Balekane ba Botswana Association launched

Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Thursday August 21, 2014 11:53

The association was founded and registered in 2011 under the societies’ act. 

Speaking at the launch in Gaborone this week, head of Performing Arts at the Department of Arts and Culture Bopelo Gaothusi applauded BBA for striving to partake in the celebrations and development of the country. Gaothusi said the association reflects on Botswana’s achievements since independence and enhances patriotism, national identity, unity and pride. “On September 30, 2016 Botswana will be turning 50 years as a Republic it will also be the culmination of our ‘Vision 2016’ journey. This vision is a mandate that the nation of Botswana set for itself in 1996 to achieve prosperity for all by the year 2016,” he said.

Gaothusi also divulged that the tagline of the 50th anniversary is Botswana Pele. He commended BBA for their mandate of putting Botswana first and urged every individual, family, community, organisation and institution in Botswana to do the same.  He explained that the association is a community based initiative also aimed at enabling the country to package, document, preserve and protect the country’s valuable, tangible and intangible cultural heritage while fostering cultural diversity and mutual understanding among Batswana.

BBA chairperson, Boikaego Phale, said that as icons of this country they do not intend to be known as Balekane only but they have to partake in the development of this country. He said that they want to leave a mark that they will eternally be remembered for. He also highlighted that they had been involved in different community work such as donations to various less privileged people.

For his part historian Rogers Molefhi of the National Museum applauded the organisation for their good gesture. He pointed out that it is high time citizens partake in the development of this country adding that the members have a duty to protect Botswana’s resources, Molefhi highlighted that Batswana are peaceful, spiritual people who fear god and prefer peace and tranquility. He also encouraged them to engage in businesses so as to raise money for their organisation and earn substitute income. Molefhi pleaded with members to epitomise positive behaviour and guidance amongst young community members who are exposed to social ills.