02 Oct 2013

Former Specially Elected Member of Parliament and business woman Mrs Moggie Mbaakanyi says the year 2016 is momentous to Batswana as it is set to measure the level of achievement of all the seven Vision pillars.

Speaking at the Independence Day celebrations in Lobatse, Mrs Mbaakanyi said these measurements would be based more on the community’s way of life and their daily living. She said these commemorations stir all Batswana to re-introspect and find out if the preparations for the Vision are on line.

Mrs Mbaakanyi noted that Botswana pride herself with tolerance by living together as different tribes unlike in other countries where civil wars and bombing has become a daily phenomenon.

Batswana as a nation congregate at different forums, she said, sharing ideas about the development of their country putting aside all forms of discrimination.

On other issues, Mrs Mbaakanyi encouraged Batswana to make use of this ploughing season and plough their farms, rear livestock and develop a tendency of eating traditional food as they are rich in all nutrients as compared to genetically modified food which come with some side effects.

She urged the government to suspend Ipelegeng project as from December until harvesting period to allow the community to take care of their farms. Ms Mbaakanyi encouraged the community to avoid alcohol and drug abuse as it works against the prescribed medications and encouraged churches to pray against Satanism which is rampant across all schools in Botswana.

In welcoming the gathering, Lobatse Deputy Mayor Cllr Malebogo Kruger proposed that the day that the three chiefs left to ask for the independence of Botswana should be declared National Heritage Day.

She said this day is very important in the history of Botswana and should be taught to all students in schools. On other issues, she said countries that attained their independence at gunpoint recognises themselves that those who got theirs peacefully forgetting that during their struggle for independence, countries like Botswana gave asylum to their fugitive and refugees.

The independence message from His Excellency the President was read by The Deputy District Commissioner Mr Geoffrey Gare. ENDS