11 Nov 2013

Multitudes thronged Bagami ward in Kanye on November 9  to witness the launch of the drive towards 50 years of independence and Vision 2016 celebrations.

The event was marked by the hoisting of the national flag atop a 42m tower to build excitement towards Vision 2016, which is 1060 days away. The district commissioner for Southern District, Mr Moses Gaealashwe, urged Batswana to own and take pride in the national flag and other national symbols such as the Coat of Arms and National Anthem, as enshrined in Chapter 304 of the Constitution.

He said the white and black colours of the national flag represented the nation’s long standing wish to remain united regardless of difference in skin colour and creed. Mr Gaealashwe thus urged Batswana to pride themselves in their different cultures, traditions and languages and pull together as a collective towards the attainment of Vision 2016 ideals.

 He said Batswana had always been known for hard work, diligence and self help which he described as critical towards the achievement of the vision. To this end, the district commisioner particularly urged Batswana to safeguard the peace, unity and tranquility which had always prevailed and also enshrined in the vision. 

Mr Gaealashwe described the three factors as critical enablers for national development. He expressed delight at the respect that the residents gave to the national flag and that they managed to organise the event within a space of a week.

Southern District council chairman, Mr Leach Tlhomelang described the event as an honour for Kanye residents, but advised local authorities to roll out the exercise to other parts of the district.

Mr Tlhomelang, who confessed to having witnessed the British flag being substituted with the national flag in 1966, reiterated that Batswana should respect their national symbols the same way they did with the British national symbols during the colonial era.

Meanwhile, Mr Letlhogonolo Mphetlhang of Mafhikana ward in Kanye, who was born on Independence Day in 1966, was proud to have been offered the opportunity to hoist the flag on behalf of Kanye residents. In an open and sincere show of patriotism, a visually impaired young man of Kanye, Mr Mpho Kumako passionately touched and kissed the flag before it went up.

Four young men, Mr Balebetse Ramatlhomane,  Mr Moses Mathangwane, Mr Odiretse Phale and Mr Mapega Motlhabane were also proud to have been tasked to ascend the tower for the love of the nation, to hoist the flag. Ends