It was all systems go until unexpected forces of nature nearly caused a postponement of the day. As the hour drew closer and dignitaries were about to step outside and head to the stadium, the weather, which had been so friendly and conducive, became hostile, unkind and unbearable overnight.
It became cold and windy. The strong wind rattled doors and windows and dust was everywhere. Among the dignitaries was a representative of British Royal family, Her Royal Highness Princess Marina. And the colonial officer in charge, Hugh Norman Walker, says Professor Thomas Tlou, “muttered something about the need to consider postponing the ceremony” because he considered it unsafe to “expose the Princess to the rigours of the night.” The shocking statement invited a sharp reaction from a distressed president in waiting Sir Seretse Khama who said, “you cannot postpone independence!” Perhaps, demonstrating his legal background, Seretse added, “this is a legal instrument.” Seretse’s intervention prevailed. Close to midnight, the British union Jack was lowered, signalling the then unfolding disintegration of the once mighty British imperial empire and on the dot, at midnight, the new blue, black and white flag of Botswana was raised to mark attainment of full sovereign status. It is reported that there were anxious moments when the new flag refused to spread out and only did so after a few more tugs from the policeman in charge. Oral tradition claims that as the flag broke free, light showers of rain accompanied it. That day Botswana was born and she became a proud member of the community of free nations.
