08 Apr 2018

President Mokgweetsi Masisi and First Lady Neo Masisi on April 7,  attended the funeral service of former Botswana Ambassador to Germany, Ms Tswelopele Moremi who died at the age of 64.

Also present was third president Mr Festus Mogae and former first lady Ms Barbara Mogae, members of the diplomatic corps and senior government officials.

Ambassador Moremi passed away on March 26 in Berlin; Germany where she was based after undergoing a series of health challenges which saw her in and out of hospital.

She was laid to rest at Phomolong private cemeteries in Phakalane.

Ms Moremi served the country in Germany for three years between 2014 and 2018 following the opening of the embassy in 2013.

She was remembered for her role in various capacities both in government, regional and international organisations before joining  the foreign service to represent Botswana in Germany.

Speaking during the funeral service, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation, Mr Gaeimelwe Goitsemang described the late Moremi as a hard working person and a pioneer who demonstrated leadership in representing Botswana abroad.

He said the late Moremi also contributed ‘immensely’ to the development of the country both domestically and internationally.

Mr Goitsemang explained that during her tenure as ambassador, the deceased demonstrated great leadership, accomplishment and diplomatic skills in discharging her duties as she worked aggressively to achieve her goals.

The permanent secretary also told mourners that one of the achievements that the late Moremi achieved was to use her negotiation skills so that Botswana becomes the first country in Southern Africa to partner with other western countries in areas of tourism.

He further stated that the late “Connie” as she was affectionately known by her peers, promoted Botswana as an investment destination and led a delegation from Germany to market the country globally.

He said Ms Moremi also ensured that Germany supported Botswana in vocational training and promoted high level visits between the two countries.

He said the late Moremi was instrumental as she pioneered the establishment for the Botswana Communications Regulatory Authority which she did by receiving support from Germany adding that last year a delegation from Germany visited Botswana to make a follow-up.

Mr Goitsemang said Ms Moremi passed on when she was working overtime to see German President visiting Botswana before she retired from the diplomatic mission mid this year.

Speaking at the same funeral service was the executive secretary of Southern Africa Customs Union (SACU), Ms Paulina Elago who said SACU celebrated her role as a woman in leadership because she was the founding executive secretary of SACU as well as the first female permanent secretary in Botswana.

She explained that the late Moremi’s sense of humility, dignity and commitment was the driving force in achieving her goals and the mandate of SACU to take the institution to greater heights.

Various friends said the late Moremi wanted results achieved on time .

She is survived by her only son Lemogang, two sisters and a brother. ENDS