29 Jun 2017

Former Minister of Education Mr Raymond Molomo has praised Sir Ketumile Masire for being a true and admirable leader to the nation.

Speaking to BOPA  Mr Molomo said the former president was a bundle of joy, full of wisdom and did nothing for himself but for the country.

He said he joined the Botswana Democratic Party in 1984 after being encouraged by his late friend Peter Mmusi and he was shocked by the way the former President dealt with issues raised at the cabinet.

Furthermore, he said after discussing issues raised by MPs he would ask “a mme ga re a e bua” and that was his final decision.

Surprised by all this, Mr Molomo learnt that the former President had his own way of handling things and he adapted to that.

Mr Molomo said the former President taught them so much in politics and that politics was a sacrifice for the country, adding that Sir Ketumile spent most of his time attending Parliament which made him a focused leader with a good vision for his country.

Though the country was still at its peak in its democracy dispensation and still relied in neighbouring countries for assistance, Sir Ketumile still found it fit to assist refugees from neighbouring countries.

Mr Molomo said the former president was very brave as he was leading Botswana through chaotic times but prevailed in all he did.

He continued to do business with South Africa during apartheid and other countries in Southern Africa which were conflicts, and also formed part of the Frontline States.

He said though some leaders did not believe in what the former President was doing at the time because of the dangers that might occur, Sir Ketumile still continued with encouraging peace among people and providing assistance to the refugees.

Mr Molomo also described the former president as a man of philosophy and also a hard worker as he was always hands on even at his farm in Sekoma back in the days.

Not withholding anything and with a grin on his face, Mr Molomo remembered some time back after the official opening of a school in Moiyabana, they headed to Sir Ketumile’s farm in Sekoma.

He said the former president still dressed in his Khakhis, took his tools and worked on his farm leaving Mr Molomo in his suits looking by.

He said he felt embarrassed because an elder was working while he was on standby and asked if he could help but Sir Ketumile just laughed at him and told him he chose the suit so he can just wait.

He also recalled a time in Mahalapye at their party conference when the party was divided and them being the endangered group which consisted of himself, Peter Mmusi, Daniel Kwelagobe, Ponatshego Kedikilwe and Washington Meswele and the Big 5 that consisted of Mompati Merafe, David Magang, Patrick Balopi, Chapson Butale and Bahiti Temane.

The Big 5 thought they were going to win but ended up losing to the endangered species.

“He made sure they worked as a team to help develop the country because he believed in democracy.”

Mr Molomo said the former president was a good man and indeed he shall never be forgotten for making the country what it was today.

He said he understood Setswana very well and had a special way of communicating with them through the language. ENDS