President’s Day Holiday in Botswana
Botswana’s Public Holidays Act includes President’s Day in its statutory holiday schedule and places it in July. The holiday is associated with national cultural celebrations and arts competitions held across the country.[1][3]
When the holiday falls
The Public Holidays Act, 2006 names President’s Day as the third Monday in July and also lists the Tuesday that follows as a public holiday. The Government of Botswana calendar reflects this two-day arrangement by naming the Monday “President’s Day” and the Tuesday “Public Holiday.”[1][2]
The Act says scheduled public holidays are observed in Botswana, with a stated exception for the mining industry: only Christmas Day, Good Friday and Botswana Day are public holidays there. Its general Sunday rule moves a scheduled holiday to the following Monday; it does not describe a separate substitute day for President’s Day.[1]
A holiday rooted in Botswana
A Government of Botswana guideline booklet describes President’s Day as specific to Botswana and says the holiday was declared by the country’s first president, Sir Seretse Khama. It also describes a shift from community celebrations to a broader national event focused on the country’s cultural diversity.[3]
The holiday’s public meaning is closely linked to culture and artistic achievement. The government booklet presents its competitions as a way to showcase cultural diversity, recognize artists and support the development of creative industries.[3]
Arts competitions and regional events
Government guidance describes President’s Day competitions that begin at regional level, with qualifying performers going on to a national final in Gaborone. The booklet lists performance categories including poetry, drama, choral music, traditional song and dance, comedy and traditional instruments.[3]
A 2016 government news report records regional traditional dance competitions in Kanye, with winners advancing to the national competitions in Gaborone. This shows how events have involved local communities as well as national finalists; programmes and locations can vary.[4]
Planning around the holiday
The national government calendar identifies both the Monday and the following Tuesday as public holidays. Residents and visitors should confirm arrangements directly with the service or operator they need.[2]
Frequently asked questions
When is President’s Day in Botswana?
The Act schedules President’s Day for the third Monday in July and names the following Tuesday as a public holiday too.[1]
Is it a public holiday?
Yes. Both President’s Day and the following Tuesday appear in the Public Holidays Act’s schedule. The Act specifies a narrower set of public holidays for the mining industry.[1]
Are government offices and banks closed?
Yes. The government calendar marks both days as public holidays, so government offices are closed. Check with your bank about its arrangements.[2]
What events are associated with President’s Day?
Government guidance describes regional arts competitions leading to national finals in Gaborone, including traditional dance, music, poetry and drama.[3]
Sources and references
Sources used for President’s Day Holiday in Botswana:
- PUBLIC HOLIDAYS ACT, 2006- Government of Botswana
- public holidays- Government of Botswana
- PRESIDENT’S DAY COMPETITIONS: GUIDELINE BOOKLET- Government of Botswana
- Competition promotes culture- DailyNews, Government of Botswana