On February 25, the sun set on one of the most revered, young and humble custodians of the Bushmen culture and heritage Qoma Xhota, bringing an end to a legend’s journey that saw the infusion of the history of his tribe into modern day tourism product offering.
At the time of his passing, ‘Qoms’ was a senior Bushmen Guide at Ker & Downey Botswana’s Dinaka Camp on the edge of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR), where he led the Bushmen educational walk activity.
Qoms was quite distinctive, and all visitors to Dinaka would almost immediately notice him and also appeared to be the glue that kept the Dinaka staff together.
Qoms exuded humility, confidence, eloquence and great pride when sharing the history of the Bushmen of the Kalahari, a tour that would take guests through the survival techniques they employed in the harsh and unforgiving environment. This would encompass issues of medicinal values of plants, to sources of food and water, the hunting techniques to making fire using sticks – always highlighting the primitive methods of survival.
Qoms’ activity is very popular with guests at Dinaka, so much that guest would at the fire place after dinner – share experiences from the walk and the feedback always pointed to a well-executed and informative exercise.
Qoms feared the Bushmen culture was on an extinction trajectory owing to the modern evolution of technology and education that excluded the cultures of the minority tribes, hence he believed sharing with international guests would avert the eminent threat.
The Walk with the Bushmen activity under Qoms at Dinaka was so impactful that it was featured by the famous UK’s Daily Mail, in 2020 among the top 10 amazing walking safaris in the world.
Passing at the age of 43, Qoms possessed the energy to carry forward this important calling to bring out Basarwa from the doldrums of history and prove that they have much more to offer in the economic transformation of Botswana.
Qoms was laid to rest over the weekend in Ghanzi, his native land in a sad and sombre atmosphere, and from the various speakers – it was clear the legend had an impact on many that crossed his path in life. The big shoes he leaves may prove too big to fill; but the hopes lie with the younger ones he groomed to be the torch bearers going forward. May the spirit of Qoms rest in peace! Qaese Xuum Qoms!
