16 Aug 2016

Residents of Lobatse were in a jubilant mood when they joined the rest of the country to mark 50 days countdown to independence.

Speaking during the event at Gunners grounds recently, The Assistant Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Advocate Sadique Kebonang said it was right to celebrate the fifth pillar of Vision 2016: an open, democratic and accountable nation in a town whose belief and contribution to democratic rule was inscribed in the pages of history.

 He said in certain countries of Southern Africa, majority of people were groaned under the yoke of oppression and inequality and they were deprived the joy of democracy.

He said the people of Lobatse put their lives in the line to advocate and agitate for democratic rule and equal rights through the contribution of Fish Keitseng Safe house.

Keitseng was known as a political activist who established a network of safe routes for African National Congress (ANC) cadres going abroad for political and military training.

It is anticipated that, it was through his network route that, thousands of people moved through Bechuanaland/Botswana.

Adv Kebonang said Keitseng hosted many prominent ANC leaders at his safe house in Lobatse, in the likes of the late Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki.

He further said Lobatse is well known for the Samora Machel safe house in Peleng, where the Kgaboesele family hosted the former Mozambican late President, Samora Machel.

He said he was living as part of the family prior to Mozambique's independent in 1975.

Advocate Kebonang   said these houses and their histories represent the important role Lobatse residents played in hosting  Southern African Liberation  fighters.

He emphasizes that, responsible open and accountable governance is a central organ to building a nation that espouses the principles enriched in Vision 2016 pillar.

 He noted that, it is essential for any government seeking to provide broad opportunities for cultural, political, and socioeconomic stability for its citizens.

He said they is a need for a society to freely participate fully in civic, political, economic and cultural life.

He said the pillar was conceptualised because the country is envisioned as a country that is community oriented democracy that emphasises accountability of all citizens where people should be accountable for their actions and decisions.

He also said the country was envisioned where the role of civil society including churches, non-governmental and voluntary organisations would be important.

 He said these organisations remain a key element of good governance promoting accountability within the democratic system.

He said to achieve these ideals the government therefore put decided legal sanctions against those who violate the principle of accountability at all levels of leadership and among the general public to maintain peace and tranquillity in the country.

Earlier in her welcome remarks, Kgosi Tshegofatso, Setumo from Peleng, lauded Lobatse residents for taking part in the 50 years celebration countdown as she said it is a clear indication that the residents are looking forward to the main event on September 30.

 She encouraged them to engage in proper consultations as it is the norm in the country to make sound based decisions and at the same time to maintain peace and tranquillity prevailing in the country.

She said  government should nurture and guard against democracy so that the country's stability continues to be envied buy other countries.

Lobatse Town Council Deputy Mayor, Francis Mokwena encouraged to collaboration with their leaders in communities despite being from different political ideas that could be implemented to move the country forward. ENDS