30 Sep 2016

The Independence Day celebrations mood had already been felt in the past months. 

The blue, black and white paint was sloshed in the city’s main roads, banners symbolising the country’s natural heritage hanged from trees and flags pinned on streetlight posts. 

The scene on the streets has been slowly turning euphoric as the nation prepared for the big day.

The electrifying mood at the National Stadium on Friday added momentum to an already festive nation that marked half a century of independent rule. 

On Friday morning, the good natured crowd, many clad in national colours of blue, black and white, were quick to express pride and gave President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama a rousing welcome as he made grand entrance inside the stadium chauffeured in a black Daimler, an official vehicle that was used by founding President Sir Seretse Khama. 

The crowd, mostly young people, were seemingly stunned by the sight of the vintage car and animatedly waved miniature Botswana flags. 

President Khama took a lap of honour before returning to the red carpet laid before distinguished dignitaries to receive the highest, most prestigious award in the country, Naledi Ya Botswana. 

Forty years ago, it was his father who was honoured for his outstanding service in nation building. 

President Khama was becoming the fourth statesman to be honoured after Sir Seretse Khama in 1976, Sir Ketumile Masire during the 20th Independence Day celebrations and lastly Dr Festus Mogae in 2003. 

A historic and emotionally taxing moment conducted by Vice President, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi and sealed by the BDF ceremonial drill playing melancholic Scottish pipes. 

The band belted out compositions such as thaka-tsa-rona and mbombela in quick and slow march respectively. 

Perhaps the highlight of the day was the re-enactment of the lowering of the union jack and raising the republic’s flag on the midnight of 29th, September 1966. 

On that day, Britain formally transferred power to independence leader Khama. Resident Commissioner, Sir Hugh Selby Norman-Walker, fresh from receiving the prestigious Knight of the British Empire the same year, witnessed the independence of the protectorate as Botswana. 

Fifty years later, a new version of events that unfolded that day becomes too emotional for the crowd the moment the traditional military drill play the fanfare while the founding president steps out of his official vehicle to inspect a guard of honour, and together with the colonial officer Norman watch as the blue, black and white flag was hoisted.  

It was also a day the nation witnessed the last lap of the roving torch which had traversed the length and breadth of the country. 

Kgosi Puso Gaborone explained how the magnificent torch enhanced unity, peace and tranquillity amongst the tribes. 

The Ntlo Ya Dikgosi chairperson handed over the torch, popularly known as Molelo wa Kgolagano to the Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture, Mr Thapelo Olopeng, who was accompanied by the lanky golden jubilee Queen Thata Kenosi, Miss Botswana 2016. 

The beauty queen assisted president Khama cut the cake while the crowd joined in singing a version of the traditional Happy birthday to you. ENDS