10 Oct 2018

The year 2018 marks 50 years of the existence of the Botswana National Museum and Monuments, a milestone that will be celebrated on October 12.

 Speaking at a press briefing on October 9 , deputy director of National Museum and Monuments, Stephen Mogotsi said celebrations would be held under the theme: Museum at 50 Celebrating Heritage, while Vice President Slumber Tsogwane is expected to officiate.

Mogotsi said the theme was appropriate and relevant given the role of the institution in the sustainable development of Botswana’s heritage resources over the past 50 years.

He said prior to the celebration there would be a panel discussion that would be held under the theme: The Museum at 50 - A Reflection and Projection on Heritage Development in Botswana.

He explained that there would be an exhibition that would showcase the developments and progress made by the institution in the past 50 years.

“Three people who were significant to the setting up and development of the museum will be officially recognised posthumously. 

These three people are Kgosi Bathoen II, who is the founding chairperson, Alec Campbell, who is the first director of the institution and Doreen Nteta, who is the museum curator responsible for education and publicity of the institution,” he said.

Mogotsi noted that the museum has notable achievements in this 50 years period, which includes the listing of Tsodilo Hills and Okavango Delta in 2014 as a world heritage sites.

She mentioned that plans were underway to develop 20 heritage sites, revamp and refurbish regional museums, modernise the permanent exhibition at the headquarters as well as to develop site museums such as those at Ntsweng in Molepolole and Old Palapye near Malaka.

“We encourage you to avail yourselves to capture the memories of this significant milestone in the journey in the past 50 years and also be part of our future plans in the development of heritage sector, to contribute to the diversification of the tourism product as well as to educate Batswana about such endeavours,” said Mogotsi. ENDS