29/09/2026
BOTS 60 activities continue
As part of activities towards Botswana’s 60 years of Independence, Kanye on Monday took communities back on memory lane with visits to four heritage sites.
The gathering started at the statue of Kgosi Bathoen II. Born in 1908 Kgosi Bathoen II was described as a versatile leader who used mephato to build dams and roads. According to the Bathoen II Statue Committee Deputy Chair, the nonagenarian Ms Ethel Tsotetsi, Kgosi Bathoen II was able to do so many things that by 1938 there was already Bathoen dam and the first agricultural show in Bechuanaland. She further said Kgosi Bathoen II was big on education that many of the schools were built during his time. She said Kanye was the centre of education, reflecting on King George Memorial Hall, an institution comprising of High Primary, Junior certificate and Teachers college. Ms Tsotetsi said he played football so much that he became the coordinator of football of Bechuanaland. His other interests in sport included playing tennis and horse riding. He was also a master farmer and fellowshipped at London Missionary Society (LMS). He was adorned with medals - Order of British Empire and Commander of British Empire.
From the statue, the community treaded down to Ledibela (waterhole/pit) also constructed by Kgosi Bathoen II and his friend Montshiwe Richard Rowland in honour of Kgosikgolo of Bangwaketse Seepapitso Bathoen Gaseitsiwe. According to Mr Marcus Rowland, the Ledibela (situated in the current Tomela chambers) was filled with water from Mmasekou and the community would fetch water from it.
The next stop, was at the dihalana (traditional grain silos) - built during of the reign of Kgosi Bathoen II which were historically used for storing harvested crops like sorghum to protect them from pests and weather. The dihalana were refurbished with artworks to depict the Tswana way of living.
The final stop was at the late former President Ketumile Quett Joni Masire final resting place at Goo Motebejana. According to his daughter Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba this place was done with great care, with the four corners engraved with information written about both the former President and late former first Lady Gladys Olebile Masire. This she said would go a long way in preserving history.
