28 Aug 2016

Torches have been used throughout human history, and are still used today in various processions, entertainment, and symbolic and religious events.

Generally, a torch is a battery-operated portable light or, simply put, a stick with light at one end; hence, a roving torch is a wandering or travelling light often used for various purposes by different people.

In some nations, a torch pointed down or an inverted torch symbolises death, while a torch held upwards symbolises life, truth and the regenerative power of flame.

In schools, a torch symbolises the vision of education and enlightenment. The chairperson of Kanye BOT50 Local Organising Committee Mr Ishmael Komanyane told BOPA in an interview that in Botswana, the tradition of the roving torch (molelo wa kgolagano) dates as far back as 1985.

“It started as a pilot project dubbed ‘Week of Physical Fitness and Sport for All’, which was an activity at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization level,” Mr Komanyane said.

The former director of the then Sport, Culture and Women’s Affairs, the current Gender Affairs department under the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture said the fire was intended for national integration, peace and stability.

Mr Komanyane said the fire traversed the country in a relay race starting from Ramokgwebana in the North to Ramatlabama in the South along the A1 Road. “Our first roving torch was set off by the late Kgosi Seepapitso IV of Bangwaketse before it navigated the stretch of the country couriered by athletes escorted all the way by the police,” he reminisced.

He said it later entered the National Stadium in Gaborone to signal a start of a series of sports activities mainly traditional games.

Mr Komanyane said in 1986 the roving torch was confirmed as a symbol of unity to the nation upon which time former vice president, Dr Ponatshego Kedikilwe started it in Kazungula.

In later years, he said it was carried by community members until it reached its final destination which was usually the National Stadium in Gaborone.

At the time, the country used a local plant called ‘Thutse’, Mr Komanyane said, adding that the history of the roving torch dated back when the ancient Greeks mounted technology on mount Olympus to capture sun rays to transform them into light energy.

He said it was then removed from atop the mountain and placed at a certain zone for sport competitions which were later called Olympus Oxi, a Greek phrase which denotes Olympic challenge.

Mr Komanyane said the current Minister of Infrastructure, Science and Technology, Mr Nonofo Molefhi delivered a bulk of the Thutse plant by a seven ton truck from Ghanzi where he was stationed as a youth officer a long time ago.

The flame was used for the Twentieth Anniversary Celebrations Coordinating Unit (TAICU) which included Mr Dickson Gabanakgosi who was in charge of sport and recreation.

Mr Gabanakgosi, who is a member the Kanye BOT50 LOC, said he worked under Mr Komanyane at TAICU at departmental level.

He said the concept of the fire in ancient times was the same as the current one but the difference is that now it traverses the country village by village.

However, additional research shows that the fire was introduced at the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam, and it has been part of the modern Olympic Games ever since.

The Olympic Torch today is ignited several months before the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games at the site of the ancient Olympics in Olympia, Greece.

Eleven women representing the Vestal Virgins perform a celebration at the Temple of Hera in which the torch is kindled by the light of the Sun, its rays concentrated by a parabolic mirror.

The torch briefly travels around Greece via a short relay, and then starts its transfer to the host city after a ceremony in the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens.

The Olympic Torch Relay ends on the day of the opening ceremony in the central stadium of the Games. The final carrier is often kept unannounced until the last moment, and it is usually a sports celebrity of the host country.

The final bearer of the torch runs towards the cauldron, often placed at the top of a grand staircase, and then uses the torch to start the flame in the arena.

It is considered to be a great honor to be asked to light the Olympic flame. After being lit, the flame continues to burn throughout the Games, until the day of the closing ceremony and celebration, when it is finally put out, symbolizing the official end of the Games. ENDS