28 Sep 2026

A young nation confronted by immense developmental challenges at the time of attaining independence has due to resilience and visionary leadership, transformed to a high middle income country.

Speaking during the Kweneng Land Board Independence pre-celebration on Thursday in Molepolole, the Assistant Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Mr Letlhogonolo Barongwang said 60 years was a remarkable milestone in the life of any nation.

Held under the theme: Building Resilience, Driving Prosperity, he said it offered an opportunity to reflect on our journey, celebrate our achievements and recognise the sacrifices and contributions made by past and present generations of Batswana.

Mr Barongwang said back then, infrastructure was limited, resources were scarce and the future was uncertain, yet through determination, unity and visionary leadership, Botswana embarked on a journey of transformation.  

He further said independence was not only about celebrating the past, but recognising that every generation inherit a responsibility to leave the country better.

Mr Barongwang added that Botswana of 1966 was not the Botswana of 2026, and likewise the Botswana of today cannot remain the Botswana of tomorrow. 

“As we look to the future, Botswana requires an economy that is more productive, diversified, digitally enabled, and capable of creating sustainable opportunities for its people,” he said. 

Mr Barongwang said government had already taken significant steps to bring services closer to communities through the restructuring and upgrading of local authorities.  

He added that as Kweneng Landboard celebrate their achievements, they must be honest about the challenges they continue to face, therefore identify and do away with bottlenecks. 

On the issue of land disputes, Mr Barongwang said when disputes remain unresolved for extended periods, development was delayed and public confidence was weakened.

He therefore, urged them to strengthen early intervention mechanisms, communication with stakeholders, records management systems, mediation processes and administrative dispute-resolution mechanisms. 

Kweneng Land Board Secretary, Mr Mpho Keareng said BOT60 marked a historic milestone of resilience, unity and exceptional national progress for Botswana.

“As a Motswana, this celebration is not just a holiday, but a profound reflection of your identity, heritage and a shared future,” said Mr Keareng.

Mr Keareng said BOT60 was a celebration of extraordinary progress where Botswana’s economic transformation and human capital started from its lowest to reach its highest level.

He added that Botswana was a beacon of democracy and held the proud record of being Africa’s oldest democracy, honouring six decades of peaceful transitions of power, regular elections and the rule of law. 

He further said BOT60 was a reminder of kagisano and how different tribes and communities had united under one national flag without major civil strife. 

Kweneng Land Board Chairperson, Ms Tshepo Wareus also emphasised that the journey was built on unity, self-reliance and the principle of kagisano. 

Ms Wareus said their task for the next 60 years is clear: manage land to build a more resilient Kweneng that drives prosperity for future generation. 

She the Land Board will remain pivotal in building resilience and driving prosperity for the country. 

“As we celebrate 60 years of Independence, let us recognise that the responsibility for our country’s land cannot rest with Land Boards alone, it requires the involvement of all of us,” she said.  ENDS