08 Feb 2018

People of Shoshong constituency came in droves to bid farewell to the outgoing President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama whom they exalted as iconic, majestic and their Kgosikgolo.

At a farewell meeting in Shoshong yesterday (February 8), majority of speakers and members of the community who thronged the village kgotla projected sheer admiration and gratitude to the outgoing President, many enumerating his achievements and badges to a level of immortality.

During his arrival where he found scores of salt and pepper-haired village folks waiting in great anticipation, President Khama walked the red carpet where majority of those seated at the back went atop their chairs to catch a glimpse of the man they revered as their Kgosikgolo lent to politics.

The many that never shied to call them their chief, dished a plethora of superlatives befitting his character and achievements he accumulated throughout his career starting from Botswana Police, Botswana Defence Force and now the Presidency.

Throughout the proceedings the old folks hummed, applauded and nodded in consonance to the many immortalising portrayals of the President.

A young poet, Moroka Modisaotsile set the tone with his rendition that got the packed kgotla applauding simultaneous with ululations; and excerpt from his oral rendition had this:
‘…wa nyeletsa lehuma mo Botswana, ntwa e le ya bosigo le motshegare…’ (You committed to eradicating poverty).

And to the rest of Batswana the poet challenged, ‘Rwalang digai le dilepe le lwantshe lehuma…’ (show total commitment to ending poverty)

Upon his arrival in fanfare led by boy scouts, a fully packed kgotla erupted in in applause and ululations, with a sizeable number of revelers donning the national colours.

To add excitement into the aesthetics, the local organising committee erected a national flag like stretch tent right under the national flag, a little less than two metres from the gate, to accommodate public officers who could not make it into the kgotla shelter.

It was a farewell kgotla meeting interjected by fun and well wishes.

Whilst the people extoled him for his benevolent programmes, reportedly uplifting the lives of many and rendering some leading dignified lives, President Khama took time to dish his lighter side.

When commenting on the gifts he received from various quarters, the President showed his appreciation before poking fun at some gifts.

Receiving a three-wheeler vehicle that is used for sales of popcorns and other things, meant to be used during his charitable events, the President said in vernacular, “Nne ke tsaa gore ke ya go tlhokomela dikgomo hela, jaanong gatwe ke rekise di popcorn.”

He also jokingly appealed to the police to allow him to drive the three-wheeler vehicle without registration numbers saying, “Ke kopa gore mapodise ba ntletlelele go e kgweetsa e sena license le number plate…Legale ha ba ntshwara mopalamente wa lona o tla duela…”

He said that since Member of Parliament for Shoshong, Mr Makgalemele had warned against mixing Mosi breed that he gifted him with other breeds, to honour the plea, he will start by taking the cattle to the state house, much to the applause and laughter of his people.

He also turned on his blazer saying that many people thought that he never gave it a break but, remarked that they were two and that he will be wearing a similar one the following day.

On more serious issues, President Khama encouraged Batswana to trust in God and be true Batswana.

He said that a true Motswana who trusted in God would never lead their people astray.

He also promised to assume some of his chiefly roles whilst Regent Kgosi Sediegeng Kgamane will prevail on other tribal matters.

To those who sought more developments in their area like building of rural administration centre, President Khama said developments will continue to trickle in their constituency.

At the ceremony, the President was gifted Mosi bull, heifer and a calf by area MP Mr Makgalemele and his wife, a three wheeler vehicle worth R200 000, a P5 000 Tlotlo Energy voucher for shares at Botswana Stock Exchange, a CD by Nono Siile, thatching grass, 10 cattle from community, 18 goats and 18 chicken amongst others. ENDS