As the celebrations kick-started, the band put up a spectacular show filled with nothing but immense entertainment as they performed songs by local artists including Franco, Vee, Mapetla, Culture Spears, to mention but a few that left spectators yearning for more. Being of importance and probably one of the big events in the calendar of Mahalapye, the Prisons Day had attracted a great number of residents, especially children who walked long distances to grace the event.
The crowd was also treated to wonderful performances from different dance genres of Pantsula, Borankana, Setapa, Phathisi, and Tsutsube by prisoners. Moreover, dog and motorbike displays by the prison officers lightened up the day as officers showcased how they use dogs to track prison escapees and detect contraband in cells. Activities of the day began with the Acting President Slumber Tsogwane inspecting the guard of honour, followed by a parade by the marches past in slow and quick time, other activities that appeared to be one of the day's favourites.
Tsogwane then bestowed medals on prison officers amongst them former Commissioner of Prisons Service, Dinah Marathe, who is now the Commissioner of Botswana Police Service, who was awarded the Medal for Meritorious Service. This is awarded to members for being in service of a meritorious nature, which has contributed outstandingly to the development of prisons and Botswana.
Tsogwane further awarded 24 officers with Distinguished Service Order, a medal awarded to members of the service for a meritorious service with exemplary record and have served in the Botswana Prison Service for at least 30 continuous years whilst 22 officers were awarded a jubilee service medal that is awarded to members who have served continuously for at least 25 years. Moreover, 27 officers were awarded a medal for long service and good conduct, which is awarded to officers with a service of 18 years and has been adjudged to be of good conduct in the service.
The event was also graced by the Minister of Defence and Security, Kagiso Mmusi, Chief Justice Terence Rannowane, and members of the diplomatic corps, amongst other dignitaries. The celebration was held under the theme, 'Building A High Performance Culture: Repositioning, Realigning And Re-Engineering The Prison Service To Achieve Its Mandate'.
