02 Oct 2015

GABORONE - President Lt. Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama has launched the roving torch which marks the countdown to Botswana’s 50^th anniversary to be celebrated next year.

President Khama launched the torch during the at the 49^th independence celebrations at the National Stadium on Wednesday (September 30).

Addressing the nation shortly after lighting the torch, President Khama pledged commitment to the country’s founding four national principles of development, self reliance, democracy and dignity. 

Such principles, he said would continue to lead the nation to greater heights. Thus, he implored Batswana to embrace and uphold them so that the country could achieve the intended goal of prosperity for all. 

He said the symbol of burning roving fire in the torch was anticipated to keep the spirit burning and thus the country would realise the seven Vision 2016 pillars. 

The pillars include an open and democratic nation, a prosperous and innovative nation, a safe and secure nation, a united and proud nation, a compassionate, just and caring nation, an educated and informed nation as well as a moral and tolerant nation.   

Shortly after his address, President Khama was driven around the National Stadium with the torch before he handed it to the Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture, Mr Thapelo Olopeng.

Minister Olopeng then handed the torch to BOTS50 committee chairperson, Mr Boyce Sebetlela.

The BOT50 committee had been tasked with preparations for next year’s independence celebrations. The roving torch is expected to go around the country until next year before returning to Gaborone. It was taken to Tlokweng yesterday (October 1)  and will be headed for Ramotswa today.

As is the norm, President Khama in the meantime bestowed some honours to deserving members of the public which included two Presidential Order of Honour (PH), 11 Presidential Order of Meritorious Service (PMS) and 15 Presidential Certificate of Honour (PCH).

Former MP, Mr Gaotlhaetse Matlhabaphiri and Justice Ian Kirby of the Court of Appeal received the Presidential Order of Honour.

Presidential Order of Honour is honour awarded for efficiency and devoted service to the Botswana.

PMS is an honour awarded to person for actions or services benefiting Botswana or any community organisation in any particular field or sphere and for acts of courage or devotion to duty. Kgosi Mmirwa Malema and Ms Emelda Molokomme were among those who received such award.

Among PCH recipients were Ms Hilda Mampane and Mr Keeme Mosinyi and the certificate is awarded to people for long and faithful service to Botswana. 

 

Meanwhile, dignitaries and Batswana who thronged the National Stadium were treated to a wide range of spectacular views and entertainment which included cultural performance, calisthenics, float procession and flypast. Ends