01 Jun 2016

The Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture, Mr Thapelo Olopeng, says September 25 is set for the nation to worship with one voice. 

Mr Olopeng said this during a consultative meeting with church leaders in Gaborone on May 31.   

He said church was one of the old institutions that played a significant role towards the country’s acquisition of independence. 

Botswana, he said, enjoyed peace and tranquility because of church leaders’ efforts. 

“Botswana is a united and proud nation because different church leaders are united and they love peace hence it is important that all church congregations get involved,” he said. 

He said the big church service and festival would be held at the National Stadium. 

Each village, he said, was encouraged to also host the same service and festival on the same day. The minister, however, urged church leaders to engage the youth in preparations.  

“Youth have potential in organising events, singing and dancing hence they can assist in making the celebrations a memorable event,” he said. 

Minister Olopeng noted that the celebrations of the golden jubilee belonged to all Batswana and they should celebrate it the way they wanted. 

Churches were urged to unite and help solve national ills faced by the youths. He said that the church was a perfect setting that could drive behavioural change amongst the youth. 

Church leaders appreciated the minister for engaging them in the independence celebrations and also breaking the gap between the government and churches. 

Pastor Thuso Tiego said that churches have got full potential in filling up the national stadium in celebrating BOT50. He said that the celebrations should not be led by a specific church so that everyone could be free to take part. 

He added that youth have talent to sing gospel music but the barrier was that they lacked support in making their music grow. 

Pastor Bonolo Mmereki said they would ensure that the event was celebrated accordingly. She however thanked government for engaging churches.  Ends