#BOT55 in search of the Independence Monument

Fifty-five years into Independence, the 16-year-old Three Dikgosi Monument in Gaborone is undoubtedly ‘the’ national monument. The 5.4-metre statue of Khama III of the Bangwato, Sebele I of the Bakwena, and Bathoen I of the Bangwaketse at the CBD are usually used as the image that symbolises our nationhood. Most Independence memorabilia bear the image of the monument as if it is the actual Independence monument.

But according to Phillip Segadika from the Department of Museum, “Botswana does not have a specific Independence Monument”. So, in the absence of such, which available monuments could be considered for the Independence Monument? The following have been suggested by historians and members of the public.