31 Aug 2014

August 23 marked 38 years of Botswana’s currency Pula in circulation following the use of South African Rand from 1961 to 1976 and the British Pound in the former years (1855-1961).

It was on that background that people gathered at Disaneng in Maun to commemorate the inaugural Pula Day. Speaking at the event, the former Maun legislator, Mr Bahiti Temane highlighted that the introduction of the Pula as the Botswana currency did not come easily in 1976.

Mr Temane said skeptics were wondering how Botswana could have a currency as poor as the country was. However, the consultations that were led by the current Vice President, Dr Ponatshego Kedikilwe bore fruits, and Pula and Thebe were chosen as the currency.

“Pula represented the prayers by the people of Botswana and Thebe for the currency to secure the economy of Botswana,” he said. Mr Temane pointed out that the nations’ currency needed security to be protected from those involved in making counterfeits.

He said it was also important to guard against the Pula currency losing value, as it had happened to other countries where currencies had no quality and measured in quantities, to a point where such currencies could be exchanged anywhere.

The organiser of Pula Day event, Ms Bontekanye Botumile of Thari-E-Ntsho storytellers said Maun was the first place to recognise and celebrate a part of history that is seemingly forgotten.

Ms Botumile said the Pula currency was a success story, and a part of culture and history as rain signifies a lot in the Batswana culture. The day was attended by people of diverse nations. 

Mogwana Traditional Dance Troupe from Gaborone entertained the audience with their Hosana rain prayer dances. ENDS