26 Jun 2017

As the Nation prepares to observe and remember the contributions made by one of Botswana’s founding fathers, Sir Seretse Khama, a series of activities including a sponsored walk, have been scheduled as part of the preparation for the event.

The Sir Seretse Khama Day, is a national holiday which is observed across Botswana to remember the contributions made by Botswana’s founding president, Sir Seretse Khama.

When giving a key note address at the occasion, Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST), vice chancellor for academic affairs, Professor Dennis Siginer said people should be proud of Sir Seretse, adding that, he was by nature a great man, who had contributed significantly towards the development of the country.

“July 1 is the birthday of Sir Seretse Khama, the man who led the nation of Botswana out of colonialism and laid the foundation for a modern democracy in his country, having been born in 1921 when Botswana was still known as Bechuanaland, a British protectorate,” he said.

He said Sir Seretse has achieved so much that it was worthy for the nation to continually celebrate him.

While relating on some of Sir Seretse’s accomplishments, he said, as the First President of Botswana, he patiently and courageously guided Botswana from one of the poorest countries in the region, to an industrialised country that it is today.

“He sowed the seeds of self-reliance amongst his people from an early stage and because of this, we see a significant percentage of high posts being occupied by citizens,” he said.

Further, he said, at the time of independence, Botswana’s main prospects were copper, salt from Makgadikgadi pans, but Sir Seretse and his Cabinet correctly diagnosed that diamonds will mark the real beginning of intensive modern mining in the sector.

“By 1973, Botswana was able to balance her budget from its own revenues, with the country no longer having to ask for a grant-in-aid to meet its recurrent budget.

“I know of most great men in the universe, but Seretse Khama stands out from any leaders in the world,” he said.

He said now 37 years since his death, his wish, was that Sir Seretse could have lived longer, adding that even though his life was short, he had made a tremendous accomplishment.

“Young people should know this history. It is essential that they understand the origin of this country,” he said.

For his part, while giving vote of thanks, the chairperson of the Sir Seretse Khama Day preparation committee said the objective of the committee, was to commemorate the Sir Seretse Khama Legacy.

He said sadly, the day came at the loss of another renowned inspirational and founding leader of the times Sir Ketumile Masire, who took over the presidency after the loss of Sir Seretse Khama.

“It is sad that we are losing elders, who have helped solidify his country to be one of the most outstanding and richly thriving nations in Africa,” he said. ENDS