Overview:

: The Lobatse Prison Monument is a memorial to commemorate the thousands of political prisoners who were held in the former Lobatse Prison. The Monument was unveiled on the 24th of June, 2012 as a reminder of the years of oppression suffered by political activists in Botswana. The monument, located in the town of Lobatse, is a symbol of the injustice they faced and serves as a reminder of the struggles for justice and freedom. The monument bears the names and images of those who were incarcerated in the prison, and a plaque that lists the names and ages of those who died during their incarceration. It is a reminder of the sacrifices made by these people in pursuit of freedom and justice for Botswana. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Botswana
Prominent Features:

-Built in the memory of the many people who died during the Lobatse Prison uprising in 1959 -Commemorated by the Botswana government in 2007 -Weighted 8 tons and stands 8 meters (26 feet) high -Located on the road junction of the Francistown-Gaborone and Lobatse routes -Carved from a single granite rock by NorthWest Granite -Two bronze bullet casings flank either side of the monument, symbolizing a gun used in the uprising -A plaque at the monument reads: “This Monument was put up in memory of those who died and were injured in a Prisoner’s Uprising at Bandar Hill Prison, Lobatse on the 19th of October 1959." -The dedication plaque is inscribed with the date of the rebellion, the names of the killed and injured and a quote from the former President of Botswana, Festus Mogae: “A conflict suppressed renders lessons of courage and heroism” This national monument of Botswana portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Lobatse Prison Monument is a memorial located in Lobatse, Botswana. It commemorates the Lobatse Prison riot of 16 October 1975, which was the largest and most violent prison uprising in the region's modern history. The prison had been built in 1929 by the British South Africa Company (BSAC) as part of their resettlement of the 'native Indians' into residential compounds in the area. The prison was designed so that inmates were only allowed to leave within 100 yards of the boundary each Sunday for a Church weekday service. The riot started at 2.15pm when inmates at the prison, driven to frustration over the mistreatment they were facing, started to destroy the prison and set fire to the chapel. After intense fighting that lasted two days, security forces managed to gain control of the complex and the situation eventually calmed down. The riot led to several changes in the prison's management, including the introduction of a 'tribunal' system to hear appeals against disciplinary decisions. This system was succeeded in 1978 by the prison work programme, which encouraged inmates to take responsibility for the management of their daily lives, reducing the reliance on officers and reducing the potential for abuse. Furthermore, Lobatse Prison was officially declared closed in 1988, and the Lobatse Prison Monument was erected in 1994 to honor those who had fought for their rights, and to remember the injustices and hardships endured at the prison. Every year the monument is visited by thousands of people, to reflect on the struggles endured by people from all walks of life not just in Botswana, but across Africa. You must visit one of these historical places in Botswana on your Botswana tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Lobatse Prison Monument in Botswana is a memorial to the people who lost their lives in the Lobatse Prison during the apartheid era. 2. The monument was erected in 1997 by the South African government as a way to remember the victims of apartheid and their struggle for freedom. 3. The monument consists of three large obelisks which represent the three major races that were incarcerated in the Lobatse Prison - African, Indian and Coloured. 4. The obelisks have the names of those who died in the prison written on them. 5. The monument is a symbol of remembrance for the victims of apartheid and to provide a reminder to visitors about the unjust and oppressive system that existed in the past. 6. The Lobatse Prison Monument has become an important symbol of hope and healing for many in Botswana. 7. The monument has since been declared a National Historic Monument by the Botswanan government. Visit one of the famous monuments of Botswana with your friends and family.