06 Mar 2016

Radio Botswana has moved step ahead to mark 50 years of its existence. 

The 50th anniversary celebration preparations, in conjunction with Bot50 was launched at the Lobatse Old stadium on Friday.

Radio Botswana intends to conduct  road shows in 50 villages around the country as a buildup campaign for activities of celebrating the country’s golden jubilee.

Prior to independence, Lobatse was Botswana’s main town with colonial headquarters in Mafikeng, South Africa.

Radio Botswana started operating in 1965, and was known as Radio Bechuanaland. It was later renamed Radio Botswana in September 30 1966 and in 1992, a commercial channel (RB2) was introduced.

Addressing the gathering, Radio Botswana general manager, Ms Keitirele Mathape, said they saw it fit to retrace the radio’s footsteps to its originating place, being Lobatse.

She said they were  committed to take the radio to the nation as a way of celebrating their achievements since 1966 to date.

Ms Mathape said the success of the radio station was necessitated by the support rendered by the locals and also implored them to continue rallying behind them to take the station to greater heights.

Lobatse mayor, Ms Malebogo Kruger said radio served as a communication medium that brings the world closer to the people.

Prior to the birth of high speed technology, she said the Radio excelled itself as it mobilized Batswana towards national development, inform them about events within and outside the country.

She also said the medium was also used to educate and entertain citizens in accordance with national development goals and interests.

In the past, information on farming was intensified through the radio as a way of reaching farmers across the country to assist them to promote agriculture in the country, through such programmes as ‘tsa temo thuo program’, she said.

She even said additional academic lessons were aired through  radio,  for equipping the students with more information regarding their studies, things that she said the country should pride itself with, because they worked with the little resources that they had to support and outgrow the education system.

Ms Kruger also lauded Radio Botswana management for kick starting their 50 years anniversary celebration in Lobatse as she said it is a clear indication that they still value their roots.

For his part, Bot50 representative, Mr Kagiso Selema implored Batswana to remain focused with the celebration preparations for the success of 50th anniversary that will be celebrated on September 30th.

He said Batswana should strive to uphold their traditions and laws which were used to guide and govern them to build their country.

Mr Selema also encouraged the people to know all the country’s symbols and their significance.

Furthermore, he urged the people to respect the country’s flag as he said no movement is allowed when the flag is being hanged up and when it is lowered.

Moreover he implored people to wear the national colours on Fridays. Ends