Botswana farmer gifts Tsvangirai a bull during tour
By Never Kadungure | Nehanda Politics |
A farmer in Botswana honoured Zimbabwean Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai by giving him a bull from his cattle kraal as a gift. The MDC-T leader on a four day working visit toured the farm in the Kgatleng District.
“This is what I like!” Tsvangirai is quoted saying repeatedly as he entered Lesley Matlhaga’s cattle post on Friday. The Zimbabwean PM was accompanied by Botswana Vice President Dr Ponatshego Kedikilwe.
Tsvangirai later dined with Bakgatla royals and officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Office of the President. Reports say he was treated to a Tswana prepared meal of papa, morogo wa dinawa, seswaa and ginger.
After lunch the Tsvangirai went back to the kraal where he was shown his gift – a Cahrolais bull. A report by The Monitor newspaper in Botswana said the Zimbabwe PM repeatedly told Matlhaga, “thank you”.
Matlhaga said he was honoured by the visit and this “will put me on the map, not only in Botswana but even outside the borders”. He says he started his cattle post in 2004 with only four beasts (Cahrolais breed) bought from South Africa.
The farmer now has 15 Cahrolais and 8 mixed breed beasts bought locally. He also rears sheep and goats. Tsvangirai chose to visit a farm for the leisure part of his itinerary because he had not seen one in that country on his many visits.
A few days ago Tsvangirai praised Botswana for being transparent in its diamond mining industry saying it had transformed many lives in that country, while in Zimbabwe the discovery of the precious mineral had become a curse.
Tsvangirai was touring a diamond mining company soon after a 30-minute meeting with President Ian Khama. He said Zimbabwean diamonds had created thousands of jobs in countries like India, a far cry from those employed locally.
Tsvangirai also met Zimbabweans based in Botswana and briefed them on the situation in the country. His visit was part of a diplomatic initiative to enhance economic and socio-political relations with the neighbouring country.
