President Mokgweetsi Masisi commended the event organisers who were led by Bagammangwato deputy regent Kgosi Serogola Seretse, emphasising the importance of celebrating the exemplary leadership of Sir Seretse Khama. “What is happening today is historic. If you are taking part here, know that you are part of history. You participated in recognising our founding father. He wasn't just an ordinary human being. He wasn't just a Mongwato tribesman. “We think of him when we think of Botswana builders. He was one of those who formed the Constitution and he lived by it and protected it. He believed in unity,” he said.
Masisi said the commemoration marathon is worthy of being praised because those who conceptualised it did very well. He said Khama is a legend who deserves honour from not just family members or tribespeople, but all Batswana. “Our first president was hellbent on doing good and did honourable things. He believed in democracy and was anti-apartheid. He believed in these having grown up in Southern Africa when racism was rampant under oppressive regimes. He believed in talking and encouraging that there be peace and unity amongst people. Even when I'm with other presidents, we remember his words that Southern Africa should unite,” he added. He said Khama was instrumental in establishing the Selebi-Phikwe and Orapa mines. He said as a true statesman, Khama ensured all Batswana benefitted from the minerals. “This led to other countries looking up to him with envy and respect. They gave him love and he went on to speak his mind representing Botswana abroad. He was doing all that with calmness and love. He showed that if well-pampered, democracy could develop relations with neighbouring countries,” he said.
“He caused his counterparts to form the Frontline State movement whose aim was to encourage dialogue to remove Southern Africa from the rule of colonisers into democracy. As we speak now, the whole of Southern Africa is benefiting from his ideals. We are enjoying peace and tranquillity in Botswana right now because of him.” Masisi thanked government officials from various ministries and Bagammangwato bogosi led by deputy regent Kgosi Serogola Seretse and his team who came up with the idea. He said besides the commemoration, exercising and keeping fit was a great way for people to get together. The marathon, which registered close to 2,000 participants, was held as one of the build-up events to the annual Sir Seretse Khama Day. Kgosi Serogola Seretse announced that proceeds from the event will be used to construct monuments at the burial site for the three Basotho Police Officers, who died while attempting to reconcile Sir Seretse Khama and Tshekedi Khama. Other monuments will be constructed along major roads leading into Serowe from Palapye, Paje, and Mogorosi.
