31 Aug 2017

Botswana has lost one of her iconic post-independence stalwarts who played a key role in the evolution and development of the modern day state.

The former cabinet minister, Mr Kebatlamang ‘Baby Shoe’ Morake took his last breath in the early hours of Tuesday (August 29) at the age of 86.

Morake belonged to a golden generation of patriots who were charged with turning a desolate, poor and desert country into one of the world’s best democracies with high economic growth rates, in the midst of a crisis ridden continent.

Many Batswana still have fond memories of the former Member of Parliament for Selebi-Phikwe until 1994.

After quitting active politics, Mr Morake, like many Batswana of his generation retraced his steps to his native Tonota where he spent all his time until his passing away.

Some residents also remember him as an affable man who respected everyone regardless of age.

Kgosi Machena Mannathoko of Manyanda ward at Tonota described him as sociable and easy-going.

He said he knew the deceased when he became his teacher at Tonota School in 1954 when he was doing standard four.

“This man was a comedian. He would pass jokes throughout the lesson which made school days more fun. We loved him so much even though we failed because the level was tough,” he added.

Kgosi Mannathoko further said they will remember him as a man who loved and cared for his learners in the classroom and beyond.

A resident of Francistown, Mr Tumiso Tumiso who is originally from Pilikwe village said he remembers the deceased from an educational tour in 1983 when he visited Kagiso senior secondary school in Ramotswa.

He explained that at the time he was doing Form two and that was the first time he saw him before later learning about his political life.

Mr Tumiso said he was impressed with the passion the deceased had for politics as he always had answers to every question, sometimes passing jokes to calm tense situations.

Manyanda ward land overseer, Mr Othusitse Mmolawa described Mr Morake as somebody who loved giving advice to people.

Mr Mmolawa said the deceased was his nephew and he had seen him grow up to be the responsible man he was and for that he was proud of him.

In addition, he said the deceased had passion for reading books, a trait he said, he believed to be the reason behind his rise to occupy senior positions in government and politics.

One of the residents, Ms Patricia Mogorosi remembered the former cabinet minister as a dedicated man who loved people.

Ms Mogorosi explained that the community of Tonota and other Batswana had lost an important figure because Morake was ‘jack of all trades’.

She explained that he had a passion for helping other people. “We called him kgetsi ya dipotso le dikarabo,” she said.

She further explained that he helped everyone who came to him equally and diligently.

For her part, Ms Mmajaba Marape also told BOPA that she remembered the late Mr Morake as his school principal and choir master at Rauwe primary school back in the 1960’s.

She explained that the late former cabinet minister was a guru of music in their school who won awards for their choir.

She noted that even when he had retired she always reminded Mr Morake of their victory back in the days.

Another veteran in Tonota, Ms Agnes Nametsegang who is a retired teacher also mentioned that he remembers the late Morake as one of the officials who used to visit with the former Minister of Education, Dr Gaositwe Chiepe.

Ms Nametsegang noted that the former cabinet minister was a noble person who was easily accessible to everyone and always had a smile on his face.

She also noted that he always helped staff with any issues and challenges they were facing.

Ms Nametsegang further noted that he was one of the few leaders who were loved by many and will be greatly missed in the community. ENDS