06 May 2018

Botswana Defence Force (BDF) pilot, Major Clifford Manyuni’s funeral held on May 5 at Rakops proved that Manyuni was a real hero.

Major Manyuni lost his life in a fighter jet crash while trying to save the lives of many on April 27 at Gaborone Golf Course during BDF day celebration rehearsals.

President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s message that was read to the mourners stated that Major Manyuni deserved the nation’s utmost respect and gratitude as he gave his life in service to the nation.

It stated that his loss was not only a loss to his family, but BDF and the entire nation.

Speaking at the funeral, Vice President, Mr Slumber Tsogwane described Major Manyuni as a hero who could have risen high in ranks due to his unique expertise and experience.

Mr Tsogwane said Major Manyuni was a leader in his own right and he knew he was going to face death, and  indeed he did, he said.

He said following the loss of Major Manyuni the capacity of skilled and experienced Batswana pilots had been reduced.

Parliament, he said, had proposed to purchase Grippens to be fled by experienced pilots such as Major Manyuni during the last Parliament session.

BDF Commander, Lt Gen. Placcid Segokgo said messages of condolences that the force received from well-wishers gave them courage, since the incident that took Major Manyuni’s life was intended to save the lives of many.

Lt Gen. Segokgo said Major Manyuni died on his job and died for the job he was passionate about.

He said due to advanced technology, sensitive news broke before the next of kin could be informed, making it critical to inform family members instantly before news could spread.

Air Arm’s Brigadier Anthony Dikeledi said Manyuni was selected to be a pilot when he first joined BDF as a cadet and after his training, he was assigned to fly fighter jets as he proved his piloting potential at an early stage of training.

As BDF management, he said they saw him as somebody who could have risen throught the ranks to become Brigadier responsible for Air Arm and even BDF Commander.

Major Jacob Sebinyane, BDF Class 27 of 2003/2004 representative, who was in the same squad with Major Manyuni, described him as multi-talented as he was a good swimmer, basketball player, rider, biker and a sprinter of note.

Major Sebinyane said sometimes people did not consult their parents when joining the BDF because it was believed that chances of losing one’s life were high.

He said as soldiers, they joined the force because of the love and passion they had for the job as well as to protect and save lives of the nation.

He said Major Manyuni loved rave music, a sign of his fondness of fast machines.

Ms Unami Manyuni, sister to the deceased, said they were close friends and described him as the best gift that she ever had.

Ms Manyuni said her brother was very supportive, a fatherly figure to her as he stood by her throughout her career, making sure she performed well in her studies.

She also noted that he was a live saver as he once rescued her in a swimming pool.

His aunt, Ms Bakae Moitlhobogi said Major Manyuni was born a noble child and demonstrated the heroism character from a young age.

Ms Moitlhobogi said growing up in Orapa, he used to fix bicycles of his peers, something that made his parents believe he would become an engineer.

She said he was a mentor to their children and encouraged her not to be fearful in life, but live life to the fullest.

He leaves behind his mother and father, two elder brothers, a sister, a fiancée and a daughter. ENDS