29 Jun 2017

As his coffin inched past the small villages between Gaborone, where he spent his time serving the nation, and Kanye, his birth place, the response from the crowd on the roadside confirmed the undying bond that the late Sir Ketumile Masire had with his people.

After a heartfelt tribute in Gaborone earlier on Wednesday before a capacity crowd at the state-of-the-art University of Botswana Indoor sports arena, the body of the late statesman was finally chauffeured home in an emotional but dignified manner befitting his stature.

When the funeral procession finally arrived at Goo-Motebejana ward the entire village of Kanye immediately wore a somber face but Ba-gamaila lifted the veil that grief brought last week when the sad news of his passing was announced and celebrated the life of the great man.

Ra-Gaone as Sir Ketumile was fondly called by those close to him was given a state funeral and the military provided a colourful ritual as the national flag waved half-mast at the kgotla.

Upon arrival at his father’s kraal his coffin was given a presidential salute by the army’s quarter guard.

Draped in the national blue, black and white flag the body was then placed inside a large white marquee tent for public viewing and members of the public took turns to pay their last respect to one of the founding fathers of the nation.

After an emotional homecoming on June 28, Batswana braced the chilly winter breeze yesterday to join the Masire family in Kanye as they observed the end of an extraordinary journey of their son, father and statesman.

The high spirit in song and dance belted out by his church UCCSA Trinity choir and the melancholic melodies from the BDF band signified an honour of this final journey of the great son of Kanye.

It had been a long painful week for Batswana at large but the spectacular display of admiration for those who came to bid him farewell stands out much appreciated.

Even on a somber occasion Sir Ketumile’s witty character was reincarnated when speakers amongst them senior statesman like Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, former South African head of state, Mr Thabo Mbeki and former Namibian president Mr Sam Nujoma reminisced about the good old times with their comrade.

In his moving eulogy president Mugabe who disclosed his close affection to the late president assured mourners that wherever Masire is he is looking down and appreciating how his people valued him.

President Lt Gen Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama was the last speaker to share his memorable moments with Sir Ketumile before his coffin was taken out for a dignified burial next to his late wife Lady Olebile Masire. ENDS