08 Jul 2018

 Mourners among them Vice President, Mr Slumber Tsogwane on Saturday converged on Ga Ranta ward in Molepolole to pay their last respects to Botswana’s former minister and diplomat, Mr Gaotlhaetse Matlhabaphiri.

Matlhabaphiri 68 a Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) stalwart died June 30 after collapsing at Fair Grounds Mall in Gaborone due to heart failure.

GUS, as he was popularly known was described by many including his political associates as a dedicated and committed member of the BDP who had the welfare of the people at heart.

A message of condolences from President, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi read by Mr Tsogwane said, “It was with great sadness that I learnt of the passing on of Mr Gaotlhaetse Utlwang Sankoloba

Matlhabaphiri.  I wish to convey to you on behalf of the government and the people of Botswana and indeed on my own behalf, our heartfelt sympathy to the entire Matlhabaphiri family,” read the message.

It further stated that Mr Matlhabaphiri served the country with dedication and distinction in various capacities, having started his carrier as a bank clerk in 1971, a teacher, a diamond sorter and Botswana high commissioner to the United Kingdom, Namibia and ambassador to Sweden.

He served as a member of parliament from 1979 until 2014 where he served in various parliamentary committees.

Mr Matlhabaphiri also served in ministries of agriculture, labour and home affairs, health and presidential affairs and public administration between 1979 and 2014.

The message said as a result of his unwavering commitment and selfless service to the nation, he was awarded the Presidential Order of Honour in September 2015.

President Maisis’s message expressed gratitute to Mr Matlhabaphiri’s service to the nation.

Similar messages of condolences from former president Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama and Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Gladys Kokorwe were also read.

Mr Matlhabaphiri’s younger sister, Ms Pene stated that his brother died from an enlarged heart, a condition that killed their mother and elder brother Legaenyana.

She said unlike many individuals of similar status, his brother believed in getting assistance from government facilities than settling for the convenience offered at private facilities.

Elder sister, Ms Gaone Mosinyi described Mr Matlhabapiri as a generous person who played meaningful roles in changing people’s lives both in political and public spheres.

Rev. Dummie Mmualefhe during a brief memorial service to honour Mr Matlhabaphiri pleaded with government to consider honoring him by addressing development issues he fought for in Molepolole.

 “The government needs to do something in honor of the man who diligently served the community when issues of development were a burning issue,” he stated.

Rev. Mmualefhe said he was happy that Mr Matlhapahiri as a dedicated and loyal member of the BDP did not take advantage of being one of the longest serving party stalwarts to engage in corruption, something he said earned him public respect.

A representative of UCCSA’s Trinity Church in Gaborone, Ms Bontle Gaboutlwelwe described Mr Matlhabaphiri as man with integrity who was eager to serve the Lord with honesty through constant giving.

She said Mr Matlhabaphiri as a dedicated member of the UCCSA, contributed immensely to the growth of music in Botswana and that his passion for music led to the formation of the BDP’s popular International and Motlhakola choirs

Other speakers included the BDP’s secretary general Mr Mpho Balopi, former vice president, Dr Ponatshego Kedikilwe, BDP veteran, Mr Daniel Kwelagobe former opposition veteran, Dr Martin Dingake and former Tonota MP, Mr Pono Moatlhodi. Mr Matlhabaphiri is survived by four daughters and three sisters. ENDS