21 Feb 2018

The late former Member of Parliament for Ngami constituency, Mr Gaorolwe Kwerepe will be laid to rest on Sunday at Thito ward in Maun.

He died last week Friday at Letsholathebe Memorial hospital after suffering from sugar diabetes for a long time.

A family member, Mr Thato Kwerepe has revealed in an interview that preparations were on track, adding that they are expecting the President, Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama to attend the memorial service on Saturday while his vice, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi would go to express condolences to the family today.

However, the passing of the former Member of Parliament had touched the hearts of many, especially those who worked and knew him better.

Those who were very close to him revealed in an interview that his death was not only a loss to his family, but to the entire nation as he was a useful and helpful man.

They described him as a true stalwart, who had contributed greatly to the development of the Ngamiland District and the entire country.

The late Kwerepe aged 90, they said, was an independent, hardworking man who demonstrated love and treated all equally irrespective of their status.

An elderly, Mr Poloko Pinaemang born in 1927 revealed that he grew up with the late Mr Kwerepe at Goo-Meno ward in Maun.

He said Mr Kwerepe grew up as a responsible, intelligent, cooperative and loving citizen, hence he managed to serve Ngami constituency as its Member of Parliament for a long time.

He recalled the time when he was hired by the Greeks who owned many shops by then, adding that he worked well as he believed in producing results in whatever he does.

Mr Pinaemang said through his intelligence, Mr Kwerepe managed to establish his own business at Tsau village, hence he became a renowned businessman in the district.

He said he participated in community activities, noting that he demonstrated love and compassion to all, including the vulnerable society, adding that Mr Kwerepe wanted to see people living dignified lives.

Another elderly, Kgosi Charles Letsholathebe described the late Kwerepe as a talented and respected man.  

He remembered those days when he worked closely with the then former MP for Maun, the late Mr Dikgothi Monelwa, adding that they represented the district well at Parliament.

He said Mr Kwerepe was knowledgeable and rich in history, adding that he used to advise them at the tribal authority where necessary.

Kgosi Letsholathebe said the former MP had contributed meaningfully in the farming fraternity, adding that he worked well with farmers in general.

Meanwhile, he died a staunch member of the ruling Botswana Democratic Party, which he joined in 1965. He clung to the parliamentary seat until 1994 when he was ousted by the then former

Minister of Education and Botswana’s ambassador to Japan, Mr Jacob Nkate.

He was part of the first batch of 31 elected MPs who made up Botswana’s first National Assembly post independence. Ends