02 Nov 2015

The roving torch should be a reminder that the nation has come a long way, says Kanye North MP, Mr Patrick Ralotsia. Welcoming the torch in Kanye on Saturday (October 31), Mr Ralotsia said Batswana should thank God for the blessings the nation has enjoyed thus far.

The Kanye North MP, who is also the Minister of Agriculture, said the country was a shining example of peace and political stability across the African continent and beyond because it was founded on the fear of God.

He added that despite religious and ethnic differences, Batswana remained a united and proud nation.

He urged Batswana to remain tolerant and united even beyond 2016 when the country would be celebrating its golden jubilee.

He said Batswana should look back with pride that they started from nothing at independence, but managed to build the country which was amongst the poorest in the world to a middle income country on their own.

“I remember back in 1962, there was a sign board at the Ramatlabama Border Gate which said “welcome to Bechuanaland Protectorate, but beware of the dust,” he said.

The MP noted that it was unheard of before independence for a local to pilot an aircraft, become a medical doctor or drive a train.

Mr Ralotsia further told Kanye residents that a new vision council has been elected to draw the next vision plan from 2017-2036.

He advised Batswana, especially the youth, to take care of themselves in order to realise the ideals of the vision.

The Kanye North MP also ueged Bangwaketse to cherish the legacy bequeathed to them by the late Kgosi Bathoen II.

He said RaKgosi, as he was affectionately called, pioneered a teacher training college, irrigation projects, the agricultural show, museum and council chambers among others guided by the spirit of self-reliance.

For her part, BOT50 coordinator, Ms Charity Kgotlafela commended Kanye residents for coming in large numbers to receive the roving torch. 

Ms Kgotlafela said the attendance showed unity and patriotism.

She said the roving torch was intended to restore the fabric which had held Batswana together as a nation.

She further said it was critical for elders to tell children some old moral stories that could mould them into responsible adults.

She also urged Batswana to wear the national colours of sky blue, black and white everyday Friday until independence day next year.

Ms Kgotlafela also informed residents that the law permits them to hoist the national flag at their residential places to signify love for the nation.

An elder, Mr Ketumile Kaboeamodimo also reiterated that Batswana were blessed to have a democratically elected government. Unlike in some African states, Mr Kaboeamodimo said they should thank God that they used a ballot not a bullet to elect political representatives. Ends