Botswana | Independence Day
High Commissioner Blackbeard toasts 50 years of Independence and future progress
The High Commissioner for Malawi Kena Mphonda and the High Commissioner for Zambia Muyeba Chikonde
Deputy Commonwealth Secretary-General Dr Josephine Ojiambo and the High Commissioner for the Seychelles Mrs Marie-Pierre Lloyd
Guests dressed in the national colours join High Commissioner Blackbeard on stage for a spontaneous celebration
High energy traditional dancing
Ambassador of Kuwait and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps congratulates High Commissioner Blackbeard
Deputy High Commissioner Poppy Majingo kicks off the official programme
Botswana’s 50th Anniversary Birthday cake in the national colours blue, white and black
The Ambassador of South Sudan Mr Sabit Abbe Alley is welcomed by High Commissioner Blackbeard
Commonwealth partners: The High Commissioner for Cyprus Euripides Evriviades embraces High Commissioner Blackbeard
High Commissioner Blackbeard welcomes the Ambassador of Croatia Dr Ivan Grdešić
The High Commissioner for Namibia Mr Steve Katjiuanjo and his wife Christophene (left) with High Commissioner for Rwanda Yamina Karitanyi
The Ambassador of Algeria Mr Amar Abba congratulates High Commissioner Blackbeard
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Pula Botswana!
On the occasion of Botswana’s Golden Jubilee, High Commissioner Roy Blackbeard greeted cheering guests with the word ‘pula’ – literally translated as ‘rain’ but in the arid deserts of Botswana, it also means ‘blessings’.
In his speech, the High Commissioner reflected on the hardships his landlocked country had faced on independence. With virtually no roads, the journey to school for the young Roy was made by ox wagon. Yet Botswana was also showered with blessings: a resilient, peace-loving people, political stability and the discovery of diamonds (Botswana is now the largest diamond producer in the world). Its bountiful wildlife and diverse landscapes have made it Lonely Planet’s top tourist destination for 2016.
The High Commissioner’s upbeat speech was followed by an equally upbeat dance performance that inspired the crowds to take to the stage in a spontaneous display of joyous song.
PHOTOS: PIERRE DE VILLIERS