24 Jul 2018

Multitudes thronged Tsamaya village recently to pay their last respects to the 82-year-old former Francistown mayor Mr Timon Mongwa who lost a long battle with diabetes.

President Mokgweetsi Masisi also sent a message of condolences in which he thanked Mr Mongwa for serving  the country with dedication as a politician and a teacher.

The message described the deceased as a pioneer and a good business man who was awarded the presidential honour in 1991 in recognition of his service.

Francistown mayor Ms Sylvia Muzila portrayed Mr Mongwa as a hero saying the Botswana People's Party (BPP) stalwart served as the first opposition mayor from 1984 to 1987, a rare occurence in the history of Botswana.

She further described the deceased as a brave man who often challenged businesses that monopolised services in Francistown to give other citizens a chance.

Speaking about her relationship with Mr Mongwa, Ms Muzila said  he always encouraged her to work hard.“

He believed in me and wanted me to do greater things and prove that women can be good leaders because I was in a male dominated cadre,” she said.

A family representative, Ms Imelda Molokomme said the deceased was a family oriented man who took good care of the family’s children and set very high standards for them.

“He was loving, welcoming, kind, soft-spoken, God fearing and accommodative of people from all walks of life and had unique analytical skills,” she said.

Ms Molokomme also said that Mr Mongwa was an amazing leader of great integrity who always wanted the best for everyone.

Mr Mongwa’s brother Professor Amos Thapisa described him as someone who was jovial, full of life, funny and caring.

He said the deceased was his chief advisor, loved peace and always brought out the best in other people.

“Even in his diabetic condition, he could joke about his sickness which is very rare for a patient,” Prof. Thapisa said.

Retired judge, Mr John Mosojane said he had a long friendship with Mr Mongwa having attended Masunga Primary School together.

Judge Mosojane said they used to encourage each other in their respective fields which strengthened their friendship.

Councillor Isaac Pelaelo of Tsamaya urged mourners to draw lessons from the deceased’s life of service. ENDS