Sombre Boipuso as broke gov't cancels festivities
Pini Bothoko | Friday September 26, 2025 08:23
Since assuming power in October last year, the new administration has repeatedly cautioned citizens about the country’s financial crisis. Underscoring the gravity of the situation, the government has scrapped this year’s official Independence Day festivities, citing financial constraints.
Ahead of Mohwasa’s announcement, Batswana had already taken to social media questioning whether this year’s festivities would go ahead as usual. Many expressed concerns over the delayed decoration of villages, towns, and cities with Botswana flags, a tradition that typically signals preparations for Independence celebrations.
Making the announcement recently, Mohwasa said while the Independence Day tradition has always been central to Botswana’s unity and identity, the country’s current financial circumstances have compelled the government to make difficult choices.
“For decades, the government has partnered with citizens to mark this day with cherished music, dance, and pageantry. While these traditions are treasured, it is the government's shared responsibility to protect Botswana’s future, and that requires us to act with prudence,” he said.
He explained that, given the present financial constraints, the government has resolved not to allocate a central budget for this year’s Independence celebrations.
“In view of present financial constraints and in faithful discharge of our Constitution, it is our duty to safeguard public resources. Therefore, there will be no central budgetary allocation for official Independence festivities this year,” Mohwasa said.
The Minister stressed that the decision was not made out of disregard for Botswana’s heritage, but rather out of respect for it.
“True patriotism is measured not by the scale of an event, but by the strength of the nation’s stewardship. We invite Village Development Committees (VDCs), Ward Development Committees (WDCs), community groups, civil society, and other stakeholders to take the lead in organising activities in their localities. This can include clean-up campaigns, storytelling for the youth, sports tournaments, or cultural festivals to celebrate this day. Let us show that the soul of our country is stronger than any budget line,” he pleaded.
The announcement marks a significant shift from past celebrations, which traditionally saw government-funded food, entertainment, and cultural showcases at local kgotlas nationwide.
While the decision may leave many nostalgic for the usual colourful fanfare, Mohwasa expressed confidence that Batswana’s spirit of unity and resilience will shine through as communities take ownership of this year’s Independence Day.
Mmegi has since learned that Members of Parliament (MPs) and Councilors have organised themselves by donating cows and money in an effort to help their electorates celebrate this year’s Independence Day festivities. Some community members in their respective wards have also contributed money to raise funds to buy food and be able to gather in their wards and eat, rejoice as usual.