03 Oct 2016

As the country celebrated 50 years of independence, almost everyone was in a jovial mood.  At the centre of these jubilation, one thing that could not miss the eye was the designer patterns on different clothing items bearing the blue, black and white colours.
This was the order of the day in every village on the independence day.
From  Lentsweletau, Lindi Morwaeng reports that although the numbers of those who had come to celebrate at the kgotla were not as big as expected, those who were preparing the festive meals were however happy that the food was enough for everyone to indulge.
Ms Noniki Motlotlegi, 63, was over the moon for having lived long enough to see the 50th independence celebrations because she never thought that she would be alive to witness the celebrations.  
She said that they have been hearing about the year 2016 a long time ago on radio and how everyone would be healthy and educated.  
This made the year a distant reality for the then youngsters, thinking that they would be dead and only their children would live to see 2016.  
The fact that 2016 is a reality and they are celebrating with everyone is a dream come true.
“Re ne re ntse re ipotsa gore 2016 a re tlaa mmona,”  she said with disbelief.
As for VDC chairperson, Mr Thebe Teemane, it was all smiles and no complaints whatsoever. He thanked government for making it possible for his village to celebrate with the rest of the people by availing a budget for the celebrations.
He however pointed out that the low turnout at the kgotla might have been caused by the fact that there was no proper arrangements to inform residents on time.
At Ramankhung, events of the day started off a bit late due to the fact that residents conducted a night vigil at the kgotla on independence eve to welcome Botswana Day in style.  
They celebrated the whole night with various activities including dikhwaere.
Ms Motlamedi Batsile, a resident of Ramankhung had more reasons to celebrate; she had found an opportunity to sell her clothing items.  
From Tlokweng, Bonang Masolotate reports that Batlokwa deputy chief , Kgosi Michael Gaborone talked to the kgotla gathering about the importance of  introspection to help the country not to lose the ideals which created Botswana of today.
The day was celebrated with performances such as Marimba, traditional choirs, guitars and poetry among other performances.
In Ramotswa, Malebogo Moremi reports that multitudes of residents thronged the main kgotla.
The celebrations kick-started with  group of Balekane ba Botswana marching from various areas to the village kgotla.
 The group carried the national flags and wore the BOT50 merchandise, creating a jovial atmosphere which caused the public to join in the march.
The celebration was punctuated by cultural performances such as poetry, dikhwaere and traditional dance, which kept the crowd thrilled with joy.
From Molepolole, Kebaeditse Baitlotli reports that the mood and excitement was a true representation of people celebrating their independence although the majority of merry makers were the youth.
The celebrations that started at a some what low note gained momentum around 10am as lots of Bakwena walked into Molepolole Sports Complex to celebrate through various activities ranging from dikhwaere, borankana to poetry, all of which were rendered by local groups.
As of all nations who know the fear of the Lord, the ceremony started with a word of prayer that thanked  above all the Lord for the peace and tranquility that has been prevailing in the country.
A Molepolole elderly man Mr Motheo Tshobokwe felt the year’s celebration had its own specialty, stating that he used to be at the cattle post tending his livestock and would not be bothered to join the rest of Batswana in celebrating the  independence. ENDS