22 Dec 2014

President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama on Monday (December 22) launched colourful postal stamps bearing national flora and fauna symbols.

The flora and fauna symbols are Morula, Sengaparile, Motshikiri and Kgori, which have been added to the existing national animal symbol of the Zebra. The commemorative occasion came after government declared the species national symbols in March this year.

BotswanaPost chief executive officer, Mr Pele Moleta, said the event marked issuance of yet another set of stamps given “stamps are our great ambassadors that travel across the globe.”

Speaking at the occasion, Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, Mr Tshekedi Khama, said postal stamps served as an important educational tool to those with interest in learning about the people, culture and natural resources of a country. “These stamps will play a major role in advertising Botswana regionally and internationally,” he said.

The minister said morula, which scientifically is called Sclerocarya birrea, was the national tree, Sengaparile known as Harpagophytum procumbens scientifically, was the national flower, while Motshikiri (Eragrostis pallens) commonly used for thatching, was designated the national grass and kgori scientifically known as Ardeotis kori kori, was the national bird. He said the symbols collectively had some form of societal, spiritual, cultural, ecological and economic significance to Batswana. ENDS