About BASHI:
How did he become a ranger?
Bashi started his career at Mashatu as a labourer and bricklayer. Soon his potential was realized and he was offered a tracking position. Bashi knew he would do well in this position as he grew up in the bush, and as a little boy had to herd and look after his mother’s cattle. Through spending days in the bush he learned the different animal tracks and calls as well as the different bird species. Tracking was second nature to him and the idea of working as a tracker on a reserve was very exciting. His only problem was learning to speak proper English. But Bashi was determined and through the assistance of his family and the rangers he quickly learned. His English improved by the day.
As a tracker he was determined to always better himself. When not driving he would be book in hand learning the English and Latin names of all the trees and birds. Through reading his English improved even further and so did his confidence. His dream now was to one day be a ranger.
His determination did not go unnoticed and soon he was asked to get his driver’s license. This posed a big problem for Bashi. The idea of driving and speaking English was daunting. For months he avoided the Operations Director in fear that he would ask him if he had his license yet. He could soon no longer hide, and Mashatu offered to pay for the driving school and license. Bashi soon after set off to Gaborone to go through his license test. First time round he failed and despite being disappointed, with the encouragement of the company he tried again. This time he passed his oral exam, and had only to do the practical driving test. After the test all the applicants waited in anguish for their results. A white sheet = failed | A pink sheet = pass. His name was eventually called out … the sheet was pink. Bashi has never experienced such joy. He did it!
11 years later and Bashi is now one of the senior rangers on Mashatu, speaking fluent English and able to tell amazing stories of his life in the bush.
Most memorable sighting:
“One morning on route to Main camp in Elephant Valley I spotted the Elephant Valley lioness chasing a wildebeest across the road about 500m away. She got hold of the wildebeest, but the animal was not going to give up that easily. He continued running with the lioness attached to him, but eventually she had to let go. The chase continued, when suddenly the wildebeest bull spotted the lion cubs and started chasing them. The lioness now had to choose between the safety of her cubs and dinner. The cubs came first and she left the wildebeest in peace.
Conservation message:
All should partake in removing litter from the reserve and our neighbourhood. Animals can ingest plastic bags causing a horrible death. |