Last week, the nation endured some anxious moments as the country prepared to host the FNB Botswana Golden Grand Prix. The National Stadium, which closed for track renovations in November and was due for completion in March, was not ready right up to kick-off time. Images of workers involved in frantic works late into the night went viral on social media platforms. It solicited varying responses, with journalists at the end of some unwarranted, harsh criticism. The critics argued that there was zero patriotism in broadcasting the international embarrassment, which had the effect of tarnishing Botswana's image. But one could argue that the arrows were aimed at the wrong target as the journalists had a duty to keep a restive nation informed.
The only way to show progress or lack of, was through the consistent reporting that we saw on the eve of the event. If anything, journalists should be applauded for being at the 'crime' scene and giving accurate reporting. The agenda cutting tactic would not have worked this time. If the reporters had buried this story somewhere, they would have been accused of being inept and failing to expose the shortcomings. So big up to members of the Fourth Estate for staying with the story right up to the end. Now back to the dark cloud that hung over the National Stadium. It is deeply concerning that little, if any has been learnt from past experiences, with particular references to the National Stadium. This is a facility that has consistently failed the test of time and plans should have been in place when it looked increasingly likely that the venue would not be completed on time. Harsh lessons were served, but sadly, it was in front of an international audience and that does not bode well for the country's ambitions to host future events. The 'once beaten twice shy' idiom appears to have no relevance when it comes to the National Stadium.
