09 Jun 2020

When the Okavango Delta and subsequently Thamalakane River started filling up last month, there was a lot of excitement amongst the Ngamiland community.

Many could not exercise patience as they were spotted along the water channels despite the extreme social distancing regulations. 

They welcomed the water with fanfare and some were spotted taking pictures, some ventured into water activities such as fishing, mekoro excursions while some went there to perform some traditional rituals.

It seems residents had lost hope of the river ever flowing again, following a challenging year of 2019 during which the entire district experienced severe drought due to the drying up of water sources. 

The drying of the water sources left many communities, livestock and wildlife in a desperate situation.

As the water flows reached areas of Boro and Maun villages, some families – the elderly and the young flocked the water sources to get the most sought  after water tip of the inflow commonly known as loleme lwa noka in Ngamiland with the belief that the arrival of the water brought new beginnings or fortunes.

Even those who do not originate from Ngamiland became fired up to get the touch of loleme la noka. 

Some fetched water with containers to keep at homes while some washed their faces and feet as a way of purification.

In  random interviews to get to the bottom of the myth behind loleme lwa noka, 89 year-old Mr Hendrik Mokerenke of Xobe settlement pointed out that Thamalakane River was not only crucial for the survival of communities but represented  a socio-cultural dimension of the society.

Historically, he said when the river started filling up, they fetched water not at the ‘head’ but the flowing water at the back to wash with it as they believed that they would be cleansed of all diseases.

The issue of loleme lwa noka, he said was news to them as during their time, they only learnt that the water brought fortunes and that it was not safe for drinking.

In addition, he said they were happy that the river was bringing back life as most of the residents depended on it for survival. 

Mr Mokerenke further noted that those residing along the water sources and in ungazetted areas used the water for domestic purposes.

Still in Xobe, Mr Gabaeme Sasa aged 74 concurred that the floods brought more benefits.

During their youthful time, he said there was nothing like loleme lwa noka adding that they just fetched the water in the centre of the inflow to wash their faces as they believed that would bring prosperity.

Those who believed in traditional medicine, he said they mixed them with water while some churches fetched water for spiritual purposes. 

Mr Sasa said at times, they washed their bodies at the same time openly saying all their needs with hope that God would answer their prayers. 

He said those who understood the history of the river had longed for the river to fill up as the waters brought new life.

“I was shocked to see young people on social media flocking the water channels to get loleme la noka because it was risky to fetch water at the tip as it comes along with dangerous animals such as snakes and crocodiles.

As 75-year-old Mr Amos Mwarija of Samedupi village who was spotted at Xobe to appreciate the water flow revealed that they believed that river water brought blessings hence they celebrated and fetched water right from the centre not at the tip.

“Rona re rutilwe gore metsi a noka a na le maatla ka jalo ha o tlhapa ka one a go ntsha dibe tsotlhe mme a go fe masego le matlhogonolo a o a lopang mo Modimong,” he added.

Some residents at Nxaraga village who were waiting for the arrival of the water said they had learnt from their forefathers that floodplains provided a wide range of benefits to the ecosystem and community.

Mr Fanuel Tjiurunga stated that in Herero tradition, when the river receives the water they kneel down, drink the water from the side using their mouth and immediately spit it out sideways as they believed that the water is fresh, removes bad luck and brings prosperity in all aspects of life.

Kgosi Gaolatlhe Kgosigaenyatswe of Nxaraga said he learnt about the importance of the inflows around 1970s but took it as a myth. 

“But this time I am ready to experience the touch of loleme la noka and see if indeed it can bring miracles,” he added. Ends