The silver lining in National Stadium's dark cloud

Mqondisi Dube | Tuesday April 15, 2025 11:32

Last week, the nation endured some anxious moments as the country prepared to host the FNB Botswana Golden Grand Prix. The National Stadium, which closed for track renovations in November and was due for completion in March, was not ready right up to kick-off time. Images of workers involved in frantic works late into the night went viral on social media platforms. It solicited varying responses, with journalists at the end of some unwarranted, harsh criticism. The critics argued that there was zero patriotism in broadcasting the international embarrassment, which had the effect of tarnishing Botswana's image. But one could argue that the arrows were aimed at the wrong target as the journalists had a duty to keep a restive nation informed.

The only way to show progress or lack of, was through the consistent reporting that we saw on the eve of the event. If anything, journalists should be applauded for being at the 'crime' scene and giving accurate reporting. The agenda cutting tactic would not have worked this time. If the reporters had buried this story somewhere, they would have been accused of being inept and failing to expose the shortcomings. So big up to members of the Fourth Estate for staying with the story right up to the end. Now back to the dark cloud that hung over the National Stadium. It is deeply concerning that little, if any has been learnt from past experiences, with particular references to the National Stadium. This is a facility that has consistently failed the test of time and plans should have been in place when it looked increasingly likely that the venue would not be completed on time. Harsh lessons were served, but sadly, it was in front of an international audience and that does not bode well for the country's ambitions to host future events. The 'once beaten twice shy' idiom appears to have no relevance when it comes to the National Stadium.

Following the egregious five-year experience between 2008 and 2013 when National Stadium renovations took forever to complete, one expected better due diligence going forward. But what the nation gets is last minute work with crocked lines, making the country cannon fodder for critics. The National Stadium itself has turned into a butt of jokes and its failure rank in the uppermost tiers of stadium work calamities. That sounds too harsh perhaps, but the nation has been dragged into this pit by some weird decisions by authorities. While there was concern over the availability of the stadium, the fact that the event went ahead presents the silver lining. Again, although the lessons were harsh, it presents the perfect platform for seamless events in future. The FNB Botswana Golden Grand Prix, with its pre-event drama, has come and gone, and now it’s back to the drawing board for all concerned.