Mama was born Mary Jones in 1920 in Molepolole. She was a home nurse and had 12 children, 9 boys and 3 girls.



Mama's house was built in 1948 and they lived in the rondavel that was in the garden until it was built. The rondavel was built in 1940. The house has 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a lounge, dining room and kitchen with scullery on the patio. 



All the floors are cement and are kept clean and shiny. This is because the woman in the house make home made polish from a mixture of paraffin and candle wax, which they melt and mix together. They say it is their way of passing time and chatting while they make the floor beautiful because they no longer have children to look after and they do not work.



Mama passed away in 2003 from diabetic complications. She was buried in a cemetery in Molepolole. The ceremony began at the garden at her home and after the ceremony and burial, the people who attended were fed at mama's house. It is the traditional way in Botswana.



The only difference in life after mama's death is that the house now has electricity and running water.