MYSC gives update on BOT50 preparations
Spira Tlhankane | Thursday February 25, 2016 16:30
Olopeng said since appointing the board that would oversee the preparations, they had coordinated all activities in a satisfactory manner. As part of the entertainment activities, BOT50 would involve all musicians and the artists would perform at all the 16 districts.
He said he requested the Gaborone City Council to clean the city because it would be the main centre of attraction.
The city is not clean, I gave them the assignment and they should be able to deal with it, he said. He expressed concern that engaging Batswana was a hindrance to the preparation.
We flooded tenders for products and services because we believe that Batswana can handle any sets of procurement, he said. The response is scary, the quoted prices are high.î
Olopeng said Batswana demanded more money from government and they were the same people who later questioned his decisions.
Whenever government is involved people feel the need to double and triple prices but when we procure from outside they complain,î he added.
The BOT50 chairman, Boyce Sebetela, said the celebrations would cover Botswana like never before. He said Francistown would be more special and almost equal to Gaborone in terms of celebrations.
We agreed that Batswana should question who we are, where we come from, where we are and where we are going, he said.
Sebetela said children should know about their culture and be able to answer the questions. The committee would conduct essay, poem and art competitions geared towards educating Batswana and giving an insight on the independence of Botswana. The competitions were a marketing tool to spread knowledge about 50th anniversary. We should also reach out and celebrate as different religions there we will welcome every religion,î he said.
Sebetela said they would also tell the story of Botswana and will produce a coffee table book and revive national symbols.
We aim to educate the public and schools on the use and meaning of the national symbols like the national anthem, coat of arms and Botswana flag, he said.
Sebetela said they would soon close the ideas bank, a platform for submission of ideas on how the nation should celebrate golden. An ensemble of artists from across the country is scheduled to record a theme song of unity.
It is a 50 year theme song by various artists,î he said. This targets all market segments and for now we are done with the first phase of composing lyrics.