01 Oct 2016

True to their promise, BOT50, under the guidance of the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development delivered a celebration to be remembered. The tone was set on the eve of independence celebration with massive fireworks display at the National Stadium.  This was augmented by performances by various local artistes.

Perhaps the highlight of the event was when President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama together with the host of the event Minister for Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development Mr Thapelo Olopeng took to the dance floor.  Even the presence of visiting heads of states did little to stop the first citizen who danced to Tsaa thobane hit by Dr Vom to the end.

To wrap up the celebrations on September 30, multitudes thronged the National Stadium to appreciate the narration of Botswana’s development story told through various displays. Organisers had to put up a public notice barring members of the public from going to the stadium as all the seats were filled up. Public viewing areas were set up in strategic areas around the city for the public to follow the proceedings from the stadium. The cutting of the giant cake by President Khama put an icing on the top.  The senior national football team summed everything up well for the nation as they went on to beat their visiting Angola counterparts 4-1 in aggregate after penalty shootout. At full time, the teams were deadlocked at 1-1.

The celebrations also saw the conclusion of vision 2016 and the beginning of Vision 2036 as well as the dousing of the roving torch after traversing the length and breadth of the nation, rallying the nation. Celebrations were also held in various areas across the country at the stadia and kgotlas, uniting the residents as captioned by the theme of United and Proud. ENDS