Discover FRANCISTOWN: One of the Most Beautiful Cities of BOTSWANA | 10 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT IT

Francistown boasts a lot of names including ‘Capital of the North,’ ‘Ghetto,’ ‘Toropo’ (meaning town), or ‘Ftown.’ Everyone has their way of relating with the city and engaging with its rich diverse culture. What is evident is that a convergence of cultures exists with a general Kalanga overtone. It is dubbed the capital of the North as many Kalanga villagers visit it to conduct business. No one knows why Francistown is called “ghetto”. The Name seems to have come from the streets and caught on. Some note that it signifies a lack of development and informal settlements that rose in the city. Or maybe it signifies the presence of the old mines. What is evident though is most use it as a term of endearment. Ftown denotes Batswana’s love for nicknames. Long names just must be shortened, and formal names need a street twist. It’s how we show our affection. ’Toropo’ which is jokingly pronounced with the northern accent, comes from taking a jab at the Kalanga people. It notes how the villager