DR Livingstone monument at Kolobeng

MPHO MOKWAPE
Correspondent | Thursday May 16, 2013 00:00

 

The bi-centenary commemoration also marked the ground-breaking ceremony where the first-ever building will be built at the location. The building once complete will serve as a history testament of Livingstone's stay in Botswana.David Livingstone was born in 1813 and died in 1873 in Zambia. He was a Scottish Congregationalist pioneer medical missionary and a stunt explorer in Africa.Kolobeng Monument often called the 'The River That Never Dries Up' near Kumakwane Village has been one of the historical sites in Botswana attracting tourists around the globe.

It is where Livingstone and his family settled  when they arrived in the country in 1847 and left a mark when he left as the site still has the remains of his daughter who was buried there and some of the other missionaries.He is also the first missionary to bring Christianity into the country and Bakwena of Molepolole through their Chief,Kgosi Sechele 1.  The Bakwena tribe was the first to convert to the religion.Speaking at the commemoration, Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism Tshekedi Khama said the Kolobeng Monument is one of the hundred projects that are protected by his Ministry as historical sites.

He explained that the Ministry works hand-in-hand with the public on ideas of how to maintain and preserve those monuments as the custodians of history. He emphasised that it is a collective effort that will do good for the benefit of the country.The UCCSA held their Sunday church service at the site where choirs like Soldiers of Christ, Youth Mass Choir and Molepolole gave some sterling performances to the appreciative audience.