Welcome to Gaborone

Mmegi Editor | Thursday May 22, 2014 11:13

By noon today, the country would have received most if not all the visitors who will be competing or officiating in the Games. Over 2,000 athletes and 400 officials from across the African continent are expected to come for the events.  It is a huge credit to Botswana to host an event of this magnitude for the first time. In the past, we have watched with envy as other countries host the Africa Cup of Nations, the World Cup and other big sporting events. As you read this, hotels and lodges in Gaborone, Lobatse and Molepolole are fully-booked. Some are here for the games, while others are on different missions. 

In the latter group, there may be potential party spoilers, and everyone has got to be on the look out for them. These are criminals who take advantage of any public gathering of this magnitude to reap where they did not sow. They can be drug dealers, paedophiles, rapists or thieves who are hungry for their next victim. We appeal to our guests to be on the look out for these elements who camouflage as innocent bystanders, sports fanatics and probably posing as security agents or games officials. For those who are not familiar with our country, we urge you to be careful when talking to strangers. If you are in need of assistance, ask a uniformed police officer or games official for help.

On a different note, Africa is grappling with HIV/AIDS more than any other continent. The latest statistics show that for every 12 people you meet in this continent, at least one is suffering from the disease. The worst affected age group is the 16–39 bracket who are still economically and sexually active and productive. Some in this age group will be competing in the games that commence today. It is therefore important to appeal to the athletes and the officials to hold their breaths for the next 10 days and stay away from activities that may endanger their lives and spread HIV/AIDS. 

The temptation will be high though, but a few days of abstinence will not hurt anybody.  In the event that the temptation has taken over a person’s thinking ability, it would be proper to use protection. To the citizens, we appeal for improved service delivery in stores, petrol stations, public transport, police stations, and in the streets among others. This is the time to market your country for the guests to return at a later stage as tourists and potential investors.

                                                         Today’s thought

                                                      “Let the games begin!”

 

                                                       -  Susan Collins