27 Sep 2020

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi and First Lady Ms Neo Masisi yesterday joined Batswana of different denominations in a combined church service starting off this week’s independence day festivities. 

The first couple, accompanied by Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, Mr Kabo Morwaeng and his deputy, Mr Dumezweni Mthimkulu, Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation, Dr Lemogang Kwape as well as Minister for Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Kagiso Mmusi, participated in the day’s proceedings virtually from State House.

The televised service, held at Boipuso Hall in Gaborone, saw church leaders from various denominations offer prayers and give messages of encouragement to a nation grappling with the effects of COVID-19.

Giving the sermon of the day, Apostle Moffat Lubinda,  Evangelical Fellowship of Botswana president, said this year’s independence day came at a time when Batswana’s social and economic life was disrupted by the pandemic.

He called on Batswana to cling to faith in order to overcome.

Earlier, chairman of the Gaborone Minister’s Fraternal Rev Reuben Moatlhodi had said the church should at this time deliver carefully prepared messages that would bring hope to the nation.

He also urged the country to be united in prayer.

For his part, Pastor Peter Moshodi, who is Gaborone Minister’s Fraternal vice chairman, expressed gratitude to God for Botswana’s attainment of 54 years of independence as a nation that had continuously enjoyed peace, tranquility, stability and economic development.

He said the country would continue overcoming challenges through retaining the faith that had characterised Botswana’s nationhood.

The programme was interspersed with musical items offered by different church groups. Ends