Botswana: “Traditional and modern side by side”

'Our Africa'

‘Our Africa’ is an ambitious project which sets out to let children across Africa film their lives the way they see them. Our teams have been travelling throughout Africa to capture children’s thoughts, opinions and ideas to present a new perspective on Africa through their own eyes.

In ‘Our Africa’, you can see children talk about what matters most to them – from games they play; to aspirations they have for jobs; to how they would like things changed fundamentally in their societies.Here, we’ve captured some of the behind-the-scenes moments and experiences that contributed to the ‘Making of Our Africa’

Traditional and modern side by side

"What’s remarkable about Botswana is the complete juxtaposition between the primitive and the modern. For example we had to fight our way amongst the free range donkeys on the highway (who have the right of way!)  on our way to the central Mall in Tlokweng with its ultra modern facilities – digital print shops, café’s and themed restaurants. Everyone has a mobile phone and motorbikes are commonplace.

And then just down the road is the ‘Kgotla’ where the local chiefs adjudicate on local issues and conduct weddings in a grass roof mud hut. Judgements and punishments are meted out here regarding personal issues like husband/wife relationships, cattle and other property.

It is really a melee of the old and new. Kumisso, our Chief Reporter said that Botswana works really hard to retain its culture. But it’s true all over Africa – culture is being lost through modern communications."