Africa-Press – Botswana. Traditionally, the government financed councils with budgets to cover food, entertainment, and decorations ahead of Independence Day. At various villages, local would converge at their kgotla where food and refreshments were provided free of charge. However, this year, the responsibility was left on residents, councillors, Members of Parliament, and the business community to raise funds and donations to keep the spirit of Independence Day alive.
Across villages, the spirit of Boipelego was revived with residents mobilising resources in different ways. Some organised church concerts and fundraising events while others went door-to-door appealing for contributions from households and local businesses. Batswana answered the calls in large numbers as communities donated goats, cattle, groceries, and cash, ensuring that, just as in previous years, people would gather at their kgotla to celebrate with food and traditional activities.
Several business owners also stepped in, contributing groceries, meat, and other essentials, underscoring the importance of unity during a time of financial strain. Elderly residents were at the forefront of the efforts, reminding younger generations of the value of resilience and collective responsibility.
Press observed that older citizens stood firm despite disappointments expressed by some young people as many of them argued that there was no point in going to the kgotla if there was no government-provided meals. The elderly’s wisdom of age made them emphasise that the nation is facing economic difficulties and that it was everyone’s responsibility to step up and support the continuation of cherished traditions.
This renewed spirit of Boipelego evoked memories of one of Botswana’s most historic community efforts being the construction of the University of Botswana (UB) in the late 1970s. After Lesotho nationalised the shared University of Botswana, Lesotho and the then Swaziland (UBLS) campus in 1976, Botswana was left without a national university. Then, under the leadership of Botswana’s founding president, Sir Seretse Khama, the nation launched the motho le motho kgomo (one man, one beast) campaign in which citizens across the country contributed cattle, grain, and money, which eventually funded the establishment of the UB in 1982.
Much like that historic national campaign, this year’s Independence Day celebrations demonstrated a collective determination to preserve cultural traditions and national unity, even under financial constraints. Area MPs and councillors also played a significant role, with some donating livestock and cash to bolster community efforts.
On our visit to Jamataka village on Independence day, press had a chat with the Village Development Committee (VDC) chairperson, Masedi Mosako. He revealed that the residents had contributed cash from as little as P10, P20 to raise funds which they used to purchase a goat that was slaughtered and eaten by villagers on Independence Day, a situation he labelled as “going back to basics”.
Mosako added, “The government has fed us for many years. If they cannot this year, then it is our turn to feed each other. This is what boipelego means. We didn’t fold our arms when the government announced that there will be no central budget for Independence Day celebrations as it has been the norm because ‘gatwe mokuduwe go tsoswa o itsosang.’”
From small villages to larger towns, the story was the same, people came together, however modest their means, to ensure that Independence Day did not lose its meaning.
The day may have lacked the magnificence and full sponsorship of past celebrations, but it carried a deeper message, Botswana’s unity and resilience remain strong.
For Borolong North councillor, Mbakisi Madzonga, Independence is not just about eating what the government provides.
“It is about standing together as residents, just as we did and this year we celebrated Independence in its true spirit,” he said.
“This is what we call the true spirit of self-reliance and I am happy that people understand that the country is currently faced with serious financial constraints and it was important for the residents to step in and make this day a success.”
Madzonga added that they had a book that was circulating in village wards in which villagers and the business community were doing pledges and donations in the form of cash ahead of Independence Day festivities.
He said as area councilors they all contributed P500 each the money that was added to other contributions and was used to buy grocery.
He said villagers according to their wards had organised themselves as they had choirs, traditional dance groups that were providing entertainment.
“Dressed on different leteisi attires residents according to their wards lighten up the day with performances and some had even prepared food at their respective wards,” Madzonga said.
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