Botswana has declared a half-day public holiday to honour 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.

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 Botswana 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 added.