28 Aug 2026

Independence Day fever in the early years was so strong that some Batswana went to extreme lengths to show love for the country.  

One story that trended in the past is that of a Motswana who painted a donkey blue, black and white for Independence Day.  

Nobody knows how the case ended, whether authorities called it cruelty to animals or just another tale of patriotism gone overboard. 

As Botswana turns 60 in September, Headman of Arbitration for Dipolasi/Pobepobe ward in Matsiloje, Kgosi Thapelo Sebokolodi attests that that kind of excitement was common. 

“In those days, the whole village would change colours before independence,” he says, recalling the independence celebrations of his youth.  

Those years, some huts would get fresh coats of traditional painting using different muds and natural dyes. Walls, gates and yards turned into the colours of the national flag. 

“The main kgotla was swept, decorated and painted. Primary schools followed. From a distance, the village looked like a living flag. It was beautiful,” he adds. 

To Kgosi Sebokolodi, independence celebrations were taken seriously because they brought people together.  

“Unlike Christmas, which is for families, independence was for the whole village at the kgotla. We already knew the date. Radio would announce it. At school, teachers would remind us. The hype would start. Some parents even bought children new clothes. The day had a significant purpose in the hearts of many. It was a joyous day,” he says.

A day before, cattle and goats would be slaughtered at the kgotla. On the day, pupils carried flags made from manila paper, with cheeks painted blue, black and white.

At the kgotla, the programme of the day featured traditional song and dance, choral music, poetry, drama, storytelling and the speeches. Churches too added to the mirth of the day. They would sing and pray for the country and its prosperity, much to the joy of the villagers.  The highlight, however, was the food,” Kgosi Sebokolodi reminisces.

He says that is when students liked it most. 

“We would feast and until our bellies couldn’t take any more food,” he said, adding that it was rare for them go back home without extras.  

In Matsiloje, people queued for food according to their wards and not a single person would be unfed.  

“Everyone ended the day with a full stomach,” he states.

Born in 1958, he reckons Batswana should go back to the crossroads and revive the spirit of self-reliance as the country marks 60 years of independence.

That same spirit saw Batswana celebrate independence with pomp and glee in those early years though the country had little economically.

Batswana contributed what they had, and what they each could bring, collectively translated into feasts of great proportions. 

“Some villagers donated livestock that was slaughtered and feasted on at the main kgotla to mark the day,” he says. 

Though he appreciates government for stepping in by providing funds for Independence Day celebrations after diamond sales improved the economy, Kgosi Sebokolodi feels the move weakened the spirit of self-reliance.

“Government was doing that in good faith, but many Batswana took a back seat, thinking that government had taken over. But the fact of the matter is that independence celebrations belong to Batswana, not to government,” he adds.

Kgosi Sebokolodi believes the situation can still be salvaged. Batswana should simply introspect and then do the needful.

In Matsiloje, the train has already left the station. For the past two to three years, independence celebrations have been driven mainly by local contributions. 

Residents have moved beyond joining hands only to celebrate Independence Day and through self-reliance, they have built a multimillion Pula shelter at the main kgotla.

“The spirit of self-reliance has benefitted Batswana from time immemorial through building of schools and local gravel roads,” he said.

For Kgosi Sebokolodi, independence was never about how much government could give but about how much people could give to each other.

His message is simple. Batswana can once again  have a feast, one flag at a time.  ENDS