08 Oct 2013

Hundreds of Francistown South residents gathered at Montsamaisa Secondary School to celebrate Botswana’s 47th Independence Day on Saturday, October 6.

Speaking at the celebrations, Donga Customary Court president, Kgosi Harmony Moyo said the time was now for Batswana to revive Independence Day celebrations, which seemed to have diminished over the years instead of growing to greater heights. 

Mr Moyo said in the years after the first Independence Day celebrations, Batswana recognised the day as a historical symbol and that people filled the National Stadium to capacity.

He said they came together as a unit to appreciate the day that brought about the peace and harmony that prevailed over the years. Kgosi Moyo noted that Batswana should understand that they were recognised as a peace loving people by the world because of this day and as such, they should rejoice and celebrate together as the nation every year.

“Batswana should not be pushed to celebrate this day, it should be within us that we celebrate it,” he said. Adding to Kgosi Moyo’s sentiments, the deputy district commissioner, Mr Boyce Mangole said it was important to resuscitate Botswana day celebrations because allowing poor attendances at celebrations gave the country’s achievement a bad image which will affect the recognition the country has been receiving from the world.

Mr Mangole urged residents of Francistown to introspect and map out a road for the future instead of engaging in personal agendas not linked to the day. Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament (MP) for the constituency, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi appreciated the people for coming in large numbers to the celebrations.

He noted that Batswana as a nation were enjoying the benefits of a peaceful independence to date, which has given birth to political tolerance, whereas in the contrary,  in many countries people are dying because of their political differences. MP Mmolotsi urged them to cherish the day and gave thanks to the then leadership that brought the peace that is still prevailing.
ENDS