30 Sep 2018

President Mokgweetsi Masisi and the First Lady, Neo Masisi, were among Batswana who thronged the National Stadium in Gaborone for Botswana's 52nd independence celebrations on Sunday.

In an event characterized by rich cultural performances, the kind that makes excitement bubble beneath the skin, one could sense the high voltage zinging through the crowd as attendees adorned in national colours of blue, black and white colours hoisted the national flag high and chanted the national anthem with pride.

The 52nd anniversary celebration had Botswana Ensemble traditional dance performing Setapa, Seperu, Tsutsube, Hosana and Polka.

The Botswana Defense Force soldiers showcased a military parade displaying various formations. They tightly drilled formations symbolised the ground Forces Command, The BDF Headquarters, the BDF Air Armed Command and the BDF Defense Logistics Command.

The troops further moved in diamond patterns and sharp arrow like formations which symbolized the diamond mineral driven economy. They showcased their role in protecting the diamond through the arrows formations on the fringes of the drill. 

The crowd also enjoyed a spectacle of aircrafts smoking grenades of the Botswana flag colors; blue, black and white. Other pride of the BDF was CASA 130 flanked by smaller aircrafts PC7. 

In his special message to the nation, President Masisi said it was pertinent for Batswana to celebrate the country’s existence as an independent and sovereign nation and take pride in the fact that Botswana remained united and peaceful since 1966.

“We have every reason to celebrate our past with a deep sense of fulfilment and happiness. We must give thanks and acknowledgement to our past leaders; Sir Seretse Khama, Sir Quett Ketumile Joni Masire, Dr. Festus Gontebanye Mogae, and our most recent Former President Lt. Gen. Dr. Seretse Khama Ian Khama, for their devotion to this our Republic,” he said.

President Masisi said, it was time for the nation to retrospect and look into the future with confidence, renewed hope, and commitment to achieve ‘Prosperity for All’ as espoused in National Vision 2036.

The celebrations which also showcased a float procession of various government department and parastatals, were also attended by Vice President Mr Slumber Tsogwane, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development Mr Thapelo Olopeng, Speaker of the National Assembly Ms Gladys Kokorwe, Chief Justice Mr Terrence Rannowane, members of the diplomatic corps and senior government official. ENDS