27 Jun 2017

Francistown residents have expressed heartfelt sorrow and sadness at the loss of their father, Sir Ketumile Masire on Thursday.

They described Sir Ketumile as the man of the people, who led his nation with eloquence, peace and love.

An emotional Ms Berth Nyangazonke recited the well-known music track Rre Masire by a South African artiste, William Mthethwa. She said the song expressed the kind of leader Sir Ketumile was, adding that he was recognised even outside the country.

Ms Nyangazonke further said Rre Masire would forever be remembered for the loving and caring man he was.

In another interview, one resident Ms Zibiso Chube said Sir Ketumile was a good leader, a man of dignity and a father to the nation, who consulted his nation in Kgotla meetings.

He engaged everyone in all the decisions made. ‘Yabe ili khuwa, e seka eti hahaha’ (he was a good man, who would laugh like; hahaha) Izela nge dothodzo tate.”

For her part, Ms Tshanonoka Khamandisi said she was thankful for her business because Sir Ketumile urged Batswana who were not working to come up with businesses in order to provide for their families.

“He also brought peace and stability to the country as he encouraged us to work with our hands to fend for ourselves, even if you were not educated. Through my business, I managed to send my children to school and now they have better jobs because of the words of a wise man,” said Ms Khamandisi.

Mr Eric Direkileng also of Francistown, noted that Sir Ketumile was a hard worker, a good listener who understood people, a man who always spoke of good things that positively impacted on the lives of everyone.

“During his inauguration as president, people were doubtful that he would take them afar, but today we are happy because of his deeds and the way he served his nation.

Mr Stanley Ndukwana celebrated Sir Ketumile as a man who lured Chinese business people to come and invest in Botswana around 1980s. He was a businessman who focused more on farming and also encouraged Batswana to do farming. He will be remembered for the Accelerated Rainfed Agricultural Programme (ARAP) (Atlhama ke go jese) which was a motivating factor to many farmers to plough their fields.

Mr Ndukwana further remembers Sir Ketumile as a man who loved cracking jokes in Kgotla meetings; calling men; ‘bo matlhogojane’refering to the unwise and irresponsible men.

Residents of Francistown are shaken and saddened by the loss of the second president of Botswana but remain grateful for all he has done for this nation. ENDS