26 Jun 2017

News of the demise of Sir Ketumile Masire has left the nation devastated.

 

The former statesman died after days of fighting for dear life at Bokamoso Private Hospital Intensive Care Unit last week. 

 

Friday excursion by BOPA team to Ditojane lands, situated 43 kilometres South of Kanye, revealed an even sombre and almost palpable sense of loss among the farming community in the area. 

 

Ditojane is where the agrarian in Sir Ketumile was born before establishing himself as a master farmer. This was of course prior to Sir Ketumile ensuing political prominence. 

 

He has on many occasions said it explicitly to the hearing of all and sundry that he was a farmer on loan to politics. 

 

Farming was everything to this father of the nation.

 

Ga-Mogapinyana Farmers Committee vice secretary, Mr Meadow Dinoge, 62, had a hard time coming to terms with the tragedy that has befallen the nation. 

His relationship with Ra- Gaone dates back many years, where the former forged an alliance with Dinoge’s parents. 

 

“Not only have I known him my entire life, he has had a great influence in my farming.  He was among a few who broke new grounds for farming in this area from as far back as the 60’s and this include integrating  farming implements such as tractors,” he said amid tears of sorrow streaming down his cheeks.

 

Additionally, Mr Dinoge will forever remember the Tiger Kloof Educational Institute graduate meticulous work ethic and advocacy to have access roads that link production areas with major centres with the view to improving food security.

 

Seventy-three-year old Ranka Gofhamodimo, who is a nephew and manager of the late Sir Ketumile Masire’s farm at Ditojane was was lost for words that the man he has grown to love was no more.

 

Having been at the helm of a number of agricultural initiatives, all of which were Sir Ketumile’s brainchild, Mr Gofhamodimo’s only comfort is that his uncle leaves behind a foot print in terms of skills and knowledge he has imparted among many farmers he has come in contact with over the years.

 

“Personally I have grown substantially as a farmer due to his foresight. He even ensured I undertook courses such as Artificial Insemination and general welfare of livestock,” he said.

 

Mr Lesego Baaoheletsa, 52, learnt the art of fence erection for ploughing fields from Sir Ketumile over the years.

 

“He was hands-on and I learnt a great deal from him. I will sorely miss him,” he said.

 

He says over the many years that he has worked with him he had never complained.

 

To Mr Mmusi Mereabo and wife, Goatweng, who are 96 and 94 years old respectively, life will never be the same.

 

For years on end, the couple exclusively lived off Sir Ketumile’s generosity. 

 

“He was a compassionate man and ensured that we did not go to bed on empty stomach. Now that he is gone we wonder who will take care of us the way he did,” said the sobbing Goatweng. 

So supportive was Sir Ketumile to the couple that he transported their produce to Botswana Agricultural Marketing Board free of charge and decreed they did not pay a dime to drink water from his borehole. ENDS