Coffee table book is a reflection of Khama years
GOSEGO MOTSUMI
Photojournalist and founder of photo agency The Press Photo, Monirul Bhuiyan has curated former president Ian Khama’s life in office into a coffee table book titled “Khama through the Lens.” The 245 page book documents Khama’s presidency; from his inauguration as the 4th president of Botswana on April 1st 2008 to his final days at the helm of the country.
“As Press Photo we capture a lot of moments and never really thought of releasing a book. But at the end of Khama’s presidency we decided it was important to archive him in a chronology of time to give people an idea of his presidency,” said Bhuiyan who further revealed that it was a tedious job to select from thousands of photos from their archives.
The cover of the book features a striking close up photo of Khama inspecting the guard of honour mounted by the Police Service. Khama was awarding medals to 281 Botswana Police officers for their distinguished service at the Special Support Group (SSG) main parade square on August 12, 2011. The book continues to beautifully capture him conducting official business like opening institutions around the country, awarding medals, delivering his State of the Nation Address, as well as candid moments like his famous dance at the Inaugural Khawa Dune Challenge and Cultural Festival as well his impromptu, celebratory outbursts at the BDP anniversary celebrations among others.
“The book documents those rare moments that will never be repeated like the one of Khama in the same picture with former president Dr Festus Gontebanye Mogae, former president Sir Ketumile Quett Joni Masire and the current president Mokgweetsi Masisi. It is a vital reference for future generations of historians as well as the general public,” Bhuiyan added.
In the book’s foreword, senior private secretary to the president, Brigadier George Tlhalerwa says the importance of preserving the visual as well as documented history of Botswana cannot be overstated and it was his sincere hope that the collection will become an example of the value of preserving a visual record of important moments in our journey as a nation.
During the book’s launch last week at the National Museum, Khama commended Bhuiyan for his initiative stating that, “People have been asking if I will be writing about myself after my term ends so Bhuiyan did it on my behalf and I am grateful.”
The book is priced at P500 and it is currently available at Botswana Craft.