24 Sep 2024

With only two years shy from diamond jubilee, Batswana have every reason to celebrate 58 years of independence that have been observed with peace and stability ever since Bechuanaland gained independence  in 1966. 

This year’s theme: Mindset Change; Transforming Minds, Shaping Destiny, prompts a reflection on the national journey marked by peace and stability, as well as equal rights and opportunities for its people, an experience not shared by many in the region and beyond.

While past independence celebrations were grand affairs brimming with high spirits, the nature of these festivities has seemingly shifted over the years. BOPA explored this evolution, gathering thoughts from Batswana across the country regarding their experiences and expectations for Independence Day. BOPA explored this evolution, gathering thoughts from Batswana across the country regarding their experiences and expectations for Independence Day.

 Mr John Smarts, a 59-year-old resident of Mokwena Ward in Serowe, reminisced about the past when independence festivities primarily revolved around the village kgotla and primary schools. “We could hardly contain the excitement, thinking about the activities,” he recalled, describing how children would don short khaki pants and shirts, excitedly carrying cups and plates to the kgotla.

Thirty-two-year-old Ms Mmabatho Motlamma from Modimo Ward in Letlhakeng shared her memories of vibrant kgotla celebrations, adorned in national colors, reflecting a spirit of unity. “The community used to dedicate the day to reflect on the past, with the elderly and youth participating in the day’s events,” she explained, noting how these customs have gradually faded. 

TO Ms Ellen Gaselotho, 59, from  Moroka, people prefer to stay home and focus on daily chores. “Some parents even prevent their children from attending celebrations at the kgotla out of fear of human trafficking and ritual murders that have induced paranoia,” she stated. While she plans to celebrate at home with family, Ms Gaselotho remains open to attending the kgotla for the President’s Independence Day message.

Twenty four year-old Ms Maikano Makgolela of Selebi Phikwe said she looked forward to spending the holiday with her family.

 “This is a time to celebrate the significant milestones achieved by the nation therefore, we ought to come together as a nation and celebrate like we did in the past, said Ms Makgolela.” She said independence day brought back childhood memories when residents used to gather at the stadium for a feast.

Ms Gouta Dibe, from Kanye, has fond memories of the independence day celebrations of yesteryears. 

The 49 year-old said back in the day boipuso fostered a sense of unity and kinship as communities came together to celebrate in unison. 

She said during those times, school children would arrive at the kgotla in beautiful processions, clad in their school colours, and would share in the day’s festivities alongside the rest of the villagers. Ms Dibe said that a lot had changed in the way boipuso was celebrated. 

To her, the excitement surrounding the day had died away, and left in its place a string of music festivals which people now look to for entertainment during independence day holiday. As has been the case for the past couple of years, Ms Dibe has nothing planned for independence day. “I will be on duty, so there is nothing special that I have planned for the day,” she said.

Mr Moffat Kgengwenyane, 45, from Good Hope, shared insights into changing traditions, revealing that he will be transporting people from Botswana to Namibia for an independence getaway, rather than participating in independence celebrations. 

In Gumare, 65 year-old Ms Bodule Sebadieta talked about how families had feasts and bought children new clothes to mark the celebrations. 

Her plan for independence day is to join other members of the community for the festivities.

Ms Ikothaeng Sedihe, 76, of Chanoga said in the past, villagers used to pledge beasts, goats, money and food for a celebration at the kgotla.

 “I used to race during our time and later in the evening engage in story-telling to our grand-children, to appreciate where Botswana comes from,” said Ms Sedihe.

For 31-year-old boutique owner Ms Gaone Mudehwe in Francistown, the holiday signifies a boost in business sales, while Ms Chandapiwa Batlang, 33, recalls the unity and cultural displays that characterised celebrations among the Bakalanga of Masunga. “While there have been significant changes, this year I plan to travel to Masunga for the annual Domboshaba cultural festival, which echoes the spirit of past Independence Day celebrations,” she stated. 

In comparison with Boipuso of years past, a lot has changed as people often make personal arrangements to mark the day while others treat it like any ordinary day. 

This year Ms Batlang, a food vendor based in Kanye, plans to travel to Masunga for the annual Domboshaba cultural festival, which, gives a semblance of Independence Day celebrations of years back. ENDs