Organisers promise bigger and better event

The sir Seretse Khama Half Marathon was held in Serowe to celebrate the life and legacy of the founding president of Botswana.

President Mokgweetsi Masisi and Cabinet Ministers graced the marathon – the first to celebrate the life and legacy of the founding father of Botswana. Giving a speech after the Marathon, President Masisi explained that the marathon is a historic activity that will not be forgotten as the first president of Botswana was not an ordinary man. He noted that Seretse was one of the builders of the nation of Botswana and he was amongst those that made the constitution of the nation and he believed in national unity and the unity of African nations.

President Masisi said that the marathon is something to be applauded because Serowe is the relevant place to celebrate such a legacy in.

Masisi said that Seretse was a man who was steadfast in doing good and believed in democracy. He was someone who was against racism even though he grew up at a time where this was the norm. Further, that he was a man who believed in peace and the unity of different tribes. Masisi says that many a times when they reminisce on his memory they remember his stern belief of southern African countries working together and life in peace and harmony.

Masisi said that Seretse was a true statesman in ensuring that the natural resources of the nation benefit the whole of Botswana. This caused a lot of people worldwide to respect and revere him. He explained that we have inherited peace that was sowed down from Sir Seretse Khama.

According to spokesperson of the Sir Seretse Khama half marathon, Botshelo Nthaga the President of Botswana has given them a target of getting 5 000 runners next year for the marathon.

He told Botswana Guardian that the marathon was a success even though they had some challenges. One of the challenges that they faced is the distribution of merchandise. This according to Nthaga was brought about by extending the registration period of runners. Nthaga urges different stakeholders to be a part of the next edition.

He said that next year they will have multiple route markers as some runners complained about the first water point being too far away. Nthaga said the marathon was organised by young people and they all did a good job.

According to one of the runners who wanted to remain anonymous, this was a badly organised event. The runner pointed out that the water point was far and there were no energy drinks which have electrolytes that help their muscles. The runner expressed shock that after running 21km, there were no massage centres where their muscles can be attended to but rather the marathon was filled with unnecessary stalls and sponsors who have nothing to do with health.

Another runner, Tiny Selatlhwa who ran 5km said that the race was good but organisers should fix issues of race packs and water points in the race, as there were no oranges and energy drinks. She urges the youth to take heed to their health and exercise as it will help them stay fit.

The marathon was not graced by all in Serowe as MP for Serowe West Onalepelo Kedikilwe said that Kgosi Serogola Seretse can verbally agree to the usage of the kgotla by the MPs then write a letter denying them access.

He further explained that the Sir Seretse Khama half Marathon was never something the people of Serowe were consulted on. He said that the marathon was imposed onto the people and as the representatives of the people they could not be part of something like that.

Moreover, the ‘so-called commemoration marathon’ is being used as a political milage to push agendas for the ruling Botswana Democratic Party whilst they are fighting against the children of Seretse.

Ronald Mojakgomo said he is a member of the Ngwato Development Trust and the Trust was not engaged on the usage of the venue for the marathon. The event was held at the Serowe Dam. He indicated that they just saw

people using the area without approval.

Mojakgomo said Kgosi Serogola does not consult the people but they just take action hence why they just did an event without even consulting the custodians of the land.