21 Sep 2022

The Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sports and Culture has lined up various activities ahead of Botswana’s 56^th independence celebrations. 

This was revealed in an interview with the ministry’s public relations manager, Mr Thobo Tlhasana, who said the plans for the celebrations had been finalised.

Pointing out that this year’s Independence Day celebration would be conducted under the theme; Reviving Hope After COVID-19 and Beyond, Mr Tlhasana said this year’s independence day came at a time when Batswana were recovering from the effects of COVID-19.

He noted that the impact of the pandemic had been felt in government circles, families, communities and churches globally, hence the aim to bring back hope to the nation.

The Independence Day celebration kick-started on September 18 with a combined church service at Limkokwing Hall of Fame in Gaborone.

He confirmed that the official ceremony would be held at the National Stadium on September 30, would feature various cultural and artistic activities and would be broadcast live on Btv.

Mr Tlhasana also said that environmental sanitation popular campaigns were being conducted in various parts of the city in preperation with the event.

Still on the independence schedule, Mr Tlhasana confirmed that on Friday September 23, there would be a virtual art exhibition to be hosted at the National Museum and Art Gallery.

The pre-celebrations would continue on September 27 with President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi giving a public lecture on; Democracy, Peace and Good Governance; An Attribute to Development and Nation-Building at the University of Botswana Indoor Arena. 

According to the public relations manager, on the Independence eve of there would be a fun night at the National Stadium, where the public members would watch a spectacle of fireworks .

He further explained that the event would close with a football game between Botswana and Namibia ladies in the afternoon.

Mr Tlhasana pointed that due to budgetary constraints the limited budget would only be allocated to the main event in Gaborone.

Nonetheless, he said the arrangement should not stop the communities in various localities from celebrating the day, just as they did n the previous years.

He encouraged them to revitalise the spirit of self reliance and celebrate the day. Ends