Batswana in low-key mood ahead of independence celebrations
Botswana is in very low-key mood as the country celebrates her 55th independence anniversary. It is a norm for Batswana to get in a celebratory mood during this time of the year. One can easily tell that indeed they are a happy and proud nation but this time around it’s a different story altogether.
Independence Day celebrations have always been one of Batswana’s favorite events with lots of activities happening across the country. It is evident that COVID-19 has affected the nation badly such that they have even lost interest in participating in the preparations for the anniversary.
Usually, around this time, the city would have been painted with national colours and flags flying in all the streets to hype Batswana’s mood. People could be moving up and down buying food for their family and loved ones back home. Speaking to some of Batswana in an interview, people had their different views on what could have inspired the cold mood.
“I just arrived in Kodibeleng village yesterday and there is nothing happening at all this side as normally around this time, people would be hyped up.
Those who have been staying in the city usually come home to visit their parents and they always bring goodies for celebrate and appreciation. Even at the kgotla, people used to come and do some preparations so that on the day of independence, they cook and serve food for the villagers.
We understand the fact that we are in the middle of the pandemic, which prohibits people from gathering in large numbers but as a nation during a day like this we should all be happy and celebrate even at our homes without necessarily going out to gather in one place. I don’t see that happening according to how I see things”, said Tshepiso Lepodise in Kodibeleng.
“We are wondering how things will look like on the day of independence because we have made it a norm that we celebrate this day wholeheartedly without fail. As Batswana we are really proud of it and it is a very special day for our nation and it should be celebrated in a very special way.
Batswana should not give up on celebrating this day because of COVID-19; we can always find a way of doing it. Staying at our homes does not mean that we cannot celebrate at all. Those small gathering we make with our families can also bring back the smiles in our faces so let us see how we can best do it this time around as long as we observe the health protocols.
The only problem I see is that most families are going to suffer as they rely on people who stay in the cities for food and presents. I don’t think it is going to be the case this time around because people are advised not to travel to avoid spreading the virus”, said Goitsemodimo Motlhanka in Boatlaname.
“To me this time around it is going to be a better one compared to last year because we are coming towards the end of the state of emergency, even though the mood of the people is still low and there are no preparations like renovating and painting the Kgotla as it has always been the case for other years.
I believe things are going to be much better. As for the rest of Batswana they should understand and appreciate this day because its not like any other days, this is our very own special day as a nation and we should be very proud of it regardless of whatever situation we are facing.
We have families and loved ones that we should give time and be happy together”, said Tefo Ratau in Mmankgodi.
Acording to Tumelo Tawana a young Motswana man from Marobela Independence Day has always been a celebration for Batswana with all kinds of merry activities done by the locals. He said the day holds a significant level of respect and pride for Batswana as they honour the achievements of the country’s founding fathers and the rich history of the country.
“The pandemic has more or less shutdown the world and reduced it to its knees; this year is not just about celebrating independence, but all about celebrating mental and emotional health in these trying times. We are alive but we not out of the woods just yet, we need to be careful out there while having fun because the pandemic is still here and is part of our lives now, everyone should go and celebrate the lives of loved ones who succumbed.”
He stressed the importance of recognizing the contribution of government and the front line workers who worked tirelessly to stop the spread of the pandemic.