16 Aug 2016

North West Council chairperson, Mr Reaboka Mbulawa has called on young people in Ngamiland to sacrifice for their country and act responsibly as they prepare to celebrate the golden jubilee.

He said they should understand that the nation needs them hence they should act responsibly towards the development of the district and the entire country.

He made the remarks during the BOT50 wellness day and 50 days count down which attracted village leaders and public servants.

Mr Mbulawa raised a concern about the high rate of alcohol consumption in the district amongst the youth which he said often results in road accidents. 

“It has indicated that most of the road  accidents in Maun are caused by human error due to alcohol. We want to celebrate this country’s independence with you and you should understand that the district needs you, I urge you to join hands and make Ngamiland alive,” he added.

The council chairperson urged young people to drink responsibly stating that their mental health is key to survival. 

He said the health practitioners could assist to prolong their lives but their lives are in their hands.

Mr Mbulawa also urged public servants to serve the communities better than the last 50 years adding that they should serve them with respect, botho and sober minds.

Traditional leaders were also commended for playing a vital role in developing the country since independence in 1966. 

Mr Mbulawa cited that in the past they used to take two days from Gumare to Francistown but today one arrives same day.

Batawana deputy paramount chief, Kgosi Bringle Dithapo said Botswana remains the best country because of peace and tranquility that exists as compared to other countries which experience wars.

He said the country comes from ancient times as it was under the rule of the British before it got independence.

He further explained that by then the country did not have currency but today it is counted amongst the countries which have valued currencies.

Kgosi Dithapo said before independence, the country used Rands and in 1976 it started receiving Pulas. 

He said it is imperative for all to embrace the golden jubilee because some would not see another 50 years to come.

Kgosi noted that the country has achieved a lot in terms of development adding that before independence, there were no tarred roads hence difficult to reach other places.

Kgosi Dithapo who worked in public service for a long time said they used to travel long distances  carrying huge amounts of monies to pay officers because by then, there were no revenue offices.

 He appreciated that today technology makes everything easy.

Lastly he appealed to all Batswana to play a role towards BOT50 celebrations. 

He said the event is big and needs all to participate.

The deputy district commissioner, Ms Angelina Leano said as the nation celebrates this year’s independence, they should introspect and see where the country comes from and acknowledge the achievements.

She appreciated that every 10 years, the government celebrated the achievements hence the development of Vision 2016, adding that Batswana should visit the vision and see what has been achieved and what needs to be carried over to Vision 2036.

Ms Leano also urged the nation to remember “our forefathers” who worked tirelessly for the development of the country. 

She said they had left a legacy which needs to be maintained for the next generation. ENDS