Grandmother Mmateboho

The  story  tells  of  Grandmother  Mmateboho,  an  elderly  village  woman  who  lives  with  her  ten-year-old  grandson,  Fana.  She  is  deeply  devoted  to  her  chickens,  which  are  both  her  pride  and her  livelihood. Though  strict,  she  is  loving  and  instils  in  Fana  strong  values  of  respect,  hard  work,  faith  and  responsibility. Fana  helps  with  daily  chores,  excels  at  school  and  shows  unusual  maturity  for  his  age. Grandmother  Mmateboho  is  a  devout  church  member  who  treasures  storytelling,  hymn-singing  and  traditional  teachings. She  plays  a  central  role  in  shaping  Fana's  character  and  education,  even  nurturing  dreams  that  Fana  might  one  day  become  a  doctor.  However,  as  time  passes,  the  grandmother's  health  declines  due  to  high  blood  pressure  and  other  complications. Fana  and  his  mother  care  for  her  as  best  they  can,  supported  by  teachers,  relatives  and  the  church  community. Eventually,  Grandmother  Mmateboho  passes  away,  leaving  Fana  heartbroken,  especially  because  he  had  promised  to  buy  her  more  chickens  and  build  better  coops  for  her.  Though  devastated,  Fana  is  encouraged  by  his  mother  to  honour  his  grandmother's  memory  by  continuing  her  education  and  living  according  to  the  values  he   was  taught. The  story  ends  on  a  note  of  sorrow,  but  also  hope,  that  the  seeds  of  wisdom  planted  by  the  grandmother  will  continue  to  bear  fruit  in  Fana's  life.