24 Feb 2016

As preparations for Botswana’s upcoming golden jubilee independence celebrations pick up steam, the Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture says the country is expecting about 20 heads of states in Botswana on independence day.

Speaking at a press briefing on the progress made so far regarding preparations for the country’s independence celebrations, minister Olopeng said they have already sent out invitations to SADC leaders, former heads of states of SADC countries and other countries that contributed to Botswana’s journey since 1966.

He noted that he was tasked by cabinet last year with putting together a committee that would oversee the preparations. He said he then appointed a committee drawn from the private sector and the government chaired by Boyce Sebetela.

“So far the roving torch that was launched by President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama at last year’s independence celebrations has travelled to 219 villages around Botswana. It is currently in Tutume,” he said.

The minister said Batswana were not looking to have a party, but to rather have celebrations that would leave a lasting legacy.

He urged Batswana to heed the President’s call for all citizens and those staying in Botswana to wear national colours every Friday.

“Our national colours are blue, black and white. I am pleading with you to get in the spirit and make the golden jubilee Fridays a sight to behold throughout the country,” he said.

He added that Batswana have to show that they were excited about the country turning 50 years.

Olopeng further indicated that at district level, Bot50 has district committees that are headed by district commissioners.

“I want to assure you that this year’s celebrations will have a standard programme for all districts. I have instructed the Botswana50 (BOTS50) committee to engage local artists to perform in those districts,” he said.

He further noted that Gaborone would be the main centre of attraction, with Francistown sharing an almost similar itinerary.

He said they were considering inviting Nigeria, Cameroon and Egypt to play the Zebras as part of the festivities.

 “As for Francistown, bearing in mind that our budget stands at a little over P54million, I have tasked my team with engaging with soccer teams within the proximity of Francistown who will in turn maybe play against Francistown’s best 11,” he said.

He said constituency football teams will entertain in other districts.

For his part, the chairperson of Botswana50 organising committee, Boyce Sebetela said 16 villages across Botswana would celebrate independence with a uniform official programme.

Speaking on the theme song for this important milestone, Sebetela said they were still in the process of acquiring artists to do the song for which the expression of interest has been put on newspapers.

“Now the next step will be for us to invite those that have shown interest in recording the theme song to come perform for us,” he said.

He added that they have come up with four slogans that would be a guiding hand to all Batswana as they look forward to celebrating the golden jubilee.

“Re bo mang, Re tswa kae, Re ha kae, Re ya kae,” he announced. Ends