WE ARE AWARE!
Chibuku drinkers speak out on COVID-19
IT’S only 15:30 but Zamalek Chibuku Depot, nestled in the heart of Francistown’s Kgapamadi location, is already packed with revellers.
In twos and threes, the allmale clientele are obviously enjoying the opaque traditional brew.
Voice Reporters, Kabelo Dipholo and Christinah Motlhabane, casually approach the drinking party, stoically ignoring the quizzical looks thrown their way.
The task is simple, to find out how much they know about COVID-19 and what measures they are taking to protect themselves.
An attempt at a handshake is quickly rebuffed by the fella with dreadlocks. “We don’t shake hands here. Haven’t you heard about Coronavirus?” It is an unexpected but promising start!
TSHIRELETSO MORAPELO (30)
I have started trying to keep a distance from people wherever I go. I don’t touch anyone. I’m trying by all means to avoid getting infected. I’ve even stopped going to church. What I’ve seen so far on TV is enough to scare me. If rich, powerful countries like China are in tears over this, what chance does poor, small Botswana have? We are not equipped to survive something like this; if it comes here, we are all dead! We have to be cautious because we do not have enough hospitals to deal with this.
MOOKETSI GALETLHOLWE (38)
With this Coronavirus killing thousands of people, I’ve learnt to avoid crowding. That is why I am sitting with my friend only. Even chibuku and cigarettes, I share with him and no one else. I know it’s against the advice of health officials but some things are just unavoidable. It’s going to be very difficult for me not to shake my grandmother’s hands when I get home in Matsiloje. I, however, make sure to wash my hands often because I’m really scared of this disease.
JOEL DIPHOKO (49)
I wish people can be taught about Coronavirus in all the languages so they understand. In some villages, they don’t even understand Setswana, they want to be taught in their mother tongue. Even on radios and television, all Botswana languages should be used to spread the message. Public transport should also lead the way. They transport many people but there’s no sanitising. We’re all going to die if we’re not careful. A lot of people cannot afford sanitisers. I just pray that our government is ready for any possibilities. I’m really scared.
GOFAMODIMO MUZILA (34)
I was in Pretoria last week and just came back this Friday. I was worried that I might catch the virus and decided to return home until the situation is brought under control in South Africa. However, with rising statistics of people testing positive, I may never set foot there in a long time. Luckily for me, I stopped sharing my drink a long time ago. I never liked sharing, specifically for hygienic purposes.
DINEO MOROTSI (35)
I’ve picked up a lot of useful information both on radio and television. I learnt that I should wash my hands frequently and avoid crowded places. I’m in the process of buying the sanitisers and masks so when it comes to our country, I will be ready. The way people are dying is painful.