Crocodiles impoverish Ramotlabaki farmers
26 March, 2008

RAMOTSWA Some rivers which are a source of water or life for farming communities in the Kgatleng district, are also exacerbating poverty.

The Notwane and Limpopo rivers appear peaceful but there is trouble in the deep.

They pose a serious danger as they are home to crocodiles which feed on livestock.

Ramotlabaki village, some 100 kilometres from Mochudi, just a stones throw from Botswana/South Africa border fence, is sandwiched between the two rivers.

The settlement started as a cattle post but it was later declared a village as the population increased.

But to this day, most residents still depend on rearing livestock such as goats, donkeys and cattle at subsistence level.

We used to have lots of livestock but most of us are empty handed because of the wild animals and crocodiles in this area, said one of the residents.

Senior citizen, Mr Selelo Maano said they water their livestock at the rivers but the crocodiles have impoverished them as they kill their cattle and goats.

Beside the crocodiles ,other animals that pose a threat to livestock include hyenas, leopards, jackals and wild dogs.

Porcupines, insects and corn-crickets destroy crops. Mr Moilwa Sakeng was concerned that some animals which damage crops were not compensated for, advocating for a review.

Mr Motsise Tlhong who lost 32 of his goats when hyenas attacked them in their kraal said he reported but was told there was no compensation.

I was hurt because I am not working and I depend on livestock to take care of my children and pay their school fees.

He complained that hyenas and leopards rendered him poor after they devoured his source of livelihood.

He said he reported the incident to the wildlife office in Mochudi but he was denied compensation as the officer said there was no evidence.

Government, he said, should review the act so that Batswana do not become a destitute nation dependant on food baskets.

Most residents complained that the government compensated for animals, which were not in their district and requested that the issue be re-visited.

In the district the troublesome animals are leopards, wild dogs and hippopotamus which were compensated for.

The village leader, Kgosi Letshwiti said it was true crocodiles posed a serious danger to residents and their livestock.

He said two people were killed. The kgosi said they could not put up a fence to stop them as their livestock drink from the river.

But he suggested that a wildlife official be stationed at Olifants Drift to attend to such cases.

Kgosi Letshwiti said it was costly to travel to Mochudi to report.

Wildlife official, Mr Gilbert Mogapi said they were aware of the destruction wild animals caused in the district, and told residents that the act allows them to kill animals which destroyed their property, and report to the wildlife office or the police.

He was concerned that most residents delayed reporting.He said his office has no powers to amend the regulations, adding that residents could approach their political leaders and discuss the issue.

Mr Mogapi also advised residents to report such incidents so that they could trace those animals to translocate rather than kill them.

Wild animals , he said were part of this countrys economy.

The officer also advised them to engage in wildlife projects, and venture into businesses utilizing wildlife products.

He also said they could embark on game farming.

Mr Mogapi briefed them about Community Based National Resources Management where they could appreciate wild animals and benefit from them by creating jobs for others.

He said the programme was doing well country wide as it involves the community to develop their villages.

That is a way of protecting and conserving the environment. The program also involves community trusts to drive it.

Mr Mogapi cited an example of one trust in the Maun area that built a lodge and rented it and also bought a fleet of cars.

He said the trust also connected water to many homes. The wildlife department, he said , has a community conservation fund to assist such trusts Meanwhile the Kgatleng district boasts of the Matsieng Community Development Trust and Kgatleng Nature Conservation Trust.

The latter intends to open a game ranch or a park at Ramotlabaki near Notwane River. BOPA

Hey, you live with, around, and by wild and ferocious animals and that's the everyday risk that you take.