04 Apr 2018

Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology, Dr Alfred Madigele and former Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Peter Siele on March 31 joined horde of mourners to bid adieu to the late former Gasegwagwa ward councillor, Mr Sebereki Lechina who met his end on March 28.

In his eulogy, Dr Madigele described Mr Lechina as a diligent hardworker and a tree whose shade was enjoyed by many.

Dr Madigele said the late Lechina provided ethical and visionary leadership to the ward, Mmathethe/Molapowabojang constituency and the district at large. He urged his family not to despair but put their trust in God.

 Former MP for Mmathethe/Molapowabojang constituency, Mr Siele for his part, shared that Mr Lechina was the first to represent Gasegwagwa as a councillor in 2004 after the area became an independent ward in 2002/03. 

Often times when he was away from the constituency on official business as a Cabinet minister then, he said he never worried because he knew Mr Lechina would keep a watchful eye.

Mr Siele described Mr Lechina as a kind, loving man who debated issues with cool, sound logic rather than the vehemence of his voice. 

He said the electrification of Gasegwagwa village and its Tribal Administration block, developments at Garamonnedi, Ditojana, Diphatana, and Gamogapinyana came about as a result of his selfless efforts.

He said his death was a grave loss to the district.

Former Kanye MP and Southern district council chairperson Mr Leach Tlhomelang described Mr Lechina as a soft but firm debater who never sensationalised issues. 

He said Mr Lechina advocated for projects that would have a long lasting, positive impact on Batswana across the district rather than short term solutions. 

He said Mr Lechina once proposed that internal roads within Kanye and major villages in the district be paved with interlocking bricks which would be more cost effective than tarmac.

He said Mongala and Mahube malls which were built through public private partnerships with the Southern district council were enduring legacies of Mr Lechina and colleagues.

Mr Tlhomelang thus encouraged the district leadership to immortalise Mr Lechina by naming him after a government institution in the district.

His third born daughter Boago Kaang described her late father as a special gift to his family. She said she would always regurgitate on, and celebrate her father’s fond memories.

She said her late father inspired them to appreciate the beauty of life.

She said he once shared that his first salary was P80 and advised them that success in life was not so much about how much one earned but how they used it. 

The newly wedded bride said she was blessed to have her father wed her off before he passed on.

He leaves behind his wife, two sons, two daughters and five grandchildren. ENDS