01 Oct 2024

On Independence Day, jubilant celebrations ensued across Tsabong District, rich with cultural renditions in celebration of Botswana’s reigning peace and tranquility.

Speaking at Kokotsha kgotla on September 30, Kgosi Lefoko Kudume reminded the community that peace and tranquility, which had been reigning supreme in the country since Botswana took independence on September 30, 1966 was of paramount importance.

This, he said was a critical tenet of democracy and freedom adding that Botswana had over the years, been celebrated as a shining example of democracy, which was a core characteristic of Botswana’s peace and stability hence the need for the people to cherish and take pride in.

Kgosi Kudume said the independence festivities hold tremendous ground to reinforce national pride and unity through display of diverse and rich cultural renditions using art and culture as a powerful medium of expression and communication.

As such he encouraged the people to retrospect, value their traditions and remain resolute in pursuit of peace and serenity.

For his part Werda Kgosi Bruce Khekhene said independence celebrations were important for Batswana to retrospect and ponder on mindset change campaign, which called for transformative approach to the way of doing things.

He said it was critical for the youth to take centre stage in the initiative and participate in community development as well as community activities.

Thus, he said it was important for the young people to participate in the traditional Kgotla system to deepen their cultural knowledge and celebrate the beautiful diversity.

Kgosi Khekhene highlighted that Batswana needed to employ mindset change to celebrate Independence, deepen and broaden people participation during Independence celebrations.

In an interview, An elder at Werda, 75-year-old Ms Welleminah Brooks said celebrating Independence through community activities was critical to resuscitating spirit of Independence celebrations, which they used to enjoy in yester years before outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.

Ms Brooks appreciated the freedom she continued to enjoy in the country to date.

While she said deliberations during Independence Day at the Werda Kgotla were fruitful and packed with important information, she decried low turn up of community members at the kgotla. ENDS