Launch Of National Symbols

Monitor Editor | Monday May 12, 2014 17:13

According to the ministry this initiative is in recognition of the significance and value of these species in the lives of Batswana. They contribute to sustaining community livelihoods and to the socio-economic development of our society. Each of these species is traditionally linked to our country’s cultural diversity and history in their own special way. The ministry recognises that such species should be recognised in order to raise their portfolio at national level considering their cultural heritage value and significance.

Of course the ministry has explained that the process of identifying national symbols in the form of a tree, grass and flower was done through consultations at kgotla meetings across the country. Ministries, independent departments and full councils were approached as part of the stakeholder consultation, according to the ministry’s statement.

The unveiling of the national symbols comes just as Botswana prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary of Independence.

While it would be great to have documented names and even images of national symbols like other progressive countries, the fact that the launch of such iconic symbols is coming only 50 years after independence, should be a cause for concern. Are we only waking up to the significance of these symbols now? This is one process that should have been concluded and done a long time ago. To imagine that we have had three presidents, and no national symbols is a bit embarrassing for a nation’s status.

Nevertheless we await the announcement of the national symbols with interest, hoping they will continue to bind the nation together, and be a source of pride for us all.

However it is disturbing to learn that the announcement of such iconic symbols will not be performed by the highest office in the land. We hope the no show by the national leadership is not reflective of their level of none appreciation of the subject of the day. It is our humble conviction that whether the launch is via a press conference or a fete, the highest office possible should be seen to be championing the cause, and avoid being misconstrued to be giving the initiative a half hearted attention.

Not so long ago, we saw ministers in the office of the President and in the Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism at the forefront in the unveiling of David Livingstone landmarks at Kolobeng. We are simply calling for the continuation of the same spirit.