03 Oct 2023

Exactly 57 years ago, when the Union Jack was lowered and replaced by the country’s blue, black and white flag, the world hailed the birth of a new nation that soon became a beacon of peace, good leadership and democracy.

Botswana celebrated its 57^th independence anniversary Saturday with the pomp and splendor

As Botswana continues to evolve and transform, so does the independence day celebrations that serves as a reminder of the country's commitment to democracy, peace, and prosperity.

Throughout the country a myriad of festivities were the order of the day as communities came together to celebrate Botswana with food,  parades, cultural exhibitions, music festivals and traditional choir, dikhwaere.

This year’s festivities  were celebrated under the theme: Mindset Change for Sustainable Development and Pride.

At the national stadium multitudes that thronged the national stadium among them, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi and senior government officials were treated to the fanfare and jubilation that accompanied the marking of the country’s national day.

Upon his arrival, President Masisi paraded to cheering crowds and the Statesman reciprocated to the cheers with his signature dance moves while standing at the back of a customized V8 Landcruiser.

Commencing the festivities was the flag mounting ceremony where the national flag was hoisted high, and national anthem sung with fervor following the arrival of President Dr Masisi.

Following his arrival, the President inspected a guard of honour mounted by the 577 members of the Botswana Defence Force.

Clad in their green ceremonial suits, the drill parade team led by Warrant Officer Cheza Pani were a marvel to watch, with various slow and goose match parades, which culminated with the BDF brass band rendition of the famous folk song A re chencheng originally performed by Ratsie Setlhako.

The toast of the parades however, was the Botswana Prisons Band led by Assistant Superintendent Rebaone Koko.

The ever energised Assistant Superintendent Koko and his band put up a remarkable performance that had the crowd on their feet with renditions of popular sing-along songs by Charma gal and Makhadzi.

In a rather unorthodox way of celebrating the day’s festivities, the rock and roll fanatics performed  their popular  rock parades that were accompanied by the roaring sounds of motor bikes.

A breath taking calisthenics displays on the  eastern stand famously referred to as ‘Panda’ took the crowd on a journey that Botswana had traversed as a nation from the humble beginnings to a country renowned for its remarkable economic and social development.

Attendees were also treated to cultural performances and a spectacular display of parachute sky diving amongst other activities. ends