02 Oct 2014

Gripped with patriotic fervour and official obligations, various organisations and Batswana in general celebrated the 48th independence throught out the country by hoisting flags at various events.

In Gaborone, President Lt Gen Seretse Khama Ian Khama, Vice President, Dr Ponatshego Kedikilwe, cabinet ministers, senior government officials and citizens gathered at the National Stadium to commemorate the day Botswana attained its independence.

Mmoniemang Motsamai reports that the spectacular event that is also part of the 50 years anniversary celebrations themed Botswana Pele was characterised by music, cultural performances and entertainment from various groups.

President Khama inspected the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) parade which was followed by the march off that included Botswana Police and Botswana Prison Services.

Government departments and the private sector also followed suit with a float procession, showcasing some of the services they offer. Other activities included a clash between Zebras and Zimbabwe in the afternoon and contemporary legends festival in the evening at Boipuso Hall.

In Kgatleng, Booster Mogapi reports that Bakgatla converged at Bokaa where people came in large numbers to celebrate and share happiness during the Independence Day.

The Independence Day was characterised by a culmination of events towards independence that showed that this year will be different from previous two or three years where participation of Batswana was or seemed to be dwindling.

Coupled with the countdown of two years to the end of Vision 2016, the energy had been reignited, Batswana appreciate ‘Botswana Pele’ slogan and has since put aside their differences as all gather together to celebrate the immense achievement of Botswana in terms of infrastructure development, human capital, services, gross domestic product and many others.

In Kanye, Keith Keti reports that the Southern District commissioner, Mr Moses Gaealafswe called on Batswana to introspect with regard to culture preservation and revival as it is a pivot in nation building.

He said culture is the corner stone of nation building in that it teaches children values, moral standards, ethical behavior and deontological practice as well as taboos that help shape the future of children.

In Selebi Phikwe, Tshepo Mongwa reports that residents celebrated Botswana’s Independence Day in style, starting off with a walk from the mining town’s Central Business District to the stadium where everybody converged.

Magnitude of residents both young and old took part in the occasion to celebrate the country’s 48th independence under the theme ‘Botswana Jwa Me’.

In Lobatse, Segametsi Kebonang reports that the celebration was not well attended, but the chairperson of the development committee, Ms Joyce Seleka, urged the public to ensure that they come in large numbers in the coming year as it is a build up to the 50th independence celebrations.

Ms Seleka pleaded with the people of Lobatse to honour the celebrations as they mark a very important occasion in the country’s democratic rule.

She said it was very important for the peace and tranquility of this country to be nurtured especially through prayer.

In Jackalas 2, Keonee Kealeboga reports that it was a beehive of activity on Sunday as different churches converged at the Jackalas 2 kgotla for a combined Independence Day church service.

Despite the stark contrast in the shape and make of the believers’ denominational uniforms, the place resonated with deep unity and a sense of oneness, with speakers one after the other emphasising why the differences in church affiliation needed not divide the nation of Botswana.

Men and women of the cloth from various churches led the united congregation in prayers for such matters as rain, peace, families, diseases, harvest as well as the country’s independence. Ends