Africa-Press – Botswana. Basarwa living in Shaikarawe, Tobera and Kaputura have pleaded with government to acknowledge the unique skills the indigenous have to treat certain ailments.
Residents stated Sunday during a consultative meeting with the inter-ministerial committee assigned to look into the situation of Baswarwa, that some community members had knowledge of plants used to effectively treat health conditions. They suggested the integration of scientific and indigenous knowledge to enhance the quality of health services. Residents desired that individuals with such skills be allowed to lend their knowledge to patients admitted at health facilities.
“Some researchers have shown that some of our plants can treat asthma, cancer and other ailments and during the COVID-19 pandemic, no member of our community was infected with the virus because we used our medicinal plants,” said Mr Kotsi Maba when making submission of behalf of the community.
He also stated that some women in their communities were gifted in providing in maternity care adding that the areas they lived, were rich with plant species that could benefit humans and animals. An example, he said was the Mongongo tree which they had in abundance and used to produce oil but was also useful in other areas.
Mr Maba also expressed a concern that the indigenous people were excluded socially and economically hence pleaded with the government to establish a council where their grievances could be heard. He said government should use affirmative action to inclusion in governance decision making structures.
They also requested non-integration with other tribes, to avoid losing their land and cultural identity, as well as abolishing primary school hostels which they said led to delinquency and separating families among other things. Mr Ben Mateusa from Kaputura wanted government to train community trust members on good governance so that they were enlightened on how to run them. He said that Tcheku Community Trust was on the edge of collapsing owing to issues of conflict of interest.
For More News And Analysis About Botswana Follow Africa-Press
