22 Nov 2015

The Assistant Minister of Education and Skills Development has cautioned Batswana to use social media responsibly.

Addressing mourners at Neo Kealotswe’s funeral in Mantshwabisi over the weekend,  Mr Moiseraele Goya raised concern that some eye witnesses of the incident had the audacity to post pictures of the tragic road accident on facebook before the bereaved families were officially notified. 

Mr Goya said the practice was unfair and a deviation from Setswana culture and values.  He said Batswana were inherently a compassionate and caring nation.

The minister also urged Batswana to put aside their differences and give all the grieving families the much needed support. 

He apologised to learners and parents across the nation for the unforeseeable misfortune and urged them not to lose heart. He assured them that his ministry would get down to the bottom of the accident and give a report thereof.

He said Neo’s demise was a loss to her family, friends and the nation.  A family representative, Mr Odirile Moitshepi, challenged government to develop a policy framework that would ensure social media was used accordingly.

Mr Moitshepi said he learned of the tragedy through facebook before the family received a formal report from the relevant authorities.  Kgosi Dikaelo Tsiang of Mantshwabisi also lamented that social media was being abused by some Batswana. 

Nonetheless, he also thanked government for assisting the affected family.

For his part MP for Letlhakeng/Lephepe Mr Liakat Kably commended government for providing the family with moral and financial support to ensure the departed had a dignified burial, the gesture he described as a show of commitment.  Her mother Ms Tirafalo Kealotswe also appreciated government support thus far. 

She said she would not allow anyone to take advantage of her situation. Neo leaves behind a two year old son, both parents and five siblings. Ends