An unforgettable 2016

Source : Kutlwano

Author : Kutlwano

Location : Gaborone

Event : Year Review

The year 2016, freshly buried a few weeks ago comes across as a year that will live in our memories for years to come. For some reason it gives those in the political, entertainment, economics and sport fraternity plenty of material to remember and write about for many years from now. Below are some memorable events that unfolded in 2016….

BOT50 Euphoria and Celebrations
The electrifying mood at the National Stadium on Friday September 30th 2016 added momentum to an already festive nation that marked half a century of independent rule. President Lt Gen Dr. Seretse Khama Ian Khama took a lap of honour on a vintage black Daimler before returning to the red carpet laid before distinguished dignitaries to receive the highest, most prestigious award in the country, Naledi Ya Botswana. The crowd mostly young people were seemingly stunned and animatedly waved miniature Botswana flags. At the same event President Khama officially received the National Roving Torch. The torch had traversed the length and breadth of the country and passed through 471 villages and towns.

Botswana Parliament
History was made when Parliament observed the longest sitting session ever recorded in history. In the process of undoubtedly the longest night of the second session of the 11th Parliament five bills were all passed. A bill worth mentioning was the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2016 that sought to increase the number of specially elected MPs from four to six. Subsequently two specially elected MPs made their way into Parliament among them the youngest economist, Bogolo Kenewendo and former opposition legislator Mephato Reatile. Ministries were also renamed to put more emphasis on the direction government intended to take in enhancing efficiency and effectiveness of the ministries. Sadly MP for Tlokweng Same Bathobakae passed on a few days prior to the 2016 State-Of-Nation-Address. She was member of the opposition Botswana National Front (BNF). Bathobakae won the Tlokweng constituency under the Umbrella for Democratic Change ticket during the 2014 general elections.

Sport
Not an eventful year for the sporting calendar but an outstanding sporting moment was when the athletics team made it to the finals of the men`s 4 by 400metres finals at the 2016 Rio Games. In football the major highlight was the ushering in of a new leadership with Maclean Letshwiti elected Botswana Football Association president, after winning the hotly contested election against then incumbent Tebogo Sebego. Sanity was finally restored after a storm erupted over the legitimacy of Township Rollers player Ofentse Nato. The case took to the courts of laws but Rollers was finally crowned champions after almost six months delay.
 
The rest of the World in 2016
For many global watchers, the memory of 2016 will conjure images of a troubled world filled with conflict, terrorist attacks and a new medical pandemic emerging. The year began with the World Health Organization (WHO) announcing the outbreak of the Zika virus. In Africa violent clashes erupted in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after President Joseph Kabila continued in office after the expiry of his presidential term. Terrorist group, Boko Haram continued being a thorn in the flesh of the Nigerian state. Across the African shores 2016 saw some appalling terrorist outrages in Europe notably Turkey, Iraq, Lebanon, the US, Pakistan and many other places around the world resulting in the loss of innocent lives. the world`s major political superpower US went to the polls and property magnate Donald Trump was voted into office beating her fierce rival and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Trump is set to replace incumbent president Barack Obama this month (January).