22 Jan 2018

Member of Parliament for Mochudi East, Mr Isaac Davids was laid to rest  in Mochudi on January 20.

Different speakers who took to the podium described the late MP as a great man who took it upon himself to represent Bakgatla and often times spoke out for the development of the constituency. 

A message of condolences from President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama was read to the family by the Kgatleng district commissioner, Mr Mompoloki Mochanang, in which the President comforted the family during their time of loss. 

He encouraged them to find refuge in God and to be strong as they were not the only ones mourning the death of Mr Davids.

President Khama said the nation and Batswana at large were still reeling in shock regarding the MP’s death. 

The President’s message implored the family to find strength, knowing that they had the support of all Batswana. 

Speaking at the funeral, Vice President Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi said government was in shock following Mr  Davids’ sudden death and promised to make sure that investigations were carried out and justice prevailed.

He said the late Davids lived his life to the fullest. 

The Vice President, who is also chairperson of the Botswana Democratic party (BDP) said though Mr Davids left BDP for opposition,when  he came back they were glad to have him back in the fold.

He said the country had lost a good leader in Davids and what shocked the most was that he lost his life in a tragic manner.

Mr Masisi encouraged the community not to blame anyone for the death of Mr Davids but rather celebrate his life for all he had done for them as a nation.

Acting Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Kagiso Molatlhegi described the late Davids as a friend to everyone as he associated with everyone and loved all those that loved him.

He said all members of Parliament loved and praised him each time he entered Parliament as a way of expressing their love for him.

Mr Molatlhegi described him as an outspoken person because he raised all his concerns without fear.

He said he took his job seriously as he fought for developments for his village in Parliament and never stopped even when times were tough. He added that he did not mince words when he spoke for his constituency and they had lost a great man.

He said Mr Davids served on three parliamentary committees; lands, agriculture and housing, governance and oversight as well as standing orders and reforms committees.

Member of Parliament for Mochudi West, Mr Gilbert Mangole said Mr Davids was ‘a man with a big heart.’

He said he dedicated his life to helping those who needed help with much love and would not even hesitate to go an extra mile for those people.

Mr Mangole said he had utmost respect for the royal family as he availed himself whenever they needed help and attended to all kgotla meetings called both at the main kgotla and Moruleng in South Africa.

The president of Mochudi Centre Chiefs Mr Christopher Molomo said they were mourning as a club but also celebrating the loss of their star as he was also part of the people that founded the club and played a tremendous role in the selection of team colours which they continue to use today.

He said Mr Davids was instrumental in helping the club achieve their dreams as he was resourceful and contributed towards the club’s success.

Mr Molomo said in 2013, they had a meeting where they discussed the history of the club with a plan to document it so that the youth would appreciate and understand where the club came from.

The daughter of Mr Davids, Ms Penny Davids described his father as a man with a big heart which he camouflaged with his authoritative stature.

She said he loved them dearly and he would do anything for them to make sure they were happy. She also said his departure had been tragic and sudden but they believed God would help them deal with the pain.

Penny  said his father taught them a lot and always stressed the importance of education, noting that it was an inheritance no one could take from one.

She concluded that her father was always up to date as he liked current affairs and watched documentaries and encouraged them to do likewise. 

Other speakers included politicians Messrs Duke Lefhoko, Samson Guma, Ndaba Gaolathe, and  Mochudi Centre Chiefs veterans.

 Mr Davids died on January 14 allegedly at the hands of his herdmen at Sorilatholo in the Kweneng District. 

The two herdmen have since appeared before courts charged with the murder of the legislator.  ENDS