18 Feb 2016

Batswana should not forget the history of their forefathers and should continue documenting it as it is the reason why the country is where it is now, says the Minister of Wildlife, Environment and Tourism.

Officially opening the Diamonds Alive, Celebrating Botswana @50! exhibition, of which he is also a patron, Mr Tshekedi Khama said initially when he was approached by Mr Aldo Brincat and Mr Phenyo Motlhagodi about the project, he did not get it, but as time went by he is now fascinated by it.

“When they showed me some of the pictures I did not know who those people were, except for a couple that featured our second President Sir Ketumile Masire, but as I became more accustomed to it I realised that there are so many different people in Botswana in different aspects of life,” he said.

He indicated that Botswana has travelled quite an amazing journey and a lot of hard work has gone into what Botswana is today.
Khama further said the Diamonds Alive, Celebrating Botswana @50! is a special project because it is different and captures the essence of Botswana's success story.

“We must capture the history of our ancestors and celebrate it. Unfortunately some are no longer with us, but we should still be able to tell their stories,” said minister Khama, adding that Botswana did not start off with diamonds, and such stories should be told.

He indicated that he believes every day is a milestone and Batswana should commit themselves to creating milestones that the country can be proud of.

“We are a nation that has been consistently stable, consistently democratic and we should not find ourselves in the fate of our other unfortunate sister countries by being taken off course. We should be true to ourselves,” he said.

Diamonds Alive, Celebrating Botswana @50! team member Phenyo Motlhagodi indicated that the exhibition was fifty (50) pictures but they are looking to have 1000 pictures which will all be compiled into a coffee table book.

“All portraits are set against iconic landmarks including structures of historical impact and the breath taking Botswana landscape. Each location is carefully chosen to reflect its special meaning to the person being photographed and these portraits also reveal all the people featured, to be the real living diamonds of Botswana's success since Independence,” he said.

He further said the photographs were drawn from personal and public archives, complemented by photographs taken by legendary artist Aldo Brincat at a variety of locations across the country.
Motlhagodi further said people will also be able to choose their heroes to be included in the book.

“The exhibition will be open to the public on March 4-6 at Railpark Mall, March 11-13 at Riverwalk Mall and March 18-20 at Airport Junction Mall,” said Mr Motlhagodi, adding that it culminates on September 30 in a technologically infused interactive even themed Future Voices that will feature recorded voices of the youth who will share their aspirations for Botswana for the next 50 years. Ends