23 Sep 2013

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Margaret Nasha has called on the nation to pay tribute to Botswana’s fallen heroes who selflessly devoted their life to defend this country.

Speaking at the event to remember the 15 Lesoma Botswana Defence Force (BDF) soldiers who died at the hands of the then Rhodesia’s Ian Smith regime soldiers at the height of Southern Africa liberation, Dr Nasha said the country should be proud of the 15 BDF soldiers and other civilians who perished during that turbulent time of South Africa’s struggle against apartheid and racist Smith.

She said it would be improbable for the nation to forget its fallen heroes and heroines as it celebrates independence. Dr Nasha informed the audience at Extension 14 grave yard that when Botswana gained independence in 1966, it did not have an army because of limited resources and as such some countries took advantage and murdered freedom fighters who had sought refuge in the country.

Meanwhile, she saluted the late first president, Sir Seretse Khama for having taken the country from scratch to a known country. Meanwhile, Dr Nasha paid tribute to the late social worker Mrs Lindiwe Phahle who arrived in the country from South Africa at the time of heightened apartheid regime in South Africa.

During the event organised by Gaborone Umbrella Ward Development Committee in conjunction with Gaborone City Council, heroes and heroines were awarded honours of recognition for the role they played in the country’s independence and freedom. ENDS