HIECHWARE

'A Bushman people, the Hiechware lives in the Kalahari desert in the northeast of Botswana. Living mainly among the Tswana, the Hiechware are employed by them as hunters and herders. However, they still live a nomadic lifestyle following the typical hunting and gathering pattern of other Bushman peoples. Men do the hunting, and occasionally some fishing when possible, and the women do the gathering.

When a man wants to marry a girl he has to catch a large animal and present it as a gift to her father. After the wedding the husband will perform postmarital bride service which may last as long as three years. Monogamy is the norm, but one will also find the odd exception to the rule.

As they are a nomadic people, the Hiechware lives in small migratory bands of not more than four families. These families are not always related.

Settlements are only temporary. Shelter consists of branches that are planted into the ground and tied together at the top. Grass coverings, and occasionally animal skins, are used as roofing. Having no tribal organization or paramount chiefs, the Hiechware is predominantly dependant on their Tswana employers.

• Country: Botswana
• Population (year): 1.5 million (1995)
• Major Religion: Christian
• Percent Christian: 62%
• Percent Evangelical: 4.4%
• Openness to Missionaries: Open

'1. HAVE THEY HEARD THE GOSPEL?

Who is Jesus Christ to them? 10% Believe Jesus is the Son of God

2. HAVE THEY RESPONDED TO THE GOSPEL?

Believers to population: 1 believer to every 10 persons (total believers - 300)(10%)

3. DO THEY HAVE A CHURCH?

Not sure.

4. DOES THIS PEOPLE HAVE THE WORD OF GOD TRANSLATED INTO THEIR MOTHER TONGUE?

No.

5. ANY HINDRANCES TO SCRIPTURE DISTRIBUTION?

A low literacy rate.

6. WHAT OTHER FORMS OF GOSPEL PRESENTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

Don't know.

7. ARE THEY RECEPTIVE TO CHANGE AND TO CHRISTIANITY?

As is the case with other bushman tribes, the Hiechware too is somewhat resistant towards the gospel.

8. DO THEY REQUIRE OUTSIDE (CROSS-CULTURAL) ASSISTANCE?

Yes, church planting efforts are needed.

*All figures are estimates