08 Jan 2015

A dark cloud has covered the country as Batswana mourn the departure of a career civil servant, diplomat and a great politician; Lt Gen. Mompati Sebogodi Merafhe.

The late Former Vice President who was appointed by President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama as his second in command in April 01, 2008 departed this world on Wednesday at the age of 78 years.

Immediately after the announcement of his death, social media, Face Book in particular, went abuzz with people reacting to the death of the charismatic leader who never minced his words.

Here are some of the comments from social media in reaction to Lt Gen. Merafhe’s death: Lawyer, Tshiamo Rantao; Rest in Peace Honorable Merafhe. You served this country with dedication for many years. Robala ka kagiso. Lawyer, Uyapo Ndadi; Rre Merafhe was a great statesman. I had the benefit of exchanging views with him and I found him to be solid. We had a mutual respect for one another. He will surely rest in peace! 

University of Botswana Lecturer, Professor Thapelo Otlogetswe; The finest diplomat this country has ever had rests. 

Botswana Gazette, Deputy Editor, Godfrey ‘Spike’ Ganetsang; He was a police constable in 1960 and he rose through the ranks to become Commander of the BDF, central committee member of the BDP, Foreign Affairs Minister and Vice President. 

An avid sportsman, fashionista and gentleman, Mompati Merafhe is truly among the Best of Botswana. A shrewd politician and true statesman who served the country with dedication. We have lost a dear father. The nation is in mourning. 

Kagiso Madibana; Love him or hate him, the man served our country for most of his life. Most of us didn’t share his political ideologies but there is much to be said about how strongly opinionated he was. In his last years, he suffered and he is now resting. Condolences to his family and friends as well as to a nation mourning a fallen soldier. R.I.P Lt Gen Hon Merafhe. 

Boitshepho Bolele; Rest in peace Motalaote. Thank u for flying our flag high; lifting Botswana high A distinguished civil servant and one of a kind diplomat. 

Botswana Movement for Democracy, leader Ndaba Gaolathe; wrote on his wall- A letter I wrote to General Merafhe in 2012: I thought I should share this letter sentiments shared to him during his lifetime, he did receive the letter and although he never responded in writing, he communicated his appreciation for it.

The post further says' I will not add or take away from the letter, for what is contained in it was as true now as it was when it was drafted. '

Surely his children, all of whom I consider to be brothers and sisters to me - and in particular Nthale, my classmate at G.S.S. and Oagile my friend during our stay in the United States - must endure a most punishing journey to live without a father they cherished.

 To them I cannot offer any form of healing or hope or anything that resembles them. 

My scaled knees and outpouring heart, filled with prayer, is all that I have or know to plead and call upon God to direct and apply his comforting balm to their torn spirits.  ENDS