15 Feb 2016

Former Okavango MP, Mr Bailang Salepito, was a hard working leader who sacrificed his resources for development of the country’s democracy and economy.

Speaking at the funeral of the former MP in Gumare on Saturday February 13, the Vice President, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi, said Mr Salepito showed utmost dedication and commitment to the service of the country during his time at the Botswana Police Service.

The Vice President said the former MP was a man of clean principles. Mr Masisi said he was fortunate to have met Mr Salepito whom he described as a man who accomplished his duties diligently.

He called on the people of Gumare and Batswana at large to emulate Mr Salepito by embracing the spirit of hard work and respect for humanity.

He pointed out that he was sent by President of the country to convyey a message of condolences and also to thank the family for the former MPs contribution to the country’s growth.

Mr Masisi, who is also Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) chairman, praised the former MP for his contribution to the growth of the party

A representative of the BDP, also the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi said Mr Salepito had left a legacy in the party.

She said Mr Salepito used his personal resources such as vehicles and family houses to help build the party.

“We must instill the spirit of sacrifice on our children”, said Dr Venson-Moitoi.

The former MP’s younger brother, Kgosi Diteko Salepito of Gumare, said the senior Salepito was a dedicated soul, a farmer and a police officer who was creative and love people.

He said his brother was a family man who not only cared about his children but also othert children in the village.

Kgosi Salepito said his brother valued education and he ensured that most children in the constituency enrolled in school.

Member of Parliament for Ngamiland, Mr Thato Kwerepe, said the deceased played a major role in shaping Okavango Junior Secondary School where he was a board member.

He said Mr Salepito volunteered to ask for funds on behalf of the school and also used his car to carry possessions for the school. He described him as a an articulate, disciplined and dignified leader.

The former MP’s wife, Mrs Kentse Salepito, told mourners, through a written message, that his husband was diagnosed with diabetes in 2009. From that time, she said, Mr Salepito was in and out of the hospital until his demise on February 6.

Mr Salepito started as a teacher at Tsau Primary School in 1948.

Two years later, he joined Botswana Police Service where he retired in 1977 as an assistant superintendent to join politics.

He defeated Mr Motsamai Mpho in 1979 to become MP for Okavango until 1984.

He was a specially elected councillor from 1984 to 1989.

He then worked for Tawana Land board under different portfolios from 1989 to 1993. The former MP is survived by his wife, two children, four brothers and a sister as well as 15 nephews and nieces. Ends