27 Sep 2024

In a heart-warming display of patriotism and unity, public servants in Francistown on September 27 paused for a while from their busy work schedule to celebrate Botswana's 58th Independence Day schedule for September 30.

The significance of this historic milestone was not lost on the attendees, who took a break from their schedules to commemorate the occasion.

Amid the festivities and jubilation, a special emphasis was placed on honouring those individuals who share the same birth year as the nation itself or were born in 1966.

This unique connection served as a poignant reminder of the shared journey and progress that Botswana and its people have made over the past six decades.

The day was marked by a series of events and activities, including speeches highlighting the country's achievements, and moments of reflection on the struggles and successes that had shaped Botswana's path to independence.

Public servants, clad in traditional attire came together to express their pride and gratitude for their nation.

As the celebrations unfolded, a sense of unity and camaraderie filled the air, reinforcing the bond that binds the people of Botswana together.

The spirit of camaraderie and solidarity that permeated the event served as a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of the nation and its citizens.

The 1966-born, dressed in traditional attire called 'Leteisi', had graciously agreed to share their stories of life with those around them.

It was a moment that was filled with anticipation and excitement, as everyone eagerly listened to what they had to say.

They spoke of the challenges they had faced, the triumphs they had celebrated, and the lessons they had learned along the way.

Their stories painted a vivid picture of a life full of ups and downs, but always guided by the strength of their traditions and the love of their community.

They spoke of the value of hard work, and the beauty of living in harmony with nature. Each story was a testament to the resilience and spirit of the people of Botswana, and a reminder of the rich cultural heritage that they all shared.

In his welcome remarks, Francistown District Commissioner, Ms Chabongwa Matseka, said the Independence Day celebrations not only served as a reminder of Botswana's rich history and heritage but also as a celebration of the collective strength and spirit of its people.

Ms Matseka emphasised the pivotal role that civil servants have played in the development of Botswana since its independence.

She stated that from the very beginning, when the country was underdeveloped, civil servants have been instrumental in driving progress and growth.

According to her, civil servants were the backbone of development efforts and their contributions were essential for the advancement of the nation.

Ms Matseka said building a better Botswana should be self-choice for any Motswana, including civil servants, to embark on.

She said mindset change and self-actualisation were important for the betterment of the way services were delivered to the people.

She emphasised that the development of Botswana was intrinsically linked to the contributions made by civil servants since the day of independence when the nation was in a state of underdevelopment.

She highlighted that civil servants were the backbone of development, playing a vital role in shaping and advancing the progress of the country.

Their dedication, hard work, and commitment are essential in driving growth and improving the quality of life for all citizens.

Ms Patricia Bagopi, who was born in 1966, and working for Accountant General, expressed her pride in sharing the same birth year as Botswana.

Ms Bagopi said while some may view it as a mere coincidence, she sees it as a significant alignment of destiny.

Being born in the same year Botswana became independent holds a special meaning for her, symbolizing a connection to the nation's history, progress, and identity. It represents a shared journey of growth and development, and reinforces her sense of belonging and pride as a citizen of Botswana.

While Mr Bampeile Sehube of Radio Botswana emphasised the crucial role that public servants played in upholding the ideals of liberty and justice for all, and called on them to continue their dedication to serving the public good.

He said they should know that their work was essential in maintaining the freedoms that their country had fought so hard to achieve.

“As we celebrated Independence Day together, we should reinforce our commitment to serving the community with integrity, dedication, and unwavering patriotism.

Mr Sehube urged civil servants to fully commit themselves to implementing all the initiatives set forth by the President, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, such as Thuo Letlotlo and Temo Letlotlo.

He emphasised the importance of ensuring the successful execution of these initiatives without fail, highlighting that it would be a disappointment if civil servants were to let the president down.

“By rallying behind and actively supporting the president's programmes and policies, civil servants can contribute significantly to the development and progress of Botswana, demonstrating their dedication to serving their country and fulfilling their roles as key drivers of positive change,” he said. Ends