26 Feb 2018

Multitudes of mourners from all corners of the country thronged the Kwerepe homestead to pay their last respects to the late member of parliament, Mr Gaerolwe Kwerepe.

Mr Kwerepe who died on February 16, after suffering from Diabetes and high blood pressure was laid to rest on February 25 at Thito ward in Maun.

Among the dignitaries who came to pay their last respects were Cabinet ministers, former ministers and MPs, senior government officials, friends, well-wishers, dikgosi and a delegation from the Ovabanderu royal from Namibia led by the Ovabanderu paramount chief Kgosi Kilus Nguvauva who were clad in their green uniform and Ovaherero in their red attire.

Messages of condolences from President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama, his vice, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi and from the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Gladys Kokorwe were read by the district commissioner, Mr Keolopile Leipego and all stated that the country has lost ‘a great man’ who served the country wholeheartedly and was dedicated to nation building.

Speaker after speaker said the late Mr Kwerepe deserved to be celebrated than being mourned for the work he did during his time as a leader.

They described the late Kwerepe as a charismatic leader who socialised with all groups of people irrespective of their background or status.

They said he would be remembered for his good heart as he treated everyone with affection, respect and was willing to see all living improved lives.

One of the speakers, MP for Maun West, Mr Tawana Moremi who spoke on behalf of bogosi described him as a great man, a hard-worker, a historian, a multi- linguistic and resourceful person who left a legacy that needed to be maintained.

He said the late Mr Kwerepe laid a good solid foundation and urged the Ngamiland community to take it where he left to ensure continuity. In addition, he said his constituency was the poorest amongst other districts and urged all to unite and work together for improvement of the livelihoods.

Mr Moremi said he had set the road for them and as such it was upon them to follow it and even make new improvements on it to take their district to greater heights.

He also revealed that Mr Kwerepe taught him the dynamics of politics noting that even when he crossed to opposition, he sought advice from him and he was very supportive.

Another speaker, former cabinet minister, Mr Daniel Kwelagobe said he met the late Mr Kwerepe in 1969 adding that he was one of the youngest MP in parliament by then.

He described him as a true democratic leader who believed in good governance, development, cooperation and equal treatment for all.

He also indicated that the late Mr Kwerepe was a political veteran who played a key role in the establishment of the ruling Botswana Democratic Party.

He said he fought hard to ensure there was peace, unity and stability within the party.

Mr Kwelagobe said he was a pillar and asset to the party as he bailed it out many times during difficult times by selling his cattle to assist.

He said now it was upon the remaining democrats to make their mark during their time of serving the party.

“He did not like the party only but he also loved his constituents and Ngamiland District dearly as he could not sleep if there was an issue from his district until it was resolved,” he said.

Ovabanderu paramount chief, Kgosi Kilus Nguvauva said their former chief was a friend to the late Mr Kwerepe adding that they worked together in many activities hence they found it fit to come and pay their last respects.

He also stated that Botswana and Namibia enjoyed cordial relations and thanked the government for the protection, support and guidance that was extended to his tribe when they ran away from the German war.

He said it was a good thing to see neighbouring countries working together for the benefit of their nations.

For his part, the late Kwerepe’s son, Mr Thato Kwerepe who is also Assistant Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration said his father’s children had grown up to be independent persons because of the discipline and guidance their father instilled on them. ENDS