19 May 2013

The National Museum, over the weekend, celebrated the annual International Museum Day under the theme: Museum and Social Change.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, Mr Tshekedi Khama said this year’s theme would help enhance the mandate of the museum, which was of conserving, protecting and promoting Botswana’s heritage for public education and enjoyment.

Mr Khama said, “our heritage should be celebrated and enjoyed, as it affords us the opportunity to stage such events in Gaborone to increase its cosmopolitan character.”  He said the celebration was in line with the national strategy for economic diversification and sustainable growth of broadening the tourism base by staging major cultural events.

To celebrate this year’s theme, the national museum had developed an exhibition dubbed Gaborone through the times, which showcased the social progression that had seen the establishment, development and growth of Gaborone. The photographic exhibition on Gaborone showcased a mixture of different aspects of the city including infrastructural and social developments.

The commemoration was a fun filled day as the patrons were treated to a variety of musical performances by Nono Siile, Clement Jackson, Balete Ditlhakga traditional group, National Museum choir and the popular mbaxanga group Makau. Those who attended the event also got the chance to enjoy a variety of traditional dishes.

The International Museum Day was incepted by the International Council of Museums (ICOM) in 1977, and it has since been celebrated on May 18 every year. Each year a theme is decided on by the ICOM advisory committee while this year, museums the world over, celebrated the special day under the theme “Museums and Social Change.”  ENDS