09 Jul 2017

Members of the National Assembly from both sides of the parliamentary isle on Thursday paid tribute to one of the founding members of the country’s legislature, the recently deceased former president, Sir Ketumile Masire.

Sir Ketumile, who died on June 22, and was laid to rest in a state funeral a week later at his home village Kanye on June 29, was described by MPs as a visionary pioneer of the modern Botswana state.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Gladys Kokorwe said she had known Sir Ketumile for a long time, but even more closely from 1994 when he was supportive of her successful bid to be Thamaga MP.

She said Sir Ketumile got along well with her late son, Billy Kokorwe and spoke at the latter’s funeral, which was testament to how the former president had become her family friend. 

The Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology, Dr Alfred Madigele said his earliest memories of Sir Ketumile were of being a curious five-year-old waving to the former president in the early 1980s.

Dr Madigele said such childhood enthusiasm would be justified by all Sir Ketumile had done for his generation of Batswana children, who benefited from education, healthcare, and other amenities provided by the government.

“Sir Ketumile’s distinguished and selfless service to the country will forever be cherished. He displayed bravery in the 1980s when the country faced a potentially devastating drought and the might of the apartheid South African regime that constantly threatened Botswana,” Dr Madigele said.

He described Sir Ketumile as a humble man who ‘walked with kings, but never lost the common touch’. 

Minister of Agricultural Development and Food Security, Mr Patrick Ralotsia said Sir Ketumile was a hard worker who always put maximum effort in all that he did. 

He recalled Sir Ketumile as an excellent statesman, politician, farmer and elder in Kanye and the neighbouring farming lands.

Kanye South MP, Mr Abram Kesupile said Sir Ketumile was deserving of the glowing tributes rendered in the aftermath of his passing. 

“He was oozing of energy and enthusiasm to transform Botswana and make a significant contribution towards improving the lives of Batswana and the peoples of Southern Africa as a pioneer of SADC,” Mr Kesupile said.

Francistown South legislator, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi said Batswana were still coming to terms with the passing on of Sir Ketumile since he was a great man who had been a common feature of national life since independence.

“He displayed strong leadership skills in laying a strong foundation for this country as a republic from independence until his retirement from public office. 

He was a genuine patriot and  independent thinker who was principled, honest and loved people. 

He continued rendering advice even after retirement. 

His contribution to the development of the country and his signature laughter will be sorely missed,” Mr Mmolotsi said. ENDS