13 Nov 2017

Naturally, any good tune of music appealing to the ear is likely to prompt one to dance to it.

The same can be said when President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama did not suppress his dance instincts during the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) Band in Concert Style Friday night when all of a sudden, he stood up and mesmerised the audience with his thrilling dance moves.

The BDF Band in Concert Style is an annual event consisting of different BDF bands from around the country which unite to raise funds for charity organisations. 

It is also the brain child of President Khama, who has been the patron since its inception in 1991. 

The Friday event, which was held at the Sir Seretse Khama Barracks (SSKB) was a kick-off to a series of concerts that will take place around the country.

As a gesture of appreciating talent, President Khama had also brought along a group of students from Malatswai Primary School, who had earlier during the day visited him at the State House.

The SSKB auditorium was noticeably full and the bands had also upped their performances with the intention to stage the best concert ever to the President as he will be vacating the office next year. 

It was therefore not a surprise when one of the pupils from Malatswai unexpectedly rose and danced to the marimba tune of popular local song Tlhomela, which is also one of President Khama’s favourite tunes which he can dance to without competition.

To regular attendees, one could not help but notice the absence of retired Warrant Officer Class 1 Son Gaseitsiwe, who normally donned Sesotho regalia and sang Mahlathini’s songs. 

The Kanye native had worked with the BDF for almost 40 years.

Warrant Officer Class 1 Chedza Fani praised President Khama for his vision of introducing the concert concept which he said had not only benefitted charitable organisations but had also natured their talent. 

Also in attendance was the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Cultural Development Thapelo Olopeng and senior private secretary to the President Brigadier George Tlhalerwa. The event which does not only focus on entertainment also has interests in raising funds for charity. 

As a result, three charitable oragnisations were able to benefit from last year’s concert proceeds.

They include Lady Khama Charitable Trust, which received P50 000; Botswana Red Cross Society was given P50 000, while Re A Nyalana received P30 000. 

BDF Golf Club donated P20 000 to the concert, a gesture which it does annually to boost the concert’s coffers. BOPA