Though things have changed and modern food has taken over, residents in Mahikeng, North West often treat themselves to a palatable dish prepared in Setswana. Who would miss a well-prepared plate of widely loved ”Tshotlo” or shredded meat, ”Tlhakwana” otherwise known as cow heel or pork trotter, and staple food like fermented sorghum porridge called ”Ting”?

These are just some of the meals still enjoyed by Batswana and people touring Mahikeng and the neighboring villages and towns.

Kefilwe Modise, a local vendor who’s been selling traditional food for four years, says there’s proven to be a market for her plates.

“More than anything, I was just surprised that the young ones, the 2ks, they actually eat traditional food. For some weird reason, the first three clients of today it was only 2ks. There is a residence that is just here … they will tell you that they want dumplings. So, they do eat traditional food,” says Modise.

She says she identified a gap in the market, encouraging her to purchase a motorbike for deliveries.

“The reason why I decided to have a delivery package is that Mahikeng is big. There are those places whereby the motorbikes, even the delivery apps don’t reach. Even though on those big apps with big brands, there’s a person who sells traditional food, but obviously, it’s limited in terms of delivery. Hence, I decided to get a motorbike because there are people as far as Rivera Park who want to by my food,” says Modise.

The customers say they enjoy her food.

“Thank you, guys. This is the best food you can ever have in the location,” says one of the customers.

Another customer says the food is also affordable.

“This traditional food is good due to the cost of living and the economic challenges. You can see the economy is not doing well. So, eventually you can be able to get your food cheaper. So, that’s why at some time, we eventually opt for traditional food because they are cheaper, and they are affordable and tasty,” says another customer.

Another local vendor, Mmausi Mmutlane, says people’s connection to traditional food runs deeper than the taste.

“Even with so many restaurants around, people in Mafikeng still have a strong love for traditional food. They don’t want the food to ever be unavailable,” says Mmutlane.

It is clear that traditional food also holds a special place for many people.