28 Sep 2016

The Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism (MEWT), Mr Tshekedi Khama says it is time “we invest in capturing our history.”

Minister Khama said this at the MEWT celebration of Botswana Heritage 2016, which was held at the National Museum recently, where they had put together four events as part of the celebrations for the 50^th Botswana’s birthday.

“I know that this museum is too small to do so. Botswana has outgrown this museum. Be that as it may, the team that is under the museum is dedicated and they traverse the country to all corners, looking for what can be preserved and put here, so that going forward we will be able to track and trace our history,’ he commended.

While relaying about opening of the Presidential Daimlers Exhibition, he said, he and his brother Anthony had a lot of memories about the first car which was used by Seretse Khama, adding that the car was 50 years and still reliable.

Khama also took time to introduce the chauffeurs and the bodyguards who were working during those times.

For his part, during his welcome remarks, the director of Department of National Museum and Monuments, Mr Gaogakwe Phorano explained that the first event was about the presidential Daimlers Exhibition and showroom, which was about Presidential vehicles and also carried stories of all ‘our’ Presidents. 

He said the intention was to also acknowledge those who assisted the President, the Chauffers and the security,” he said.

“They are our head of state being Seretse Khama, whom we consider as the architect of our democracy and founder of the republic, Sir Ketumile Masire who provided the leadership in the policy formulation towards a micro economic prudent country, Mr Festus Mogae who instituted a bigger role in the private sector economy and raised an international support in the fight against HIV/A IDS and  

Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama who has provided the basis for delivery of sustainable economic development, driven by culture of democratic accountability rooted in a new sense of discipline,” he said.

He said the next event was about opening of a photographic exhibition which was provided by Mr Tim Liversedge, which features images that shows the beauty of Botswana’s wild places.

“But it is also about diversity and our habitat and species. We are also launching a book, 50 years of Botswana’s growth written by Mike Brook,” he said.

The book chronicles the story of Botswana, which had a GDP of US$70 in 1966 and which now has a GDP of  US$7 000  in 2016. ENDS