28 Sep 2022

While some people regard independence day as just a holiday, for some like Mr Kenneth Morokotso, the day means a lot more.

For the 73-year-old retired scout member, who formed part of the independence eve ensemble that performed the retreat parade at the event in 1966, the day holds wonderful memories.

The Mochudi native, says midnight September 29, 1966 was an epic time, not only for him, but for his peers and Batswana at large. He still vividly remembers the events of that day and cannot stop beaming when talking about them.

Yes the economic and social outlook were dismal, as Bechuanaland had nothing to speaking of.

The new republic had no standing army, but a police mobile unit, assisted by the scout movement to enforce law and order.

Mr Morokotso said the scout movement was thus held in high esteem and they were regarded as members of the brotherhood of the world.

He narrates that among the dignitaries who came to witness the event was a representative of the British Royal family, Her Royal Highness Princess Marina, the colonial officer in charge, Hugh Norman Walker and Prime Minister of the time, Sir Seretse Khama.

As planned the Union Jack came down and the new blue, black and white flag was hoisted as the clock struck midnight, despite what had started off as a light breeze, having picked up speed. For a moment the crowd thought the flag hoisting would be delayed, but defiantly standing its ground at the ‘now’ national stadium the persistence of the wind was defeated.

The wind helped the blue, black and white striped Botswana flag to up to take its pride of place as a symbol of the birth of Botswana, while the Union Jack, disappeared into oblivion.

He said following that, the crowd sang God Save the Queen, for the last time followed by the new country’s national anthem Fatshe Leno la Rona.

He said with hindsight, the hostile weather conditions of the night could have led to postponement of the event, but Batswana stood up for their independence, and perhaps the storms were an indication that the country was about to navigate an unknown terrain.

“We were all anxious, but quiet and as the scouts we stood still, looking at the events unfolding that led to our free Botswana. Today we are regarded as a peace loving nation and a beacon of peace for most states” he said.

Mr Morokotso is of the view that independence should be the time to celebrate and be thankful to the forefathers’ wisdom for having taken the country thus far.

“As we sing, we should treat it as a prayer and be happy that this song has great significance to the day that Botswana was born and became a member of the community of free nations,” he said. ENDS