29 Jun 2017

The Ngamiland community joined the rest of the nation to mourn and celebrate the life of the fallen hero, former President Sir Ketumile Masire.

Different speakers amongst them pastors and traditional leaders took turns during a memorial service held at the main kgotla to narrate the good journey the former President took during his leadership tenure.

They described him as a hero who deserves to be celebrated and praised for his good deeds noting that he had done a lot for the country in terms of developments.

They alluded to the fact that he was principled, loyal, loved and respectful.

One of the speakers, Kgosi Charles Letsholathebe said the late Sir Ketumile was a man of integrity who put the nation’s interest at heart, adding that he believed in consultation hence peace and tranquility which reign in the country.

He said Sir Ketumile fought a good battle to take the country to greater heights adding that he would rest peacefully as he had done his part on earth vigorously.

He said he was very intelligent and loyal a person to everyone despite their status.

An official from the office of the District Commissioner, Mr Sedikwa Motshipi said the news of the demise of Sir Ketumile left the nation devastated.

He described him as the father of the nation adding that he was loved by all even children.

He remembered him during kgotla meetings that he always had answers even for difficult people.

Reverend Galeganwe Mbulawa of UCCSA said the death of Sir Ketumile needed to be celebrated because he left a legacy which should be maintained for the future generation. 

She said everyone appreciated his work in shaping the country from nothing to where it was today, adding that the nation prides itself because access to services was almost everywhere in the country. 

Reverend Mbulawa described Sir Ketumile as a servant of the nation adding that he was eager to ensure the communities lived with dignity.

“Masire used to traverse the country to appreciate how Batswana lived, hear their concerns and challenges with an aim to resolve them,” she said.

“In Ngamiland we would remember him during the difficult times when we were hard hit by lung disease. He addressed the issue urgently as he understood that we depended much on cattle rearing,” she added.

She said even after his retirement from the presidency, he did not rest but continued to extend peace across the borders. She wished Batswana could follow his footsteps and increase what he had done for the country. ENDS