User:Marcellinashilongo

TSUMKWE SETTLEMENT

File:Tsumkwe dance

Party time tradional style in Tsumkwe

  === Introduction ===

Firstly, Tsumkwe is a small settlement in the north eastern section of Namibia situated in Otjozondjupa region, about 40 kilometres from the border of Botswana and 60km south of the Game Park. Tsumkwe is the main town in Bushman land, which is the administrative centre for the nearest community which includes Mangetti Dune, Den Pos, Aasvoures, Gam and many more others. The nearest big town is Grootfontein, which is about 304km to the west. The nearest hospital is 80 kilometres away at Mangetti Dune and is where community member can get the doctor.

  === History ===

Tsumkwe is for San People (Bushman) they are hunter gatherers who have roamed the vast plains of Southern Africa for thousands of years before migrants drove them further and further east into the Kalahari Desert. The Places that people are more interested in are Baobab tree, the Khaudum Game Park and the Nyae Nyae Pans (a very nice place for enjoyment especially in summer). You can learn how Tsumkwe community have managed to survive using ancient techniques gained from generations of accumulated knowledge. They also offer a specialised ‘Gods must be crazy Tour’, where interaction with the local Ju/Hoansi Bushman tribe can be enjoyed. In conclusion, Tsumkwe itself doesn’t look inviting. But nevertheless it has a petrol station, an administration building, a police station, a lodge, a clinic, a magistrate court, not much more. But since 1998 there is an interesting communal project south of the village. The San Community has founded the Nyae Nyae Conservancy which is very rich in game. Tsumkwe also has a Country Lodge which gives the visitors a warm accommodation and good hospitality.

The area associated with Tsumkwe exhibits notable vegetation and wildlife. Particularly within the Khaudom Game Reserve[Kaudwane in Tswana] can be seen lion, cheetah, hyena and other large mammals.

  === Economic activity ===

There are shops for food and for alcohol although they are very expensive compared to the price in town. In 2008 a petrol station was established in the town. However these shops and the filling station are not always well stocked and community members and visitors are always doing their shopping in the nearest town Grootfontein. For those visiting Tsumkwe from the interior of Namibia, Grootfontein is a good supply stop while those using the border which was recently opened from Botswana at Dobe border post need to be prepared for a rough gravel road.

More tourists visit Tsumkwe simple because the area is inhabited by the bushman people and they would like to find out more about their living condition and their unique culture. The town itself is honestly poor and many of its populations depends on alcohol due to that the majority are uneducated and nothing more they can do therefore they end up spending most of their time at coca shop. For those that are looking for more natural bushman experience Tsumkwe is the place where you can find everything for bushman that are also know by the name ‘san people’.

There is also a Living Museum situated at Grashoek village in Tsumkwe area that offers the opportunity to meet Ju/Hoansi San people dressed up in their traditionally cloths, the centre also offers demonstrations of the bushman culture and survival techniques such as using a bow and arrow, a digging stick and generations of stored knowledge.

Situated next to the Nyae - Nyae conservancy offices in Tsumkwe is G!hunku Crafts, which means barter in the Ju!’hoansi and !Kung languages. They give outlet to local artists and craftsmen to sell their wares. In that craft centre you will find traditionally handmade items such as necklaces and bracelets made from ostrich eggs, beads, hunting bows and arrows as well as collecting bags made from animal hide. Those are the items that attract most of tourists in Tsumkwe. The main road which is between Grootfontein and Tsumkwe is a gravel road and it can be travelled with a car which is really at a good standard, but all the other roads in the area tend to consist of deep sand which caused by the mud in the raining season and should not really be attempted without a 4x4 vehicle and reasonable off-roading experience.

Tsumkwe is a rich area in terms of resources and a major tourist attraction because of its preserved culture. Apart from people burning some bushes since they believe that it’s their culture to burn but most of the environment is proper.

References

1. www.namibia.org/travel/namibia/tsumkwe.html

2. www.namibiatravel.com/regions/bushmanland-tsumkwe

3. www.namibia-travel.net/travelguide/northern-namibia/tsumkwe

4. W. Torbitt (2011) Information Competence study guide. Polytechnic of Namibia Centre for Open and lifelong learning.}}