On to Botswana and Gaborone

Botswana, Gaborone

23-10-07
Just in Botswana.

Travelled on some incredible long straight roads from Jo’burg to Gaborone. Met with a women’s group but we were very late so a bit awkward but went OK. Saw kudu, baboons and springboks from car. I have a bit of a sniffle and Jennifer is not too good but nothing serious. Luckily for me it was cooler today and rained tonight.

24-10-07
I went to a harvest and thanksgiving concert at Trinity Congregational church, Gaborone where Rupert is minister. He was not there. Now off to Zimbabwe tomorrow. Been cold and yet here today which is good for the country and me but everyone else is struggling to keep warm.

Yesterday we started with a meeting with the director of the women’s affairs department of Botswana government. Told us of struggles to get domestic violence legislation through next parliament. Marital rape had to be removed at insistence of church leaders. Then to meet general secretary of Botswana council of churches. After to meet staff of Kgolagano college including Rupert. Name means covenant. Went to traditional African lunch where I tried to two sorts of pap which is sorghum porridge. Not bad. Next instalment later.

Just had coffee with Russell. Seemed pleased to meet but quite reserved. His brother lived near him but had arranged for him to come because of uncertainty of contact.

30-10-07
On an eight hour journey.

It is Sunday evening and there is no access to a network here but I will try and get up to date with my messages.

On Friday afternoon we visited the offices of the Botswana Council for women. They ran a number of nursery schools and had done other projects which had now stopped because of they were not economic. However, they still ran the Miss Botswana competition but this did not generate income. The message we received was that money was more important than vision or passion to improve things for women. Our next visit was totally different and much more encouraging. We met staff and volunteers who ran a women’s shelter. Though the people they help are in great trouble it was a good news story. They run programmes to economically empower women who have left violent relationships. They offer counselling to men and women. After a meal we went to the concert I mentioned.

31-10-07
*some text missing * … so only had time for meal in Francis Town before heading for the border. Good job too because the queue was long and there was some difficulty getting our Guyanese member a visa. We were there nearly four hours.