Nomadic Herdsman

Driving through Lesotho you see some unique sights and meet interesting people. This man was walking next to the road in the middle of nowhere. I asked my dad to stop the car and I jumped out to ask the man if I could take his picture.

I asked him where he was heading and why he was out here in the middle of this barren landscape. He said that he was a nomadic herdsman and that the storm of the night before resulted in him not reaching his destination. He had everything he owned with him and his livestock was his livelihood. He was heading to the police station at the top of Sani Pass where he would spend the night.

I never give people money for taking their photo. Mostly because I never carry money on me and I don’t want the people to start a begging culture. I usually just show them the photo I took, but this time it was different. He asked me to give him a R5 for food and I give it to him. He was excited to chat to me and seemed very educated. He did not beg me for money; he just wanted a R5 for his next meal.