02 Oct 2017

This year’s independence eve celebrations were an event to remember despite the chilly weather following some showers on the day.

Firstly, one would have thought the event would not attract many people, but the old and young had occupied the Notwane and Township Rollers stand to capacity.

However, those who came in the middle of the event missed the highlight of the event when President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama and his visiting counterpart, Zambian President, Mr Edgar Lungu were spotted at the VIP area dancing to the tunes during the band display by Botswana Police Service. They danced to the popular song Tsaya Thobane by Dr Vom.

The song always gets crowds on their feet dancing come rain or sunshine and there was no doubt that President Khama and Mr Lunga were also forced to stand up and boggy down.

The celebrations, which were organised by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, also attracted performances by Botswana Prisons Service band, Botswana Defence Force band, Hosana traditional groups, Seperu and Polka dancers who are President Khama’s favourites.

The Botswana Defence Force (BDF) conducted a retreat march which signified the transition of Botswana from a protectorate to an independent state by the lowering of flags.

It was the prisons band that stole the limelight through its band master parade. They displayed some artistic skills and forced the crowd to beg for more.

President Khama and Mr Lunga were also treated to massive fireworks that lasted for almost 30 minutes to wrap up the event of the day.

Meanwhile, President Lungu returned back to his country after the independence celebrations.

The two leaders joined Batswana at the National Stadium to celebrate the day which was marked by a lot of activities amongst them parade marches by Botswana Defence Force (BDF), Botswana Police Service and Botswana Prisons Service.

Vice President Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi, Chief Justice Maruping Dibotelo, the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Culture, Mr Thapelo Olopeng, whose ministry was the host, and other senior government officials graced the occasion.

President Khama inspected the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) parade which was followed by the march off that included Botswana Police Service and Botswana Prison Service.

Government departments and the private sector also followed suit with a float procession, showcasing some of the services they offered. Other activities included a clash between the Zebras and Ethiopia.

Activities of the day also included a tug of war, obstacles by the BDF, a 4 x 400 metres relay which featured Isaac Makwala, cultural performances by various traditional groups, and fly past and parachutes by members of the BDF. ENDS