Last modified: 2025-05-24 by bruce berry
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images by Martin Grieve, 16 Dec 2010
The Presidential banner of Botswana consists of a pale blue field in the
unusual proportions of 15 : 23. In the centre is a white disc with a thick
black fimbriation containing the State Arms. The zebras reflect a
determination to build a society of equal opportunity for persons of all races.
The bull’s head is an emblem of the livestock industry. Cogwheels suggest the
desire for industrialization; the stock of sorghum recalls that the national
economy is still primarily agricultural. The word “Pula” is the
Tswana word for “rain”. Botswana's first President, Dr Seretse Khama
explained that “Rain is our lifeblood and ‘pula’ means more than just
‘rain’. It expresses a hope and a belief that we will win through in the end and
good fortune will be our partner in the years ahead”. (Source:
“Flags and Arms across the World”, by Whitney Smith (1980) [smi80].
Martin Grieve, 16 Dec 2010