19 Oct 2014

The Vice President, Dr Ponatshego Kedikilwe, has thanked residents of Mmadinare and other villages in Mmadinare constituency for the support they have given him as their MP for the past three decades.

Speaking at an event held at the Mmadinare main kgotla to bid him farewell, Dr Kedikilwe said he was deeply indebted to the constituents for their unwavering love, support and guidance. He said by allowing him to be their MP had given him the opportunity to help develop the village and constituency and also played a role in the development of the country.

Furthermore, he said the villagers support, enabled him to gain recognition internationally in places such as Japan where he was honoured with the Order of the Cordon of the Rising Sun by the Emperor of Japan for playing a role in promoting international relations between Botswana and Japan.

He further expressed gratitude that he was awarded the Botswana’s Presidential Order of Honour in 1992 and later received a honorary Doctorate of Law from the University of Botswana. 

In addition Vice President Kedikilwe received the ‘Naledi Ya Botswana’ which is the country’s highest honour from the President and the civil service.

He said he was humbled by the fact that residents of the village worked with hand in hand with him for many years trusting in his leadership to bring Mmadinare to its current state.

He explained that he had done his part and more developments are still due to be realised in Mmadinare such as tarring of internal roads, setting up the village sewerage network system and street lights, police station and library among other things. 

He went on to call on residents of Mmadinare and Batswana as a people to respect the law, respect culture and preserve it.

On other issues Dr Kedikilwe told residents that a trust namely the ‘Dr Ponatshego and Elizabeth Kedikilwe Early Childhood Development Trust’ is in the process of being setup to support education at grass root level.

He emphasised the importance of introducing education to children in their early childhood from the age of two or three years noting that they will be able to develop their learning ability at a very young age and also be able to grasp easily when they are taught in classes as they go higher in education. In this regard, he said the Trust’s mandate will be to support early childhood education, assist pre-schools with learning equipment and other items if there is need and help teachers get the right training for early childhood among other things.

Dr Kedikilwe further called on residents to support the Mmadinare Development Trust and Fatehood youth association to pioneer income generating projects for sustainable livelihoods.

Meanwhile Mrs Susan Molaodi who was representing councilors in the Mmadinare Constituency acknowledged VP for the work he had done in bringing developments to the constituency. 

She explained that Dr Kedikilwe played a significant role in the establishment of Robelela, Damochujenaa and also the establishment of the Dikgatlhong Dam which is the largest in Botswana.

Mr Gasegale Kgari who is representing the Umbrella Village Development Committee commended Dr Kedikilwe for his role in the development of Mmadinare to the state it is today.

 He told the villagers that the foundation for developments had been laid and it was up to them to take Mmadinare to another level into the future.

For his part Mr Gapegape Senabjwe who was representing elders of the village also shared the same views with Ms Molaodi and Mr Kgari noting that Mmadinare village had developed tremendously from the days when there was no electricity, portable water and proper roads. 

He described Dr Kedikilwe as a patient and loving person who will also be remembered for his good personality. 

Mr Gaolatlhe Tshireletso, a youth Mmadinare representing the youth also commended Dr Kedikilwe, whom he described as a father figure for youth in village and the rest of country.

Meanwhile kgosi Phokontsi Seeletso of Mmadinare who is also member of Ntlo Ya Dikgosi outlined that the occasion which was also attended by dikgosana from wards in Mmadinare, residents of the village and officials was meant to celebrate Dr Kedikilwe and thank him for serving and bring developments to Mmadinare.

During the event Vice President Kedikilwe was showered with gifts and livestock. 

A lunch was held in his honour and later in the evening, a dinner sponsored by Mmadinare Saverite Supermarket was held at the village Hall to honour him. ENDS