30 Sep 2016

Multitudes of Francistown residents gathered at the Francistown Sports Complex to celebrate and mark an end to the many events that has been happening in the city that led to the 50 years Independence celebration on September 30

The event was honored by the former High Court Judge Mpaphi Phumaphi and other delegates from our neighbouring country Zimbabwe.

In an interview with BOPA, one of the attendants Ms Julia Mokwena said she has been waiting to celebrate the golden jubilee since January this year as the year marks a time of jubilation and remembrance of where Botswana started. She said the history of Bechuanaland Protectorate up until gaining independence in 1966 means a lot to her as she has seen all the changes from dusty roads to tarred roads and all the developments.

She noted celebrations of this magnitude should be done to thank God for the peaceful country he has given to Batswana.

Furthermore, she said Batswana should not forget their culture and the spirit of Botho in order to live peacefully for the next coming 50 years. Expressing his heartfelt joy on the day, Mr Gaotlhobogwe Kaelo said his love for Botswana is beyond measure and he prays that Batswana celebrate well and continue living in peace.

He said as a country, Batswana must celebrate as they come from far and have achieved a lot since gaining independence and wished all a happy and joyous Independence.

Mr Munyere Moyo from Zimbabwe said he came to celebrate Independence with his wife and children here in Francistown. He said he thanked God for giving him a Botswana family and feels blessed as he can sleep at night knowing that nothing bad will happen to them even when he is out of the country. Mr Moyo praised the peace in the country, saying unlike in other countries, Botswana is the best peaceful place he has ever known.

The day was fun-filled with entertainment of rich Setswana culture such as the poems, traditional dance and the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) fireworks, which wooed the crowd. The stadium was painted with national colors and one could feel the Independence celebration mood was on a higher level. Ends