been losing in
excess of 20 animals each year.)
CCB operates a demonstration farm in Ghanzi
with a goat herd of approximately 62, two livestock
guard dogs and a manager. The purpose of the farm is
to showcase the predator-friendly farming techniques
which CCB promotes to minimise livestock losses.
The demo farm is open to local farmers to visit and
benchmark the mitigation methods practised. It
also provides practical advice to farmers attending
workshops at the Education Centre, administering
vaccines, ear tagging, hoof trimming and dipping.
Under this project, annual competitions for the
‘Best Livestock Guard Dog in Botswana’ are held, to
identify farmers successfully utilising this tool. These
individuals have become the foundations of CCB’s
livestock guard dog network, to help promote the
technique nation-wide.
This project has improved the tolerance of farmers
to predators, reduced livestock loss and conflict levels
with cheetahs and other predator species. Over 5 000
farmers have received free farm management training
from CCB, through workshops and direct farm
site visits.
“The livestock guard dog programme has proven to
be a great tool to ward off predator threats,” said Klein
at the 10th anniversary event.
EDUCATION PROGRAMMES
Environmental education is a key aspect of CCB’s
work; it is believed to be a catalyst for changing young
people’s attitudes about wildlife and the environment.
CCB maintains that providing knowledge to
young people is a powerful tool for conservation
and sustainable development. The team has thus far
conducted over 500 direct school visits, including
those conducted through Mokolodi Nature Reserve’s
Education Centre.
Over 15 000 schoolchildren have attended
such education programmes; over 500 teachers
have attended teacher training workshops; and

FOCUS CONSERVATION
AD
approximately 400 students have participated in
their youth bush camps. The school programme aims
to instil a sense of value and pride in the national
cheetah population and a deeper appreciation and
understanding of predators and wildlife in general.
ART COMPETITION
The beauty of Nature is often reflected in art; and
as part of their tenth anniversary celebrations, CCB
hosted last year an art competition in select primary
and secondary schools in Jwaneng and Ghanzi, two
areas that experience some of the highest conflict
levels with these threatened cats, and which are
therefore important for the long-term conservation
of cheetahs.
Said CCB’s public relations officer, Ms.
Tapologo Sebati: “With this high profile school art
competition and exhibition, we wanted to know
what the youth of Jwaneng and Ghanzi have to say
about their environment. We wanted to allow them
to express themselves with regards to Botswana’s
predators, and to share their views with their peers,
teachers, communities, visitors and the public and
private sectors.”
The theme for the art competition
was ‘Harmonious Co-existence with Botswana’s
Predators’. With prize-giving ceremonies held in
October last year, the competition helped CCB
to establish how much knowledge of predator
conservation students from these two areas could
interpret through their drawings.
Even after ten years of work in this crucially
important realm, Klein and her team remain as
energetic as ever to ensure that Botswana’s most
beautiful predator survives.
However, as with any project of this nature, there
are challenges, principally obtaining funding for
the project and improving community perceptions
towards predators, in order to strike the balance
between wildlife conservation and supporting and
protecting rural community welfare.
When asked what has been her most memorable
moment, Klein replied that it has been the whole
journey, that every moment with CCB has been
exciting. She further went on to thank the farmers,
the CCB board of directors, donors and all the
stakeholders for their support.
“Conservation is like an experiment. You can never
get everything right. But the effort is worth a try, and
team work makes it all possible,” observed Klein. P
facing page:
CCB director
Rebecca Klein
with a cheetah at
Mokolodi Nature
Reserve.

FOCUS
Fifteen Batswana – chosen from 50 000 applicants across 53 African countries –
spent six to 14 weeks in the United States last year, named as fellows in an inaugural
programme that is part of American President Barack Obama’s Young African
Leaders Initiative. By Legodile Seganabeng. Photos courtesy of United States
Embassy in Gaborone
E
very year, a whirlwind of
determination and hope sweeps
across the African continent.
Confident young men and
women, aged between 25 and
35 years, write and send their
applications in response to a
calling for an opportunity of a
lifetime. Vying for limited space,
a plethora of applications is sent,
but, like a competition where the crème shall sift
through, only a few are chosen.
Last year, 50 000 young men and women from
53 African countries applied for this opportunity. In
Botswana, 500 applications were received. Fifteen
made it through the tight selection sieve; and in waves
of well deserved recognition and excitement, they
soared away last June, and disappeared – for six weeks,
or for 14 weeks for those selected for internships –
from the soils of Botswana.
The group came back in August, brimming with
vigour, profound aptitude and not only a strong desire
to lead the youth of this country, but also the ability
and skills to do so.
Peolwane recently sat down with five of these
vibrant young adults in an exclusive tête-à-tête,
where they shared their feelings, observations and
experiences. But first, a brief background on this
exhilarating programme that is continuing to sweep
across Africa in a tangible storm.
OBAMA’S FLAGSHIP PROGRAMME
The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young
African Leaders is the new flagship programme of
American President Barack Obama’s Young African
Leaders Initiative (YALI); it was established in 2014.
President Obama launched YALI in 2010 to
support young African leaders, with the firm
conviction that they have the potential to spur growth
and prosperity, strengthen democratic governance,
and enhance peace and security across Africa.
The inaugural fellowship in 2014 brought 500
Empowering the
Leaders of Tomorrow top, left to right: 2014 YALI participants
Ms. Katlarelo Kgwefane, Ms.
Setshwano Ngope, Ms. Gaona
Tlhasana, Ms. Changu Siwawa, Ms.
Queen Kgeresi, and Ms. Lebogang
Maruapula.
above, left to right: YALI participants Ms.
Gorata Selelo, Ms. Lenah Kedikaetswe,
and Ms. Letsebeng Gabontshwe.
below: Members of the 2014 Mandela
Washington Fellowship for Young
African Leaders share their
experiences with Botswana Vice
President Mokgweetsi Masisi (centre,
left) and U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission
to Botswana, Mr. Michael J. Murphy
(centre, right).

above, left to right:
YALI participants
Mr. Kopo Mapila,
Mr. Rebaone
Mmereki and Mr.
Moffat Louis.
below, left to right:
YALI participants
Mr. Tshiamo
Keakabetse, Mr.
Tumiso Mabusela
and Mr. Kabo
Moseki.
Botswana standing there and motivating us.”
Engaging in community services was another
major activity. Through such endeavours, the
participants learnt the importance of volunteering in
one’s community.
“In America, people have a good spirit of
volunteerism. They willingly give their time working
in areas that need helping hands, for instance, in
public parks, schools for girls, old age homes and
many others,” said Ms. Letsebeng Gabontshwe,
former coordinator at the Cancer Association of
Botswana and field officer for Population Services
International (PSI).
Thirty-two-year-old Mr. Tshiamo Keakabetse
shared the same sentiments. He said he learnt how
important volunteering and giving are. He believes
that individuals should share their time, knowledge
and research with those in need. Keakabetse is a
health officer at Maternal and Newborn Health,
Department of Public Health, Botswana.
Interacting with one another, the 500 fellows from
Africa learnt much from each other. Mabusela said,
“Having been grouped with 24 strangers from other
African countries, I also learnt a lot about Africa. We
shared experiences. So it wasn’t just about learning
from the institutions or communities. We also learnt
from each other.”
Selelo echoed those sentiments: “Being selected
to become a Mandela Washington Fellow under the
YALI programme has been one of the highlights of
my career as a young professional. A chance to meet
other young leaders from various professions and
countries seemed an opportune moment to learn more
about Africa and the challenges faced by different
countries. This will also give me an opportunity
to reflect, introspect and re-evaluate choices I have
made thus far, both career-wise and on a more
personal note.”
The six-week stay culminated with a week-long
presidential summit in Washington D.C. Clearly the
fellows were thrilled to meet President Obama and
First Lady Michelle Obama.
At a town hall event, Ms. Changu Siwawa, of
the International Working Group on Women and
Sport, even got to ask the President a question about
combatting gender-based violence.
The participants also interacted with other
influential figures, such as, amongst many, Secretary
of State, Mr. John Kerry, and U.S. Ambassador to the
United Nations, Ms. Samantha Power.
2015 INITIATIVE
According to Ms. Amanda Jacobsen, the United
States Embassy’s public affairs officer in Botswana, the
Mandela Washington Fellowship recruitment for 2015
took place from October to November 2014 country-
wide. “The entire U.S. mission community was
involved, led by the Chargé d’Affaires encouraging
young people to apply, to Peace Corps volunteers
carrying application forms to remote villages. Our
former Mandela Washington Fellowship alumni also
played an active role, by promoting the programme on
national radio and amongst their peer groups.
“Our goal was to reach as many young people
as possible, particularly women, under-represented
individuals, and members of rural communities. We
were thrilled to learn that we received nearly 500
applications again this year.”
Recapping the significant outcomes of the YALI
programme, Murphy concluded: “YALI is one of
the United States’ most exciting and innovative
exchange programmes. Not long after their return
to Botswana, I had the opportunity to meet with
the 15 young Batswana who participated in the 2014
Mandela Washington Fellowship. They were excited
about their experiences, and all of them had plans to
apply what they had learned in the United States here
in Botswana.
“Just as importantly, they all expressed an
interest in sharing what they learned, so that they
too could take a pro-active approach to shaping
Botswana’s future.
“Botswana’s YALI alumni are an impressive
group of people, and I think all Batswana should
be very proud of them. My hope is that they
are an inspiration for other young people to get
engaged. They certainly inspired me and my staff at
the Embassy.”
Other 2014 participants were: Mr. Moffat Louis,
Ms. Katlarelo Kgwefane, Ms. Gaona Tlhasana,
Mr. Kabo Moseki, Ms. Queen Kgeresi, Ms.
Lebogang Maruapula, Ms. Lenah Kedikaetswe,
Mr. Rebaone Mmereki, Mr. Kopo Mapila and Ms.
Changu Siwawa. P
young, aspiring African leaders to the United States
for academic coursework and leadership training. The
programme creates unique opportunities for fellows
to put their new skills to practical use in leading
organisations, communities, and countries in Africa.
Deputy Chief of Mission for the Embassy of the
United States of America, Mr. Michael J. Murphy,
spoke to a gathering at Botho University (Gaborone)
in July 2014 about the fellowship programme:
“My Government has made youth empowerment a
cornerstone of its relationship with Africa. Over 60
per cent of Africans are under 35 years old; and it is
readily apparent when you look at these demographics
that it is the youth who will determine the future of
this continent.
“Investing in young African leaders is an
investment in the long-term well-being of the
continent – in its economies, civil societies, and
democracies.”
Murphy asserted that the YALI programme aims
to empower Africa’s youth by investing in the next
generation of African entrepreneurs, civil society
leaders, activists, and innovators, and by connecting
young African leaders with one another, and with the
American people.
“The 15 participants from Botswana came from all
walks of life and all sectors of society. And I can say
with confidence that all of them are extraordinary.
The Government of Botswana and the citizens of
this wonderful country should be proud to have
them representing Botswana in the United States,”
Murphy said.
BATSWANA PARTICIPANTS
Peolwane caught up with five of the 15 YALI
participants, who shared their stories with enthusiasm:
Ms. Setshwano Ngope, Mr. Tshiamo Keakabetse,
Mr. Tumiso Mabusela, Ms. Letsebeng Gabontshwe
and Ms. Gorata Selelo. The 15 Batswana fellows were
reportedly enthralled with the experience.
“I was very excited when I was called for the
interview. I went there not knowing what to expect,”
said 31-year-old Ms. Setshwano Ngope. She is the head
of retail at Botswana Insurance Fund Management
(BIFM) and introduced a financial literacy
programme, called Financial IQ, at First National
Bank (FNB).
Ms. Gorata Selelo is an associate researcher for
the Botswana Institute for Development Policy
Analysis (BIDPA). “I first came across the YALI call
for applications on Twitter,” she recalls. “I quickly
skimmed through the application instructions and
thought, ‘No, this I don’t think I qualify for’. I had a
lot of reasons why I wouldn’t make the cut. Thanks to
a friend’s prompting and persuasion, I finally decided
to go ahead and apply. A few months later, I was
called for an interview.”
For most of the participants, it was their first
time to visit the United States. A concoction of
nervousness, excitement and a trifle of fear of
unknown territories were felt by most.
Upon arrival in the United States, the 15 Batswana
participants, together with 485 others from across
Africa, were placed in different states, in 20 diverse
universities, some of them Ivy League schools. Six
weeks of intensive training ensued.
The fellows underwent training in areas such as
Business and Entrepreneurship, Civic Leadership and
Public Management. According to the fellows, this
was a significant period of personal development,
a time of self discovery that markedly betokened
a great future for the individual participants and
their countries.
“It was simply amazing,” said 27-year-old Ms.
Tumiso Mabusela. “We learnt so much in a short
space of time. One of my highlights was when
Ms. Beatrice Selotlegeng (former deputy general
manager of Air Botswana and now teaching at Ohio
University) visited our institution and addressed us.
For me, it was a wow moment to see one of us from
FOCUS
“My Government has made youth empowerment a cornerstone
of its relationship with Africa.” MICHAEL MURPHY, UNITED STATES EMBASSY

AD
T
he polka dance is all the rage on the
Botswana cultural scene today. Since its
inclusion, in the traditional dance category,
in the annual President’s Day Competition
in 2011, the polka has become the
darling of many.
A proliferation of polka dance groups,
the majority of which have roots in the
Kgalagadi District of Botswana, has risen
up, each with their own carefully matched,
colourful costumes, each with their
signature styles and dance steps.
Amongst these is the award-winning, Gaborone-based
Reharko Polka Dance Group, the brainchild of the husband-and-
wife management team, Ms. Regina and Mr. Harry Koata. The
group’s name reflects the joining together of their names.
Reharko Polka Dance Goup is a private company. Its pioneer
dancers come from the Kgalagadi villages/towns of Struizendam,
Werda, Rappelspan and Vaalhoek.
The group broke onto the dance scene in October 2013 on a
live Botswana Television (BTV) show, a charity event raising
funds to help with the construction of a rehabilitation centre for
Taking the nation by storm, polka dance groups – many from the Kgalagadi
District – are springing up all round Botswana. Berry Shaba takes a look at
one of the country’s most prominent groups
Photos by Monirul Bhuiyan
FROM BOHEMIA
TO THE
KGALAGADI
CULTURE
above: Reharko Polka Dance
Group, from left: Regina
Koata (coach and founder),
with partner Johannes
Bok; Aletta Motlaleng with
partner William Isaacs.

ADdrug abusers. The show was held under the auspices of
the Ministry of Health and BTV.
Four couples from the dance group took part in
this event, although more could have participated;
studio space restricted the involvement. Since then
Reharko has risen above its peers, becoming a regular
feature of Gaborone’s social dance scene. They are
frequently hired to perform at parties, weddings and
other events.
The Reharko dancers have become recognisable by
their distinct attire – the trademark, flared polka-dot
dresses for ladies, as well as elegant flower-hair pieces,
black tights (for decorum and modesty’s sake) and flat
shoes (an adaptation to the Kgalagadi sands). The men
are distinguishable in their black trousers and white
formal shirts, black braces and ‘tapora’ caps. They use
walking sticks and pipes as stage props.
The group capped their meteoric rise by recording
the first polka music album and getting a Botswana
Musicians Union 2014 award in the Best Folklore/
Polka Album. They were also nominees in the Best
Group/Combo and Best Newcomer categories of the
same awards.
Since 2011, the group has grown to include seven
couples, who are all relatives. Afrikaans-speaking
people from southern Kgalagadi District, their
ages range from 7 to 45 years. And, during live
performances, the young ones – dashing, full of spirit
and vigour – tend to steal the show!
The woman dancers include: Ms. Brandietta
Motlaleng, Ms. Petronella Dekoker, Ms. Moesha
Koata, Ms. Wendy Dekoker, Ms. Joyce Dekoker,
Ms. Aletta Motlaleng and Ms. Regina Koata. Male
dancers include: Mr. Smart Dekoker, Mr. Latrel
Visagie, Mr. Gertjie Bok, Mr. Will Jagter, Mr. Sammy
Hendriks, Mr. William Isaacs and Mr. Johannes Bok.
The founder and coach of the group, Ms. Regina
Nicole Koata – from Kgalagadi South – is a dancer of
note, competing in ballroom dance since 1992.
Before founding Reharko, Regina initially danced
for Honey Polka Group, based in Kanye; the group’s
founder is Regina’s cousin; she helped the group get to
the finals of the 2013 President’s Day Competitions.
Regina says she started dancing with the Honey
Polka Group in the winter of 2011 at the annual
Tsabong polka dance competitions. She recalls it to
have been just like most polka events – family affairs
where both young and old are involved. She added
that her 85-year-old father and elderly aunt helped out
in organising the event.
One of the group’s most notable performances was
at the President’s Concert in November last year, held
at the Maitisong Cultural Centre, at Maru a Pula
School, to raise funds for the Molepolole-based centre
for disabled children Anne Stine Centre.
Another eye-catcher was their performance on
BTV’s Mokgarakgana in August 2014. Regina believes
that show was one of their milestones, because
it triggered a mass following and unprecedented
nation-wide fame.
Reharko Polka Dance Group stands apart from the
rest because of their unique professionalism, which
embodies good public relations, impeccable manners
and a keen sense of purpose. Regina pointed out that
technical ability is non-negotiable; and she demands
nothing short of excellence: “Our members have to
above: Couples execute a turn.
leFt: The closed position.
previous pages: The Reharko
Polka Dance Group, in
collaboration with the Sky
Blue Dance Hub, perform
at the 2014 President’s
Concert, Maitisong.

ADpossess perfect technical knowledge of the dance,”
she stresses.
This ensures that – as custodians of culture – the
dancers preserve this genre of polka dance in its
almost original form, as it has been passed down from
one generation to another.
Last year Reharko released a nine-track album –
the first polka music album in Botswana – titled Die
Antwoord (‘The Answer’). This was in answer to their
fans’ insistent requests for a polka music compilation.
The tracks are all instrumental and comprise of
songs such as: ‘In Die Kalahari’ (‘In the Kgalagadi’),
which is a celebration of the life, culture and energy
of the Kgalagadi people. The track ‘Oor die Sand
Duinne’ (‘Over the Sand Dunes’), is about a safari
through the sand dunes of the Kgalagadi, whilst
‘Woestuin Kaltuur’ (‘Desert Culture’), is an ode to the
amazing adaptations the Kgalagadi peoples have made
living in the tough, arid desert environment.
The polka dance is also popular in the south-
western regions of Botswana. It is more than music. It
is a social institution, providing an ethnic identity and
bringing people together.
The polka is characterised by smooth and
refined dance movements. It is intense, lively and
entertaining. The focus is on the couple as a unit, but
the men lead, and the women follow and complement
the men’s moves. The men therefore establish the
couple’s expression and character during their
performance.
The dance was introduced by white European
farmers, many of Dutch descent, when they
immigrated to southern Africa in the 19th century. It
is a celebratory dance for weddings and other parties.
A spirited couple dance of Bohemian origins in
double time, the polka has a basic pattern of hop-
step-close-step.
The man must have one arm around the woman’s
waist, whilst the woman has one hand on his
shoulder. The dancers twist and turn as they go
round in a circle, anti-clockwise, making for amazing
entertainment.
‘Polka’ is a derivation of the Czech words for
‘field’ or ‘half’. Originally, it was a Czech peasant
dance which grew in popularity in Eastern Bohemia
(presently part of Czechoslovakia) in the 1830s, then
later spread to other European countries and America.
In contemporary times, the polka has become the
favourite of modern Polish-American people, and has
become an ethnic symbol of Polish immigrants to
North America.
Nowadays, polka music is played on the keyboard;
but back in the day, instruments included the
concertina, banjo, harmonica, double bass, cello and
acoustic guitar.
Ever evolving and adapting to different cultures,
the polka has migrated – incredibly – all the way from
the Bohemia of Europe to the ‘Great Thirstland’ of
Botswana. P
above: With
great energy
and panache,
the Reharko
Polka Dance
Group performs
during the 2014
President’s Concert.
CULTURE

CULTURE
The Hyenas of Chief’s IslandBy Onalethata Basimane
PHOTO ESSAY

PHOTO ESSAY
above: Hyena competition
with wild dogs is always
intense; here a pack of six
dogs decide to take on two
hyenas at the hunt.
facing page: Cubs are
always curious about
their surroundings and
will approach vehicles to
investigate.
previous pages: A young cub
strikes back at the older ones
who are playfully ganging up
on him.
A young cub wades across a
shallow pan after having had
a drink of water.

PEOLWANE MARCH 2015 4948 PEOLWANE MARCH 2015
FEATURE
A mother nursing her young in the
late afternoon, before heading out to
search for food.

PHOTO ESSAY
AD
H
yenas have suffered from human
persecution from earliest times.
This is the result of misperceptions,
misunderstanding and dark and
negative myths.
Even today, certain tribes and
ethnic groups associate the hyena
with supernatural powers and the forces of evil.
Some myths say that hyenas are hermaphrodites, that
witches ride them and that a child born at night, while
a hyena is calling, will grow up to be a thief.
To some wildlife enthusiasts, hyenas are the
ultimate nuisance in that they can kill lion and
leopard cubs. As scavengers, they steal food from other
predators, which is often perceived as a wicked quality.
A closer look at hyenas and their social behaviour,
however, can lead to a greater appreciation of these
fascinating creatures.
One of the best places to observe Spotted hyenas
in their natural environment is Chief’s Island, in
Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango Delta. This is an
area with abundant populations of prey species, such
as Red lechwe, impala, Cape buffalo, zebra, giraffe,
elephant and Blue wildebeest. The summer rainy
season sees many of the antelope calving and lambing,
thus providing prodigious hunting opportunities for
these large carnivores.
The hyena population is thriving in this
area; and, at times, individuals or small groups
aggressively interact with other big predators,
such as lions, leopards and African wild dogs, in
competition for food.
A three-week stay at Mombo concession, on
Chief’s Island, brought many hyena sightings,
the most memorable of which I have attempted to
capture here.P
top, left: Vocalisations and
facial expressions are key
communication tools for
clan members.
left, bottom: Clan members
will take care of each
other’s cubs, but here a
nursing mother rejects the
advances of a cub, which is
not her own, soliciting milk.

UNWIND
ABOUT TOWN
Of all the cultural festivals on the
Botswana calendar, Son of the Soil is
undoubtedly one of the most sought
after, well attended and celebrated,
writes Thabang Kololo. Photos By
Monirul Bhuiyan
Cultural
Imperative!
A
AD
ABOUT TOWN
Of all the cultural festivals on the
Botswana calendar, Son of the Soil is
writes Thabang Kololo. Photos By
Monirul Bhuiyan
Cultural
Imperative!
Cultural
Imperative!
Cultural
ABotswana calendar, Son of the Soil is
ABotswana calendar, Son of the Soil is
Aundoubtedly one of the most sought
Aafter, well attended and celebrated,
Cultural
A
Cultural

eld annually for the past eleven years, often in the countryside
surrounding Gaborone, this hugely popular event draws
thousands over its two days of festivities.
“I plan my yearly schedule around this festival; and the only
thing that can stop me from attending is death,” joked UNAIDS
director, eastern and southern Africa and Botswana’s former
Minister of Health, Dr. Sheila Tlou.
Accompanied by friends from South Africa and some
prominent government officials, such as Botswana former vice
president, Dr. Ponatshego Kedikilwe, Tlou was in ebullient spirits
as she danced and sang, sampled traditional foods and watched
the many performers on stage. Over the eleven years that the
festival has been running, Tlou has never missed a single session.
Speaking with Peolwane, she remarked how a revival of
Tswana culture of sorts has become an imperative, particularly
since there are many Batswana scattered around southern Africa
who rely on people in Botswana for cultural guidance.
“A movement like the Bana ba Mmala – organisers of the
event – is great, as it sparks the right cultural consciousness in
our people, especially the young who have been raised in a society
that is greatly influenced by western cultures,” observed Tlou.
She further remarked that when she was growing up, educated
in Catholic schools, the belief that Tswana culture in all its facets
was barbaric and deserved to be neglected was enforced. This was
why she found it refreshing to see young people embracing this
initiative to revive traditional Tswana culture and societal values.
Although she was excited to grace yet another edition of the
annual festival, she was however disappointed by the slow pace of
proceedings, and the late start to the event, something that was
unheard of in previous years.
Boasting great scenery, nicely manicured lawns and open space
conducive for recreational activities, Boetelo Sun Valley Resort,
situated on the banks of the Notwane River, about 15 kilometres
from Gaborone, proved to be the ideal venue for the festival.
Observing the large number of people in attendance, it was
difficult to believe that this event started with just a handful of
people, in the back yard of Mr. Jerry Mwendapole, one of the
founders and current chairman of Bana ba Mmala.
“When we started, it used to just be a few of us. We would
cook traditional food and play some traditional games. Over the
years, as the event concept evolved, our following increased,” said
Mwendapole.
Bana ba Mmala is inspired by cultural preservation; and the
organisers believe that practice is the best teacher, hence the
reason why their events focus on participation and interaction,
rather than mere observation.
From the enthusiasm of guests at the venue entrance, it was
clear they all came for pleasure and to enjoy, especially older
guests who were excited by the prospect of playing traditional
games they used to engage in decades ago.
By 12 noon the atmosphere was electric. Guests – young and
old, foreigners and locals alike, unfazed by the scorching heat –
broke up into groups to play some traditional games.
After the mid-day snack, Tlou grabbed a wooden stick
(motshe) to pound some maize in a wooden container (kika),
demonstrating to some curious young girls how maize meal used
to be ground before machines took over production.
After the grains had been refined, she poured the maize into
a weaved seed tray (leselo) to separate the bigger grains from
the smaller grains, an act that is called winnowing (go hehera).
Trying to mimic her, most of the girls failed and the bulk of the
maize grains fell onto the ground.
A few steps away, a group of young boys could be heard
whistling to a game of mmele; one was on a winning streak,
having confiscated almost all the pebbles. Any move by the
opponents would definitely guarantee their loss. Nearby, a group
of girls skipped over a thread of wool held high in the air, a game
similar to the high jump called ‘Safe’.
Away from the games and the tents stood the cooking area
where a group of foreign students lined up under the intense heat
for a traditional snack of fat cake and chicken legs, necks and
intestines. Under the trees, elderly women battled it out with the
fire, ensuring that the delicious traditional meals, prepared in the
huge three-legged pots, were cooked to perfection. Their male
counterparts, on the other hand, worked on the meats, with the
ox head being the most sought after, as cooking and eating it is a
cultural symbol of a man’s strength and leadership.
Like most cultural festivals, Son of the Soil was a hit with the
foreign crowd, with some attendees coming from as far afield as
Europe, North America and Asia.
“I love the relaxed atmosphere and how community-based
Botswana’s culture is, which is evidenced by how united, like a
family, the people are at this event,” said 21-year-old American
exchange student Ms. Juliana White, sweat dripping from her
face, as she had just concluded a thrilling game of Safe with some
local girls.
Her friend, Tierra, although amused by the games, did not
want to participate, fearing that her designer gown would be
ruined; she was waiting for the judging of the best outfit award.
Weeks before the event, she had searched for a design online and
had a local designer in the African Mall in Gaborone make a
dress for her.
Fashion has evolved into one of the big attractions of the
festival. Son of the Soil patrons come dressed to the nines in the
best African inspired attire they can muster. To honour those who
are best dressed, floating trophies are handed out each year.
Testament to the intense fashion contest on display, local
fashion icons and bloggers Ms. Tsholofelo Dikobe and Ms. Gaone
Mothibi, of the Gashfros collective, were present, to judge the
fashion competition and possibly to draw some inspiration for
their next collection.
While Dikobe wore shorts and a sleeveless coat, Mothibi wore
a Dashiki inspired dress, all the outfits made with mogagolwane, a
traditional blanket that has become a staple attire for all cultural
ceremonies, especially weddings.
ABOUT TOWN
“Africa has always been the source of inspiration for the world’s
biggest designers and now that African designers have become
more innovative and confident, African fashion is taking over the
world,” said Mothibi, as she marvelled at the clothes adorned by
many women in attendance.
Late in the afternoon, after guests had eaten, had drank
beer, and had played games to their hearts’ content, the choir
competitions began. People broke into two singing groups, the
south-side and north-side. They sang into the night, one group
hoping to emerge victorious over the other.
Finally, the generator ran out of petrol, and everything – with
the exception of the lights – switched off. But Son of the Soil
guests hardly noticed, as they partied the night away, celebrating
their nation’s heritage with pride. P
above: A young woman has a go at winnowing, whilst
mentor Dr. Sheila Tlou (centre in purple) looks on.
Right: Son of the Soil participants play a game
similar to Simon Says.
Previous page: Traditional song and dance featured
big at the festival.

M
r. Steve Jobson’s ‘Another Year’ opened late
last year at Sophie Lalonde Art Gallery, the
iTowers, Gaborone. The exhibition featured 34
works of art, ranging from oil on canvas, to oil
and enamel on canvas, as well as watercolour
and enamel on paper. There were 21 pieces
done in watercolour. That in itself defines Steve Jobson as an
accomplished water colourist.
Jobson explained: “For this exhibition, I started off using
watercolour. Usually when I start something, it is often from the
discipline of a particular media. Most of the creations followed on
the idea of playing around with watercolour. I also experimented
with the idea of using marks; and these developed into the dot
screen technique, which I transferred to other media.
“The dot screen is a style that plays on the idea of memory.
The motivation was to convolute or destroy pictures in some way,
in order to show the passage of time and save memories. It also
involves the concept of changing memories.”
The paintings that employed the dot screen technique
included: ‘Empire’, ‘Bleak Escape’, ‘Tidemark’, ‘Strung Out’ and
‘Language Barrier’.
The exhibition was the culmination of a year’s work, inspired
by the places Jobson has visited, his thoughts and his dreams.
“The collection was inspired by the film Another Year (2010)
by British director Mike Leigh, which is dark humour about the
way we perceive ourselves. My exhibition sort of came from that,”
said Jobson.
There was no coherent theme in this collection of work,
no grand statement of intent. Rather, Jobson’s paintings were
really a reflection of himself – his character, self identity and
everyday life.
Most of the exhibition paintings were executed in a unique
style of overlaying images, to achieve a finish that dazzled the
viewer. When viewed from different angles and distances, a
Accomplished water colourist Steve Jobson captures his personal thoughts and
dreams of 2014 in a series of intriguing images
By Berry Shaba. Photos courtesy of Sophie Lalonde Gallery
AnotherYear
ART

variety of scenes was created.
‘Another Year’ reflected paintings that are both personal and
public. As Jobson pointed out: “We see the idea of generations
changing, and the transformation of perceptions, to a large extent
socially, and to a small extent, personally and politically. So, I see
this collection as vaguely social realism.”
Notable pieces in the exhibition included: ‘Behold’, ‘Etiquette’,
‘The Populist’, ‘Putting a Cap on It’, and ‘Schrodinger’s Shadow’.
‘Behold’ is a 20×29 centimetre watercolour and enamel
self-portrait whose composition, theme and title all hint of
things to come. The subject, Jobson himself, has a sage-looking
countenance that hints at wisdom.
‘Etiquette’ is a massive 101×127 centimetre oil and enamel
on canvas painting. It is a riotous depiction of conflict on many
levels; there is personal strife represented by the main subject of
the composition – a man wielding a beer bottle and screaming
at the viewer over an elaborately set meal. The man is eyeless,
probably a portrait of an ‘angry young man’ who is unhappy with
his situation in life.
‘The Populist’ is very much a political statement that provokes
debate about the contradictions of most nations’ socio-political
situations. Utilising the Union Jack, the image hints at England.
The subject of this painting is a commanding looking man,
who, if he was an election candidate, would garner substantial
supporters, for he cuts an erudite figure.
The piece ‘Putting a Cap on It’ addresses the perennial social
ills and inequalities prevalent in most nations, both in the past
and today. However, Jobson seems to approach the subject not
from the usual ‘rant and lecture’ method. He hooks the viewer
with a succulent giant lobster dish in the foreground and draws
him/her into discussion by panning over squalid living conditions
stretching from the foreground into the background.
‘Schrodinger’s Shadow’ is a teacher’s word of caution about
today’s youth’s pastimes. Many young people would want to
spend a large chunk of their time playing with electronics. The
painting depicts a handful of boys ‘wired’ and ‘hooked’ to their
hand phones and computers; they are intensely focused on the
gadgets, playing video games of sort. The question is raised – Will
these couch potatoes ever propel humankind forward?
Steve Jobson was born in England in 1960. He is currently the
Head of the Art Department at Maru-a-Pula School in Gaborone,
and has been teaching there for 16 years.
Jobson was educated at Medway College of Design (UK),
Sunderland Polytechnic (UK), Croydon College (UK), Briton
Polytechnic (UK) and the University of the North West in South
Africa. He has exhibited in London, Botswana, South Africa and
Mozambique. P
AD
above: In this painting, Jobson uses
subtlety to comment on bad habits, i.e.
littering.
previous page, left: ‘The Creation of Adam’,
watercolour.
Previous page, right: ‘You Can’t Always
Get What You Want’, watercolour.
page 56: ‘Putting a Cap on It’,
watercolour, is a commentary on
societal inequalities.
page 57: ‘Chicken Tikka Masala and
Shattered Dreams’, watercolour.

FEATURE
Resilient Supply Chains
in Africa: The Key to
Success in 2015
By Sumesh Rahavendra
S
uccessful companies in 2015 will
be those that can adapt to the fast
changing global environment. They
must be able to cope with such factors
as unstable currency markets, the
rapidly growing global population and
the rising number of internet users, and
make them work in their favour.
As the global economy continues
to change, retail, manufacturing and
other sectors are increasingly facing
difficult, and sometimes unique, challenges that impact their
supply chains.
Business decision-makers should be asking themselves how
they can respond quickly to shifting customer demand, how they
can contain or reduce escalating costs, and how they can enter
emerging markets without substantially increasing their risk.
Below are a few key strategies to build and maintain a well
designed supply chain.
ANNUAL PLANNING AND REVIEW
This lays the foundation for an efficient supply chain, as it assists
business owners to see the bigger picture and enables them to be
flexible in the face of changing business needs. All potential risks
must be identified and assessed, no matter how improbable.
Business owners must review the past year, to ascertain what
has impacted on their supply chain, and what can be improved
upon – to avoid unnecessary interruptions in the future. For
example, fluctuating fuel prices directly impact delivery costs. It
is therefore important to streamline delivery processes, in order to
stabilise costs and, in turn, keep client tariffs steady.
Another area to look at is seasonal spikes in business, which
may require additional resources. For example, retailers often
BUSINESS
experience a surge in sales over the festive season; effective
solutions need to be put in place to avoid customer delay, and
ultimately, complaints.
REVERSE LOGISTICS
This is often overlooked; however, effectively managing the flow of
returned goods and packaging is key to reducing unexpected costs.
INTERNATIONAL SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
Trading across borders can present a number of challenges that
are unique to individual countries. In Africa, these include:
congestion in major cities, such as Lagos and Nairobi; customs
inconsistencies with regards to product classifications and duty
and tax exemptions (which can lead to complex customs clearance
processes); and a lack of air connectivity (with just over 12 per
cent of cities served by only one flight per week). It is important
to understand these challenges and make the necessary plans to
circumvent potential delays.
In order to maximise the bottom line, decision-makers should
aim to take a more holistic approach to managing supply chain
risk and achieve greater visibility, flexibility, and control.
Businesses in Africa are under increasing pressure in the current
economic climate to remain competitive, both locally and globally.
They sometimes lack the ability to build resilient supply chains.
Strategically outsourcing logistics can make a significant
contribution to a company’s profitability. Make sure that you have
the right partners who understand the global economy, and more
importantly, the intricacies of doing business with each individual
African country. It’s not a one size fits all approach! P
Sumesh Rahavendra is Head of Marketing,
DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa
above: Trading across borders can
present a number of challenges.
Top: Decision-makers should
take a more holistic approach to
managing supply chain risk.
facing page: Annual planning and
review are the foundations for an
efficient supply chain.

By Atlang Sebakile
Photos courtesy of
Katlego Gaotsenelelwe
Meet
Katlego,
Miss Heritage
Botswana AD
T
he reigning Miss Heritage Botswana,
Ms. Katlego Gaotsenelelwe, recently
returned home after a successful showing
at the Miss Heritage World 2014 pageant,
where she placed second runner-up.
With a list of accolades that runs
as long as her stilettos are high,
Gaotsenelelwe – aka ‘Kat’ – is a force to
be reckoned with.
Her journey in the beauty pageant
industry began in 2010 when she entered
Miss McConnell and emerged victorious. A year after handing
the crown to her successor in 2012, she entered Miss University of
Botswana (UB), but did not make the mark.
Not one to be deterred, she entered Miss Tourism Botswana
and to the surprise of her critics, she was crowned Miss Tourism
Botswana 2013.
She says one of the perks that came with winning this title was
travelling to Guinea to represent Botswana at the Miss World
Tourism. “Unfortunately, I didn’t do well there, but representing
my country at a pageant of such magnitude opened my eyes; and
I realised that I could achieve anything I aspired to,” she told
Peolwane in an interview.
Gaotsenelelwe came back home inspired more than ever,
and prepared for her next battle of the crown. She entered Miss
Heritage Botswana 2014, the title she currently holds.
‘Kat’, as she is affectionately known, stresses: “From now on,
the sky is the limit. My aims include mentoring aspiring beauty
queens, empowering women and becoming one of the world’s
leading culture activists.”
The 21-year-old beauty is a fitness and gym fanatic whose
favourite local music group is Culture Spears.
Currently studying Environmental Science and Sociology at
UB, this beauty queen says her journey to South Africa was not a
walk in the park, as procuring funds for wardrobe, transport, etc.
was difficult.
“I am very lucky because some good Samaritans, like Mr.
Aobakwe Molosiwa and Mr. Kaone Moremong, came to my
rescue and sponsored some of my outfits,” she says.
“Aspiring models and beauty queens should ensure that they
are passionate about the industry. In that way, they will be able to
overcome the challenges they will face,” Kat advises. P
TAILPIECE

FEATURE
Geography
Botswana is roughly the size of France
or Texas. Its surface area is 581,730 sq
km. It is entirely landlocked, bordered
by its neighbours South Africa, Namibia,
Zambia and Zimbabwe. Botswana is
84% covered by the Kalahari (Kgalagadi)
Desert. Most of the population is settled
in the east and southeast of the country.
Population
The total population estimated for 2011
is 2,024,904, growing at a rate of 1.9%
per annum. The population is heavily
weighted towards younger age groups.
About 33% of the population is younger
than 15 years of age. Over 63% of the
population is settled in urban areas
(cities, towns and urban villages).
Urban centres
Gaborone, in the extreme southeast,
is the capital city. Its population is
approximately 232 000. It has good
communications by road and air to
South Africa. Other main towns are
Francistown (98,961), Lobatse (29,007),
Selebi-Phikwe (49,411), Jwaneng (18,008 ),
Orapa (9,531) and Sowa (3,598 ).
Climate
Summer: December to March. High
temperatures average 30C to 35C with
lows around 18C and rain particularly
between December and March.
Winter: June to August. Daytime
temperatures around 23C with night-time
lows averaging 5C.
Air Botswana
The national airline’s expanded schedule
of international flights now includes
flights between:
Gaborone and Johannesburg
Gaborone and Harare
Gaborone and Lusaka
Maun and Johannesburg
Kasane and Johannesburg
Francistown and Johannesburg
Maun and Cape Town
Gaborone and Cape Town
Domestic flights run between Gaborone
and Francistown, Gaborone and Maun,
Gaborone and Kasane, and Maun and
Kasane.
Visas
Visitors from the European Union, most
Commonwealth countries and the USA
do not require visas. Visitors from other
countries should check with Botswana
embassies or consulates. Visas are
initially granted for 30 days and can be
extended for a total of three months.
(Visitors from Ghana, India, Nigeria,
Pakistan and Sri Lanka do require visas.)
Duty-free allowance
The following goods declared on arrival
are duty free: Two litres of wine, one
litre of spirits, 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars,
250gm of cigarette and pipe tobacco,
50ml perfume, 250ml eau de toilette. All
goods acquired outside Botswana must
be declared when you enter the country.
Departure tax
International P100, Local P50
People
Batswana are the most numerous
people in the country, forming about
78.2% of the population and speaking
the Setswana language. (Batswana also
refers to citizens of Botswana.) They have
settled in nearly all parts of the country.
The oldest ethnic group is the San. Over
80% of the population lives in the eastern
region.
Languages
The o�icial language is English, which is
used in government and business affairs.
Setswana is the national language, and
is widely spoken. Other ethnic groups
speak their own languages.
Business hours
Private sector:
Monday to Friday 8am-5pm
Government o�ices:
Monday to Friday 7.30am4.30pm
Time
GMT plus 2 hours.
Currency
The Pula is divided into 100 thebe. Notes
are P200, P100, P50, P20 and P10. Coins
are P5, P2, P1, 50t, 25t, 10t and 5t.
Banks
Ten main commercial banks operate
in Botswana: Barclays Bank, Standard
Chartered Bank, First National Bank,
Stanbic Bank, Bank of Baroda, Bank
Gaborone, Capital Bank, BancABC,
Bank of India and State Bank of India.
There are also a number of foreign
exchange bureaux.
Banking hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30am
to 3:30pm; Saturday: 8:30am to 11:am.
.
Public holidays
1 January: New Year’s Day
2 January: Public holiday
March/April (variable): Good Friday and
Easter Monday
1 May: Labour Day
June (variable): Ascension Day
1 July: Sir Seretse Khama Day
Third Monday in July: President’s Day (and
following day)
30 September: Independence Day (and
following day)
25 December: Christmas Day
26 December: Boxing Day
International telephone dialling
International code +267
Diplomatic Representation
Angola, Brazil, Great Britain, Cuba, China,
Ethiopia, France, Germany, India, Kenya,
Libya, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria,
Russia, Republic of South Africa, Sweden,
United States of America, Zambia,
Zimbabwe.
Botswana Brief
The Republic of Botswana is a multi-party democracy. It became independent
on 30 September 1966. It has an executive President as Head of State. The
National Assembly elects the President for a term of five years. The current
President is His Excellency Lt. Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama.
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