29 Jun 2017

The late Sir Ketumile Masire was not a man of small stature by any measure and countless of messages of condolences pouring in from across the globe bears testimony to his great achievements and leadership.

Fellow Democrat and friend, Daniel Kwelagobe said at the funeral of the former president at Goo-Motebejane ward in Kanye on June 29 that Sir Ketumile was not only a hardworking man and an icon but an architects that transformed the socio economic landscape that has become synonymous with Botswana.

“Ra-Gaone was a man of numerous and illustrious accomplishments; a politician, statesman, teachers, farmer and a Journalist,” he said.

Mr Kwelagobe, whose association of the late Sir Ketumile dates back to the early 60’s, shortly after the formation of the Botswana Democratic Party where the latter was the secretary general of the party was a precursor of great achievements that would later ensue.

He said he was particularly struck by the late Sir Ketumile's tirelessness and strong work ethic as he traversed the then difficult terrain of Botswana to perform the duties of the secretary general of the party.

This he stated he did despite limitation of resources and poor communications that characterised Botswana of yesteryears.

Mr Kwelagobe mentioned also that Ra-Gaone’s other persistent quality was his penchant for intra party democracy and the importance of abiding and conforming to the party’s constitution, rules and policies.

“Democracy both within the party and in public affairs was not merely a slogan or principle to which lip service was paid. Ra-Gaone was a democrat at heart. He lived and breathed democracy,” he said.

Thus, Mr Kwelagobe said it is upon this background that the late Sir Ketumile traversed the length and breadth of Botswana to ascertain and gather divergent viewpoints affecting the party.

Consultation to Sir Ketumile was not merely a ritual because he earnestly desired well-constructed alternative viewpoints.

He said though a congenial man, Sir Ketumile was particularly demanding and exerting task master who loathed mediocrity.

Meanwhile, the former Molepolole South legislator solicited government to move with speed and name one of its facility after Ra-Gaone in honour to great service he has rendered to the nation over the years. ENDS