02 Oct 2016

Multitudes gathered at the Francistown Sports Complex to celebrate Botswana’s 50 years of independence on Friday.

The event was honoured by the former High Court judge, Justice Mpaphi Phumaphi and delegates from neighbouring Zimbabwe.

In an interview, one of the attendants, Ms Julia Mokwena said she had been waiting to celebrate the golden jubilee since January this year as the year marked a time of jubilation and remembrance of where Botswana started.

She said the history of Bechuanaland Protectorate up until gaining independence in 1966 meant a lot to her since she has saw all the changes from dusty roads to tarred one as well as other developments.

Mr Munyere Moyo from Zimbabwe thanked God for giving him a Botswana family, saying he was blessed since he slept at night knowing that nothing bad will happen to them even when he was out of the country.

From Maun, Esther Mmolai reports that former minister of transport and communications, Mr Frank Ramsden said political tolerance and unity were some of the principles that contributed significantly to development of the country.

He thanked the country’s forefathers for the guiding principles such as democracy, unity, self-reliance and development.

Mr Ramsden noted that in the past, the country had nothing and relied much on hut tax and thanked all who played a part towards the growth of the country’s economy.

He said around 1967, God answered Batswana prayers as many developments took off, adding that most of the developments were implemented through Ipelegeng.

For his part, Deputy paramount chief, Kgosi Bringle Dithapo said the country managed to reach 50 years because of the visionary leaders who worked tirelessly for the development of the country.

In Gumare, Kedirebofe Pelontle reports that  a carnival march led by jockeys flying Botswana flags, a mass church band and villagers donning their blue, black and white regalia circled the village to mark Botswana’s 50 year jubilee.

The march proceeded to the fully packed kgotla.

Gumare’s Kgosi Diteko Salepito appreciated the residents for the spirit of togetherness in celebrating independence.

Peace, he said, was a prominent principle upheld in Botswana which many countries envied therefore should be embraced by the citizens.
Kgosi Salepito noted that even the Botswana political leadership espoused peace and opposed one another with respect.

From Tutume, Goitsemodimo Williams reports that residents of Nata/Gweta constituency were not left behind as they joined the rest of the nation in celebrating the golden jubilee.
 Main event for the constituency was held in Nata.

The young and old displayed diverse cultural activities seen in the constituency.

Kgosi Rebagamang Rancholo of Nata said they were proud to be part of the golden jubilee celebrations, noting that they have come together both the elders and young people to show unity which prevails among Batswana as nation.
Often, kgosi Rancholo asserted that young people are not forthcoming in attending kgotla events and they have since as the leadership ensured that prior and during preparation young people are involved at any stage.

This, he said was as a result that they wanted to make sure that young people learn and understand the importance of having deliberations on issues as well as having a hand on every activities which involves the community.

“As the leadership we want to create a platform which young people will adopt even after the passing of elders,” he said.

Meanwhile in Nkange constituency at Makuta village, the organisers of the annual Nswazwi marathon which is usually held on Christmas holidays arranged a mini marathon as part of Bots 50 celebrations. Ends