"" (; "This Land of Ours") is the national anthem of Botswana. The music was composed by Kgalemang Tumediso Motsete, who also authored the song's Tswana lyrics. It was adopted when the country became independent in 1966. Since independence, the song is sung occasionally during the country's important events such as Kgotla meetings, independence celebrations and other national events. The national anthem is highly respected to an extent that when it is sung movements are not allowed, people stand at attention, and security officers, like the police and soldiers, salute as a show of respect.
History
thumb|200px|Kgalemang Tumediso (K.T) Motsete
From the late 19th-century until the height of decolonisation during the 1960s, Bechuanaland (as it was then known) was a protectorate of the United Kingdom within its colonial empire. In the run up to independence, proposals for the national symbols for the future country were made. Although the flag and the coat of arms were straightforward choices, the selection of the national anthem became a source of contention. Despite its popularity, "Fatshe leno la rona" was reportedly not the frontrunner because its composer – Kgalemang Tumediso Motsete, who possessed "a music degree from London" which at the time was a radical faction. They strategically played "Fatshe leno la rona" as the last song – which in theory would increase the likelihood that the audience would remember the tune Rather, Winstanley remembers how Seretse Khama initially leaned towards selecting "Morena" ("Lord keep the nation of the world"), before he convinced Khama to select a hymn that was "unique to Botswana".
Modern day
The anthem is normally sung in four part vocal harmony.
Lyrics
The lyrics of "Fatshe leno la rona" alludes to God and his standing as the bestower of the nation's land.
!Literal English translation
!Poetic English translation