Batswanas get day-off to celebrate country's first gold medal
Africa
By
Betty Njeru
| Aug 09, 2024
Batswanas are a happy and ‘well-rested’ lot today.
Botswana President Eric Keabetswe Masisi has declared Friday, August 9 a half-working day, to celebrate the country’s first gold medal win at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Letsile Tebogo, 21, clinched gold in the men’s 200 metres, beating American rivals Kenneth Bednarek and Noah Lyles.
The historic win became Africa’s first in the 200m title and Botswana’s first gold medal at the Paris Olympics.
READ MORE
Finance Act 2023 was illegally enacted, Azimio and 40 groups tell court
AG, Treasury plead with apex court to allow Ruto collect tax
Relief for Ruto as court unlocks Finance Act 2023
Empty promises crush dreams of KCSE star to pursue medicine course
Fuel prices remain unchanged as regulator ignores court ruling on VAT
Confusion rocks tax payment after ruling on Finance Act 2023
Tough options for Ruto after court blow to Finance Act 2023
Eastern DR Congo buffeted by fresh flareups with ADF, M23 rebels
Ruto hangs on Uhuru's law to raise funds after court's big blow
Experts weigh in on Court of Appeal ruling on 2023 Finance Bill
President Masisi said the decision was to recognise and honour Tebogo as the first Motswana and African to win gold for 200m in the history of the Olympics.
“The president underscores, and acknowledges Tebogo’s performance and achievement as markedly outstanding, and deserving of the nation to pause and celebrate him, most uniquely and responsibly,” said Masisi.
The Batswana athlete dedicated the gold medal to his mother who died in May this year after a short illness.