Botswana has gone from the track to the calendar — and straight into the history books. The southern African nation has declared a public holiday to celebrate its men’s 4×400m relay team winning gold at the World Athletics Relays, marking the first time an African team has ever taken the top spot in the event.
The announcement came from President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s office late Monday night, with an official decree naming September 29 as a day of “national pride and reflection.” The president called the victory “a defining moment for Botswana’s sporting identity” and urged citizens to celebrate responsibly.
The relay team — consisting of Leungo Scotch, Bayapo Ndori, Collen Kebinatshipi, and Baboloki Thebe — stormed to victory in dramatic fashion, fending off strong challenges from the United States and Jamaica to secure gold. Their time of 2:57.46 not only set a new African record but also sent fans into raptures across the country. Videos of crowds gathering in Gaborone, Francistown, and even rural villages flooded social media, showing spontaneous dancing, flag-waving, and ululations well into the night.
For a country of just 2.7 million people, this victory carries enormous symbolic weight. Botswana has produced world-class athletes before — Nijel Amos’s silver in the 800m at the 2012 London Olympics remains iconic — but a team win on this scale is unprecedented. Sports commentators say it signals the maturation of Botswana’s athletics programme, which has been investing heavily in grassroots training and international coaching.
“This is not just about a medal,” said an official from the Botswana National Olympic Committee. “It’s about showing the world that Botswana can compete with the very best. It’s about inspiring the next generation.”
The government is clearly seizing the moment. In addition to the public holiday, a state-sponsored victory parade is planned for the relay team, who are expected to tour major cities aboard open-top buses. Schools will hold special assemblies to honour the athletes, and local musicians are already composing celebratory songs.
The victory comes at a time when Botswana is seeking to diversify its economy beyond diamonds, and national pride in sport offers a unifying narrative. Economists argue that international sporting success can boost tourism and brand recognition for small countries. “People will now associate Botswana not just with safaris and diamonds, but with world-class athletics,” said one analyst.
Yet there is also a serious conversation about sustaining this success. Some sports experts have urged the government to use this moment as a springboard for long-term investment in facilities, sports science, and athlete welfare. “We don’t want this to be a one-off,” said a former coach. “This should be the start of Botswana becoming a powerhouse in track and field.”
International reaction to the victory has been overwhelmingly positive. World Athletics president Sebastian Coe congratulated the team, calling their win “a milestone for African athletics.” Social media lit up with messages of congratulations from across the continent, with fans hailing Botswana as “the new kings of the track.”
For the athletes themselves, the moment is still sinking in. “We ran for our people, we ran for Africa,” said anchor runner Baboloki Thebe after the race, tears streaming down his face. “This medal belongs to everyone who believed in us.”
As the country gears up for its unprecedented public holiday, one thing is clear: Botswana’s golden boys have given their nation a gift far beyond sport. They have offered a moment of joy, unity, and proof that even a small nation can conquer the biggest stage.
