16 Mar 2015

Multitudes of mourners descended on Palapye on March 14 to bid farewell to Mr Klass Motshidisi, founding member of Botswana National Front (BNF) and former commissioner of labour.

Amongst the mourners was former president, Dr Festus Mogae, MPs cabinet ministers and Mr Motshidisi's political allies from Southern African. Mr Motshidisi died at the age of 83 after a short illness.

Different speakers described the late Motshidisi as an outspoken person even when he knew he did not stand a chance in his undertaking.

They said he was a man of unique calibre who believed in himself and he proved this in the first general elections of1965 when he stood against the first President Sir Seretse Khama in the Serowe constituency. They said even though he lost heavily, he was not discouraged but instead remained firmly committed to opposition politics.

Former BNF leader Mr Otsweletse Moupo, said Mr Motshidisi was a disciplined and dedicated opposition leader who was always willing to share his knowledge. Mr Moupo described him as a down to earth mentor and a great teacher who served as a resource person for party seminars and workshops.

Mr Moupo said Mr Motshidisi was once charged with sedition but the charges were withdrawn before the case could even go to court.

He explained that the Mr Motshidisi was a man of admirable political honour who strongly detested hypocrisy and intrigue and always strove to practice what he preached.

“He was overly fastidious in organisational matters, insisting on strict and consistent adherence to the party constitution, rules and principles, said Mr Moupo. Mr Moupo said he was thankful to have been one of the people who benefited from Mr Motshidisi as he had a very good memory and was always willing to share with others and respected them despite their age difference.

BNF spokesperson, Mr Moeti Mhwasa said Mr Motshidisi played a critical role in promoting the BNF and helping it to perform better in the 1994 general elections.

He was a huge pillar for the BNF especially in the Ga Mmangwato region where it was not easy but he made this possible and was not shaken, said Mr Mohwasa. Another BNF member, Mr Billie Makuku, said because of his vast knowledge on the BNF policies and ideology, Mr Motshidisi contributed immensely to policy formulation exercises.

He said he was a good listener, who always stood his grounds whenever he articulated BNF policies and what the party stood for. Labour unionist, Mr Johnson Motshwarakgole, hailed Mr Motshidisi as Botswana’s pioneer trade unionist, song writer and accomplished public servant who has inscribed a glorious chapter to the history of the country.

He said they had lost a good leader who was always willing to give advice on how to handle labour issues.

Ater his retirement from active politics Mr Motshidisi was engaged by the Tribal Administration Department as deputy the Chief in Palapye, a task which he performed with distinction. He survived by his wife, five children and 16 grandchildren. ENDS