03 Jul 2016

President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama, on Friday July 1, received the roving torch at Serowe kgotla in his capacity as Bangwato kgosi kgolo.

Lt Gen. Dr Khama would receive the torch for the second time in Gaborone on September 30 during the golden jubilee celebrations.

Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture, Mr Thapelo Olopeng, said he planned to propose to cabinet that Batswana wear national colours every day of September as part of planned celebrations for the country’s 50 years of independence.

Mr Olopeng urged Batswana to put up more spirited celebrations guided by botho and the theme: United and Proud.

He also set tone for celebrations by calling on Batswana to stage celebrations for August 11 when the nation would be left with 50 days to golden jubilee celebrations.

Mr Olopeng said he had met with stakeholders such as dikgosi and church leaders on how best the golden jubilee could be celebrated.

The minister also told residents of Serowe that his ministry together with that of State President had decided that local music be played both on national television and state radios through out September.

He applauded Batswana for the spirit of patriotism that was evident during the receptions of the roving torch, saying such unity should prevail even beyond September 30.

He said the torch was a unifying move and called on Batswana to maintain peace and unity that defined the nation.

“This is the time we should look back and realise that our history did not begin in 1966,” he said.

On other issues, Mr Olopeng pledged support for Sir Seretse Khama and Ba Ga-Mmangwato heritage days saying the events would be fixtured in his ministry’s calendar of events.

He said the days were historic in that Sir Seretse Khama was the first president of the country.

He was the prime minister in 1965 following the first democratic elections in the country.

For his part, Member of Parliament for Serowe West, Mr Tshekedi Khama, called for respect of the forefathers who built the nation.

He also appealed to the nation to continue with the spirit of peace and unison.  ENDS