The Independence Day programme :: Mmegi Online

We can look at this programme – hopefully it is sufficiently visible – and wonder. This was the key moment when history shifted. Monumentally. But what is left of that great day? Do we still possess Seretse’s speech in the National Assembly or Princess Marina’s response? What message did Queen Elizabeth pass on to this country via her aunt? Do we know? Do we still care? Or is that message lost with so much crucially important heritage material?

From memory, particular emphasis was made by Princess Marina to the country’s cordial race relations which was hardly surprising given the contrast with the appalling situation in South Africa at that time.

She also referred, sympathetically, to the persisting, cruel drought. Race relations in this country has fallen away as a topic during the past 50 years whilst drought has continued to be a major concern.

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