07 Apr 2016

The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Slumber Tsogwane has consoled the family of Olebogeng Ngakayagae, urging them not to lose hope.

Speaking at the memorial service for Ngakayagae, the latest victim of the Matsha accident who succumbed to injuries over the weekend, Mr Tsogwane said such times were challenging and need the family, relatives, the government and well-wishers to be united and to trust in God.

Reading a message of condolence from President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama, Mr Tsogwane said the death of Ngakayagae was a sad chapter as it re-opens old wounds of the tragedy which occurred last November.

He said the nation has been putting all the injured former students in their prayers and hoping they would recover. He  said unfortunately Ngakayagae’s condition did not improve.

“Despite the fact that he was critical, he tried his all to fight, which gave us hope that he will get better with time, but unfortunately he ultimately left us,” he said. Mr Tsogwane informed the family that the loss of their son was not only a loss to them, but the whole nation.

In the message, President Khama urged the family to celebrate the short life that their son lived, saying that even though it was short, what matters was the difference that he managed to bring in others while alive. A family representative, Mr Keitshwaretswe Dikole said they appreciate all the support and comforting they have been receiving from the government and the nation.

“We have been at the side of our son since the accident with the hope that he will get better and ultimately heal, but unfortunately God had his plans, different from our wishes, and I urge all my family members to be strong and be more united. As mortals, we come to pass,” he said.

The area Member of Parliament, Mr Ngaka Ngaka applauded the youth for desisting from misusing the social media on Ngakayagae’s death, noting that there were no negative comments posted unlike in the first deaths following the accident.

Ngakayage will be buried at Ditshegwane on Sunday. Ends