17 Jan 2017

Assistant Minister of Basic Education, Mr Moiseraele Goya says Botswana’s independence should be celebrated every year. Speaking at Sir Seretse Khama Junior Secondary School in an event to present certificates to acknowledge the participation of pupils and teachers who have helped to make BOT50 a success, Minister Goya said Batswana should keep the momentum until the nation celebrates its 60th year of independence.

“This is a noble decision taken by our government to award participants, during the celebrations there was demonstration of abundance of patriotism from both pupils and teachers,“ Mr Goya said.

Mr Goya said teachers and pupils had spent many hours training, practicing and rehearsing their individual roles in the performance for many months in order to see success on the day.

The assistant minister said Batswana demonstrated the pure love they have for the blue, black and white colours of the nation during the BOT50 celebrations. “Let me advice you that it is to this great flag which symbolises the rich soul of our nation that we owe our loyalty and devotion to service,” he said.

Mr Goya urged learners and teachers to ensure they respect the national colours at all times.

The assistant minister further said the 50th anniversary celebrations were combined with the closing of the vision 2016 chapter and the ushering in of the new Vision 2036. He said all the energy and enthusiasm put on the 50th anniversary celebrations should be chanelled towards Vision 2036 and the National Development Plan 11.

“It is now time to re-dedicate ourselves to the ideas and pillars of Vision 2036, which sets out the next development path,” he said.

Over 5 000 pupils, 76 primary school teachers and 46 junior secondary school teachers took part in the calisthenics whilst St Joseph’s College represented the ministry on the float that paraded at the National Stadium on independence day. BOPA