Botswana Declares Public Holiday To Celebrate Pioneer Olympic Gold Medalist Tebogo

The President of Botswana, Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, has declared a half-day public holiday to honoir Letsile Tebogo, who made history as the first athlete from Botswana to win a gold medal at the Olympics.

In a press release dated August 9, 2024, and signed by the Permanent Secretary to the President, Emmah A. Peloetletse, the President announced that all citizens and residents of Botswana would enjoy an afternoon off on Friday, August 9, 2024, to celebrate Tebogo’s remarkable achievement at the ongoing 2024 Paris Olympics.

LEADERSHIP reports that Tebogo secured his place in history by winning the men’s 200m gold medal, becoming not only the first Motswana but also the first African to claim this prestigious title. His victory has brought immense pride and joy to Botswana, prompting the President to recognise the achievement with a nationwide celebration.

“His Excellency, Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, President of the Republic of Botswana, hereby declares to the nation, that he has found it a fitting tribute to Mr. Letsile Tebogo, ‘Botswana’s Sensation’, to grant Batswana and residents an afternoon day-off, on this very day, Friday the 9th August, 2024,” the press release stated.

The President emphasised the significance of Tebogo’s victory, noting that it deserved to be etched in the annals of Botswana’s history. “The decision has been duly made to recognize and honor Letsile Tebogo as the first Motswana and first African to win a Gold Medal for 200m in the history of the Olympics. Furthermore, the President underscores, recognizes and acknowledges Letsile’s performance and achievement as markedly outstanding, and deserving of the nation to pause and celebrate him in a most unique, appropriate, and responsible manner, that will be etched in the annals of the history of the Republic,” the statement continued.

President Masisi also expressed his admiration and gratitude for Tebogo’s success, extending his appreciation to the athlete’s late mother. “Accordingly, His Excellency President Masisi, wishes to state that, on behalf of all of the citizenry, he applauds Letsile and gives thanks unceasingly to his late mother,” the release concluded.

The phrase “A pula e lo nele ka masubelele, Batswana!”—translated as “May the rain of blessings fall upon you, Batswana!”—closed the statement, reflecting the deep sense of pride and joy Tebogo’s victory has brought to the nation.