28 Sep 2023

Planned activities for the country’s 57th anniversary of independence will take citizens down memory lane, as they tell Botswana’s journey through different facets of development, milestones and achievements.

Briefing on planned activities on September 27, Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture, chief programmes officer, Mr Bopelo Gaothusi said there would be fireworks at the National

Stadium on independence eve. He said there would be the customary lowering of the Union Jack on independence eve, parades by security organs, a cultural performance and a 15-minute fireworks display.

On independence day,  a message from President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi to the nation would be read throughout the country’s dikgotla and broadcast on media platforms.

The celebration at the National Stadium would feature cultural performance by an ensemble of local artists as well as calisthenics, parades, skydiving and a flypast by the Botswana Defence Force in the morning.In the afternoon,  The Zebras will host the Brave Warriors of Zimbabwe in  a friendly match.

Mr Gaothusi said the celebrations should remind the nation of how far the country had come and offer hope for a better tomorrow.

Regarding other activities that were part of the build up to independence, he noted that a virtual exhibition on a virtual platform was held last Friday and the objective of the exhibition was to accord the country’s artists the opportunity to showcase and sell their works internationally.

He said the exhibition was ongoing on social media to help market and promote arts and culture products and services.

Mr Gaothusi further noted that a combined church service was held last Sunday to celebrate religious diversity in the country and to continue to promote tolerance.

The service was attended by over 2 000 people from different church denominations, among them Vice President Slumber Tsogwane.

Mr Gaothusi said President Masisi would also bestow honours on some deserving citizens on September 29.

The awards categories include Naledi ya Botswana for outstanding service, the Presidential Order of Honour for efficient and devoted service to the Republic; Presidential Order of

Honour for Meritorious Service for actions or services benefiting Botswana or any community or organisation in any field or sphere and for acts of courage or devotion to duty, and the Presidential Certificate of Honour for long and faithful service to Botswana. ENDS