01 Jul 2024

Public members on Monday gathered at Parliament buildings to celebrate the life of Botswana’s founding President, Sir Seretse Khama.

Born in 1921 in Serowe, British protectorate of Bechunaland, Sir Seretse Khama died in July 13, 1980 Gaborone, Botswana.

Speakers described him as  a consummate nation-builder, non-racialist and constitutionalist steeped in the beliefs of workings of multi-partyism as a laboratory for testing and refining democracy. He was also a Pan-Africanist, who deeply supported the objectives of the Organisation of African Unity and pledged Botswana government’s support for any practical measure proposed to promote African co-operation and unity.

One of his notable quotes is “Unity in Botswana, will not be achieved by legislation, but by consultation and consensus. Our national unity will be stronger of it remains based, as it is now, on diversity, mutual tolerance and consensus”.

The commemoration was attended by President Dr Mokgwetsi  Masisi, First Lady Neo Vice President Slumber Tsogwane and wife Magdline Tsogwane, former President of Mozambique, Dr Joaquim Chissano,  Former Vice President, Mr Ponatshego Kedikilwe, cabinet ministers and dikgosi.ENDS