BOTSWANA ARCHITECTURE

Traditional architecture in Botswana is distinguished from modern architecture in three domains: the use of materials (mud/dung, wooden poles, thatch) that may be manufactured by members of a household; the round house form and/or thatched roofing; and/or the presence of a courtyard known as a lolwapa where much activity takes place. By contrast, modern architecture uses purchased materials (cement and bricks and roofing products) and involves the labor of specialized and commercial craftsmen, is square, and features rooms for specialized activities (bedrooms, kitchens). The traditional Tswana residential area is a compound, often housing

several closely related family groups.

From the traditional thatched houses through out the decades, Botswana has as a developing country developed and assimilated western architecture as shown by the picture on the left of the construction of the highly anticipated central business district(CBD) 

FOOD & DINING IN BOTSWANA

Restaurants and bars can be found in main towns, often within hotels. Millet and sorghum porridge constitutes much of the cuisine. Beef and goat are very popular meats. Most lodges and safari camps also have restaurants and licensed bars, although food is generally basic outside major hotels and restaurants. The standard of food in lodges and camps is generally very good. There is local beer and no real restrictions on alcohol.

Partake of the local cuisine that is unique to Southern Africa, including Pap – a traditional stiff porridge made from maize meal and eaten with beef served with Chakalaka, which is a spicy African relish made with tomato, onion, beans and curry.

Try the Vetkoek ("fat cake" ), a traditional Afrikaaner pastry. These are large dough balls, similar to doughnuts, deep- fried in cooking oil. They can then either be filled with cooked mince meat, Chakalake or spread with jam or syrup. Finally there are the mopane worms – a caterpillar eaten all over Africa, where ever it exists - dried or fried.
Then there is Samp – made from dehulled, dried corn kernels to make a cornmeal mush which is mixed with beans and served with beef, poultry or lamb.
Seswaa is a dish unique to Botswana and consists of salted mashed up meat.

FASHION IN BOTSWANA-OVERVIEW

Before you go on to read this article, stop awhile and think about the fashion industry of the 1990s and early 2000s in Botswana. Did you know any local fashion designers or local fashion brands then?

In those days you found tailors everywhere, at every street corner but the problem was that the only service you got from them was that of stitching and altering the clothes you already had.

Over the years, however, Botswana's fashion industry has picked up the slack, whipping up tremendous changes among the get-up-and-go younger section of the population. From a state of near non-existence a few years ago, the industry is now on a roll, and often trendy, young leading the changes.

The Tswana traditional fashion has always borrowed from a mixture of both western and African countries' fashion cultures with fabrics and patterns. For instance, the German print fabric, felt fabric and African print fabrics stand out as popular features of Tswana fashion.

More other patterns that are borrowed from African fashion include, puffed sleeves, pleated volume bottoms in the female dresses and skirts, embroidery patterns on the outfits, hats, jackets, coats, trousers, shirts, and woven jerseys on male outfits.

EVER HEARD OF BLACK TRASH BEFORE?

This is a Botswana-based clothing fashion label that specializes in the design or cut, fabric procurement and manufacturing of high quality garments.

Established under the banner of Black Trash co. Holdings, Black Trash enjoys the expert directorship of two highly qualified and experienced fashion designers who have featured in prominent events and produced memorable clothing garments. Black Trash is edgy, chic and yet constantly looking for a new fashion handwriting. The label caters for an individual who juggles aspect of a busy contemporary lifestyle and never afraid to bend the rules of fashion.

Even more important, Black Trash clothes are designed with a free and spontaneous individual in mind, who distinctively defines the look, energy and attitude of today.The style is for a young middle-aged individual who lives in a metropolitan setting and living a contemporary lifestyle.

Black Trash brand has local and international recognition. The label adheres to stringent quality measures in their designs and clothing, and delivers on time.