Kealabale Sathaga has lived in Moshana, Botswana, for 76 years on a plot of land she and her two sisters inherited from their parents. This is the amazing story of resilience of one woman caring for her 24 grandchildren.
Once, the extended family compound included five solid mud huts, providing shelter for Kealabale, her husband and her seven children along with her sisters and their families.
One woman, 24 grandchildren to care for
Over the years, though, wind and rain have reshaped the huts, much as death and hardship have reconfigured the family. Kealabale’s husband died many years ago and also 5 of her 7 children also passed away of age-related illnesses.
Her two remaining children have abandoned the family, leaving the elderly woman to care for 24 grand children and great grandchildren on her own. Watch this extraordinary story (or read the story below) of resilience and strength, no matter what.
Unemployment and rural poverty in Botswana
“My name is Kealabale Sathaga. I was born a long time ago. There is no one else. I am the only one taking care of them. They are my sole responsibility. We are responsible for each other.”
Moshana is one of the poorest villages in Botswana. It’s grinding poverty represents the reality of many rural African villages. The village is located 20 kilometers from bustling Kanye, but employment opportunities are scarce.
Several years ago, adults in the village worked in the pioneer quarries which has since shut down now most people in Moshana depend on temporary seasonal jobs for survival. Some people are subsistence farmers and a few have found work in the diamond mines 2 hours away.Some people of the community live in makeshift tents and struggle to make an existence.
We use cookies to improve your web experience. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information
The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.
Comments