BCC celebrates 50 years
Zolani Kraai | Thursday August 11, 2016 15:42
BCC general secretary Rev. Mosweu Simane told a media briefing on Tuesday that the Golden Jubilee celebrations would be held at Kagisong Centre in Mogoditshane, where testimonies would be shared, chronicling the achievements of the organisation in shaping the history of Botswana.
He said some of the highlights of the achievements would be the role of the Church in rural development, youth and children’s empowerment and in democracy, peace and justice work, among others.
Mosweu said BCC would release a pastoral letter to the nation on the occasion of the Botswana Golden Jubilee. He said a pastoral letter is BCC’s national road map under the theme, ‘Botswana we hope and pray’, and it seeks to share insights on the SWOT analysis of Botswana and going into the future.
Furthermore, Mosweu said since its establishment, BCC has promoted church unity and active engagement of the churches in development projects in areas such as education, health, provision of clean water through drilling of boreholes, human rights work, welfare amongst others.
In socio-economic development of Botswana, former BCC general secretary David Modiega said the churches under BCC have been engaged in advocacy work especially in connection with asylum seekers, refugees, prisoners, women in disadvantaged positions and Basarwa in Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR).
“The celebrations will create a platform to interact with former BCC leaders and volunteers to reflect on the strides they made in contributing of social justice, right to life, and issues and preservation of human dignity,” Modiega said.
BCC Golden Jubilee coordinator Bob Dintwe said some of the planned activities include the fun walk from Pula Spar to Kagisong Centre via Mogoditshane kgotla. He said brass bands, traditional dance troupes, the likes of Mafitlhakgosi, would perform, while on Sunday celebrations would entail songs of praise, gospel music, joint church service and awards.
“Aerobics and exhibitions of community based projects (Diaconia projects) will form part of the programme line for free,” Dintwe said.
Among the expected dignitaries are the representatives from the World Council for Churches (WCC), regional and local churches, traditional and government representatives.
The BCC was founded in 1965 and formally established on May 21, 1966. It was established by churches that were involved in community development work in Bechuanaland to bring their efforts together for maximum impact and sustainability.
BCC golden jubilee dinner
BCC role in the development of the country was recognised by Government over the weekend at a golden jubilee dinner held at Trinity Church.
Speaking on behalf of Government, the deputy permanent secretary (Information & Broadcasting) in the Ministry of Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Mogomotsi Kaboeamodimo described BCC as a beacon of hope for Batswana.
He said over the years BCC was instrumental in empowering Batswana to regurgitate their Christian beliefs through various media platforms. Kaboeamodimo highlighted the significant role that BCC played in linking the media especially radio, with Christian and faith orientated programmes.
“The past radio hosts with the likes of Hilda Mampane and Godiramang Makhaya, to mention a few, were very passionate about their job and for every Motswana to be productive in his or her daily errands, they needed spiritual mentorship and guidance, and that is exactly what they, and BCC leadership with its member churches promoted,” Kaboeamodimo shared.
Earlier when welcoming and sharing the summary of the existence of the organisation, BCC president and Anglican church head, Bishop Metlhayotlhe Beleme, appreciated the role played by the forefathers and mothers, young and old, staff and volunteers who toiled and laboured over the past 50 years to promote the community and church unity.
Beleme also narrated the scripture, saying the Jubilee Year is the 50th year after the seven cycles of seven years (Lev. 25:10) in which Israel’s land and people gained freedom.
“It was a year of joy and liberation, where three things were to happen as stipulated by the law of Moses; citing Lev. 25:11 and Lev. 25:10-34 and 27:16-24.
Beleme said BCC has always been interested in the socio-economic, political and spiritual matters of Botswana.
“We don’t condone partisan politics, but we will always be involved in socio-economic and political issues, because for example, politics is an issue of civic affairs and daily affairs of the people, their needs, their demands and their joys and struggles,” he said.
The formation of BCC in 1966, unleashed a period during which the churches would embark on a venture of working together to improve the lifes of Batswana through pioneering initiatives such as providing quality education, engaging in advocacy across various thematic areas, addressing issues of poverty and establishment of health institutions.