Francistown to celebrate in style

EDWARD BULE
Correspondent | Wednesday September 22, 2010 00:00

Addressing the press yesterday, the Francistown Events Committee, represented by Lingani Chiyapo, Gobe Macha, Sylvester Toteng and Sethunya Kgaodi regretted that for the majority of people, September 30 has been losing meaning over the years.

They said that it was unfortunate that people treat the day lightly using it to do private businesses like visiting their cattle posts or making merry instead of consciously celebrating the day that marks Botswana's nationhood.

The press heard that even public servants are guilty of the unpatriotic tendency.

Macha said that his committee intends to make this year's celebrations different from the previous ones and therefore memorable. The Events Committee has addressed all the wards in Francistown soliciting the views of the various stakeholders such as Dikgosi, Ward Development Committees and residents.

The consensus is that, instead of the usual singing, poetry and dancing, the occasion should be used to celebrate Botswana's cultural identity.

The guest of honour at the Francistown independence celebrations at the stadium will be the Cuban ambassador, Jorge L. Tormo.

The committee called upon the people of Francistown to celebrate their identity by putting on traditional attire on Independence Day.

Only traditional food will be served on that day. In sourcing out groups to provide entertainment, a deliberate effort is being made to identify those that will display Setswana culture with particular emphases on the local  sub-cultures. 

The committee said that in line with one of the Vision 2016 pillars of a proud nation, the people of Francistown should be proud of their cultural identity.

It is also expected that a professional historian or elder will relate the history of Francistown for the benefit of the uninitiated especially the youth.

To show how committed the committee is to influencing a kind of cultural revolution among the people of Francistown, the committee had a fashion show recently at Thapama Lodge where different entrepreneurs showcased their cultural products.

A beauty contest where the participants will be dressed in traditional attire instead of the usual costumes is underway.

The committee revealed that due to the recession, they did not get much from government but they are grateful to the business community for donating food, cash and prizes.