Overview:

is a monument in Lobatse, a town in the South-East District of Botswana. The monument was built in 1967 to mark Botswana's independence from British rule and the inauguration of its first Prime Minister, Sir Seretse Khama. The column is 12 metres tall and is made of pink sandstone and granite. It is topped by a golden flame, symbolizing a new flame of hope for the nation. The column is located in the Lobatse open market, which is used by locals and vendors to sell their wares. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Botswana
Prominent Features:

1. The column is set in the city of Lobatse and is the highest monument in Botswana. 2. It was constructed in honour of the declaration of independence of Botswana in 1966. 3. Standing at a height of 8 feet, the column is made of stone and decorated with ironwork. 4. The base of the monument is engraved with the name of the country as well as important symbols and dates, such as the date of independence. 5. The country's national flag is also draped around the column and the surrounding area. 6. The Lobatse Column has become an important symbol of Botswana’s independence and is a popular tourist destination in the country. This national monument of Botswana portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The Lobatse Column in Botswana was built in 1975 to commemorate the centenary of the impressive British victory in the 1884 Battle of Kubu Island. The victory led to Britain’s victory over the Germans in the rivalry for southern Africa. The Column was constructed in the capital city of Lobatse to honor the fallen British and African soldiers and commemorate the magnitude of the victory. The Column itself is an impressive structure made of granite and stands at 44 metres in height. It is surrounded by a memorial garden and at its top is a four sided bronze urn which is lit by electric lights at night. The four sides of the urn represent the four countries involved in the Battle of Kubu Island: Britain, Germany, South Africa and Basutoland (now Lesotho). At each side of the Column, there are four bronze plaques with inscriptions. Two of these commemorate the British soldiers who fell at Kubu Island and the other two commemorate the African soldiers from Britain’s South African allies who also fell at Kubu Island. The Column was inaugurated on 24 April 1975 by the president of Botswana, Sir Seretse Khama and witnessed by representatives from all four countries involved in the Battle of Kubu Island. Since then, the Lobatse Column has served as a prominent memorial and remembrance of the bravery of the soldiers who lost their lives in the 1884 Battle of Kubu Island. You must visit one of these historical places in Botswana on your Botswana tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Lobatse Column is a tall monument located in the town of Lobatse, approximately 28 miles south of the Botswana capital Gaborone. 2. It is an important symbol of democracy in Botswana, being erected in 1980 in celebration of the country’s first general election held in 1965. 3. It is made up of four distinct sections, each acknowledged to represent different aspects of Botswana’s history. 4. The bottom section is composed of circular symbols, representing the traditional practice of creating important social gatherings and events. 5. The second section, which is higher, is rectangular and carries the words “Freedom, Justice and Democracy”. 6. The third section is in the form of two intertwined snake heads, representing the cooperation between the people of Botswana and their government. 7. Finally, the fourth section, which is the highest point of the column, is in the shape of an eagle which acts as a befitting representation of Botswana’s national bird. 8. The Lobatse Column was designed by renowned architect Dennis Katenga in collaboration with sculptor Henry Bakwadi. Visit one of the famous monuments of Botswana with your friends and family.