Cynthia Thanda

The 30th of September reminds every Motswana of the beginning of a new era – one shaped by the spirit of Botho and the determination of our forefathers, who paved the way from colonial rule to sovereignty.

Independence Day is celebrated throughout Botswana in different ways, from national ceremonies and gatherings at the kgotla to the raising of the national flag. Botswana Television, the country’s national broadcaster, comes alive with traditional dances, competitions, the singing of the national anthem and programmes that remind Batswana of who we are and where we come from.

There is laughter and joy in the air as families gather to celebrate. For many, the day is also marked by familiar tastes and traditions; visiting a neighbour and being served a plate of seswaa and bogobe jwa lerotse.

For Batswana who are far from home, however, Independence Day can be bittersweet. It is a time of pride and celebration, but also a time of thinking about family, friends and the familiarity of marking such an important day together with fellow Batswana.

As we look up at Botswana’s blue skies, perhaps with a little pula touching our skin, another year of independence reminds us that independence is more than a date on the calendar. It is a living, breathing promise shaped by the people who continue to live it.

This year, we asked Batswana studying in India two simple questions: What do you love about Botswana, and what do you envision for its future?

Their responses reflected a strong sense of patriotism and belonging, demonstrating that distance does not necessarily diminish one’s connection to home. For some, however, this year’s celebrations will also come with a sense of longing as they mark the occasion thousands of kilometres away from Botswana.

One of them was Tebogo Dipheko, who is currently studying at Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) in Gujarat, India’s premier National Security University, where he is pursuing a Master of Arts in Disaster Management and National Security (2026–2028).

Dipheko has also proudly served Botswana for 17 years in the Botswana Police Service. Speaking about Independence Day, he extended his wishes to the country’s leadership, the police service and Batswana at home and abroad.

“I wish to extend my heartfelt wishes for good health, wisdom and long life to the Leadership of Botswana, the Commissioner of Police, the entire Botswana Police Service family, and all Batswana. May we continue to be blessed with peace, good years and good health.”

Reflecting on Botswana’s 60 years of independence, Dipheko emphasised the importance of collective responsibility and Botho.

“We have come a long way as a country; 60 years of Independence should be proof that together we can achieve more and more. Let’s continue the spirit of being one, Botho, and even think about initiatives like UB’s motho le motho kgomo, which brought us where we are today. This celebration should not be in vain.”

He also challenged Batswana to think beyond simply celebrating independence and to consider their individual contribution to the country’s future.

“We must ask ourselves a question: what can I do for my country to be successful? Because one little positive thing in your own corner, joined together with others, can take us places. Let’s continue to fight for each other to the end.”

“Le fa ke le kgakala le gae kwa India, pelo ya me e kwa Botswana”

For Kutlo Shanass Phokoje, who is studying at Carmel College of Arts, Science and Commerce for Women in Goa, the love for Botswana is best expressed in Setswana.

Reflecting on Botswana’s journey since independence, Phokoje recalled how the country began as one of the world’s poorest countries and highlighted the role of peace, unity and Botho in its development.

“Ka 30 September 1966 re ne re le lefatshe le le humanegileng, le sena sepe. Mme ka kagiso, bonngwe le Botho, re agile lefatshe le le itlotlegang. Re tswa kwa leroleng go ya kwa ditaemane, go tswa kwa bohumaneging go ya kwa tlotlegong.”

Despite being thousands of kilometres away, Phokoje said her heart remains at home.

“Le fa ke le kgakala le gae kwa India, pelo ya me e kwa Botswana. Ke Motswana, ke ipela ka go nna Motswana.”

Looking towards the next 60 years, she expressed hope for a Botswana driven by knowledge, innovation and the younger generation.

“Keletso ya me ya dingwaga tse 60 tse di tlang: A re feteng ka fa ditaemaneng, re agile ka dikakanyo le kitso. A banana ba rona ba dire go feta se re se filweng. A re bolokeng kagiso, mme re se boifeng go fetola. PULA! Happy 60th Independence!”

A future built on unity and perseverance

Karabo Modise Modisaotsile, who is studying at Nalanda University, also shared his hopes for Botswana as it marks six decades of independence.

He expressed his wish for Botswana to continue being associated with peace while strengthening its potential in tourism and investment.

“As Botswana turns 60, may it continue to persevere, shine as a beacon of peace and a destination of choice in terms of tourism and investment.”

Looking ahead, Modisaotsile said he hopes to see greater unity among Batswana and a generation that is not afraid to pursue its dreams or begin again when necessary.

“My expectation for its future is to see 100 percent unity in people, Batswana pursuing their dreams and not being afraid to start over and being patient with the build-up, like a mustard seed; great things take time to come to reality.”

He also encouraged Batswana to appreciate both successes and setbacks along the journey.

“Learn to celebrate each win and loss as it comes without being derailed from the end goal. Pula a ele nele.”

For Gofentseone Wabogosi, who is studying at Andhra University in Visakhapatnam, the Independence Day message was expressed through a short but heartfelt Setswana tribute.

“Dumelang Batswana! A e nne ipuso e e elang monyenyo, lethabo, ipelo le ledula ntlheng tsotlhe. Modimo a re tsweledise go ya pele. Happy Independence Day to yone mpho ya Modimo!”

From different universities and cities across India, these students may be far from Botswana, but their messages carry a common thread: pride in where they come from and hope for where the country is going.

Sixty years after independence, Botswana’s story continues to be written not only at home, but also by Batswana scattered across the world.

For those celebrating from India, the distance may make them miss home, but it has not taken home away from them.

Pula to Botswana. Happy 60th Independence Day.