06 Sep 2015

Second President Sir Ketumile Masire has described the late former Member of Parliament for Bobirwa now Bobonong constituency Mr James Maruatona as a man who executed his responsibilities diligently during his term as the area legislator.

Mr Maruatona known as JJ was the fourth area MP after taking from the late Mr Walter Mosweu and served in Parliament for 15 years under the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) from 1989 until he retired from the position in 2004. Speaking at the funeral of the former legislator on Saturday September 5, Sir Ketumile described Mr Maruatona as having been one of the representatives that proved great leadership qualities during his tenure. 

Sir Ketumile said in Parliament Mr Maruatona “was referred to as Jimmy, was a man with ever smiling, laughing personality that made him a great leader and an outstanding representative.” The second President said when Batswana demanded independence they made a committment to live by democratic values that they would rule the country diligently. 

He said the former MP has run his race and thanked people in the constituency for having chosen somebody with such immense capability and was hopeful that such traits would emerge in the area from upcoming leaders. Mr Maruatona was an MP during Sir Ketumile’s reign, and the second President said “Mr Maruatona was your child but you gave him to us as the nation to run our affairs with.”

Former Vice President Dr Ponatshego Kedikilwe described the late as a constituency man who advocated for the development of Bobirwa and mentioned that the late MP spoke with passion for the roads linkages between Bobonong/Tsetsebye, Bobonong/Sefhophe, the opening of a border post at Mmamabaka between Botswana and Zimbabwe, expansion of Matshekge Senior School to enroll more students and other general issues that affected Zone 7 such as outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease.

He praised him for having lived a dignified life and as a God - fearing person. Another speaker current MP who is also Minister of Justice, Defence and Security Mr Shaw Kgathi praised the former MP for playing a critical role in the development of the constituency saying some of the developments enjoyed currently were the results of his advocacy.

Mr Kgathi said the late played a critical role in the development of education sector in the area which has 17 primary schools, seven junior schools, one senior school and two brigades. Mr Kgathi also said it was through the late’s dedicated leadership and advocacy that all villages in Bobirwa were electrified except Lentswelemoriti.

He described the former MP as a true statesman who argued for the construction of bridges across Motloutse , and Limpopo rivers at Platjan border post with South Africa as well as construction of Thune Dam and sewage lines.

It is because of his able leadership that Bobirwa became a tourist destination that saw the emergence of Molema and Mapanda trusts. Mr Kgathi said the late was peace loving and a respectful person that  enhanced his political strategy to win the constituency.

“He was amazing, the way he loved his wife and was a diplomatic person,” he said. Minister of Infrastructure, Science and Technology Mr Nonofo Molefhi who is a former student of  the deceased, read a message of condolences from President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama, who described Mr Maruatona as having served in a diligent manner and contributed meaningfully towards the development of the country.

Dr Mashilo Kgathi from South Africa said the late who is also his blood relative preached unity which culminated into the formation of Kgathi Social Club known as ‘A Re Tsebaneng’ between the Kgathi and Maruatona family members in South Africa and Botswana. He said the late MP deserved an honorary doctorate due to his immense contribution to the development of the country.

Mr Lesole Maruatona the younger brother  to the deceased said his brother was involved in a road accident near Sefhophe on August 8 when he was travelling from his farm at Tsiga in Malatswai. He said there were five occupants in a landcruiser station wagon that hit a cow at night.

Mr Maruatona said JJ’s wife died on August 8 together with their helper and was buried on August 15. He said the driver was still at the hospital while a one and half year child was unhurt. Among the dignitaries at the funeral were assistant ministers of Agriculture and Education and Skills Development Messers Fidelis Molao and Moisiraele Goya respectively, former MPs Mr Boyce Sebetlela and Pono Moatlhodi. Ends