16 Dec 2015

The Vice President, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi, was among multitudes who attended a memorial service for Oreeditse Kebopelwang at Takatokwane in the Letlhakeng Sub-district today (December 16)

Oreeditse, on Saturday, succumbed to injuries sustained in the November 13 truck accident near Dutlwe. The student was among those transported to their villages after completing BGCSE examinations at Matsha College in Kang when the accident occurred. 

Oreeditse’s passing raises the death toll to eight.  Several others were injured. . Speaking at the memorial service, Minister of Education and Skills Development, Dr Unity Dow, described Oreeditse’s passing as a painful moment especially that nation was still dealing with the loss of seven other students.

She said government did all it could to ensure her recovery. “We were hopeful that she will someday get well, but on realisation that her condition was deteriorating, we sent her to South Africa, but unfortunately she succumbed to injuries,” she said.

However, Dr Dow said God had his way of healing the ill, and that Oreeditse’s death was God’s way of relieving her from the pain and suffering.  She also urged the family and relatives to be strong and assured them of the nation’s support.

Kweneng District Council chairman, Mr Geoffrey Sibisibi, called for support and team work among civil servants and the community. He also urged all those affected to keep sober minds and guard against being derailed by those with hidden agendas.

A family representative, Mr Jackson Motlhware, described the deceased as a ‘morally decorated young lady’. “From her primary school days until she completed at Matsha College, never once have we been summoned to school concerning her behaviour and we can only be hopeful that such a good character has rubbed on other young lives that she interacted with,” he said.

Mr Motlhare also appreciated government’s support, especially from the psycho-social support team as they showed up within hours of the tragic news of Oreeditse’s passing. He also appreciated the Vice President’s presence, saying the presence of such a high ranking official indicated that government was caring.

The area MP, Mr Ngaka Ngaka also appreciated government’s support especially in the provision of counselling, which he considered vital in the emotional healing process.

He thanked members of the deceased’s families for understanding the intention of the support that government had been providing as they have not been derailed by those with ulterior motives.

Oreeditse will be buried this in Takatokwane on Saturday. Ends