24 Jul 2018

Vice President, Mr Slumber Tsogwane was among mourners who on July 22 paid their last respects to Maun East Member of Parliament Mr Konstantinos Markus’ mother.

When bidding farewell to Ms Tebang Kelebonye, who was also a Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) stalwart, Mr Tsogwane encouraged her children to continue her legacy and to cherish her good deeds.

He therefore encouraged family members to celebrate the life well lived by Ms Kelebonye and that it was fortunate that they were now all grown-ups.

He noted that it was visible that she had raised Mr Markus according to the BDP principles as he has managed to be an area Member of Parliament.

He appreciated the BDP members, family and friends who supported the family during the trying times

The North West District commissioner Mr Keolopile Leipego read the President’s message of condolences, which stated that not only did the Kelebonye family lose a daughter, but Botswana lost a mother.

Messages from the BDP and the former President Lieutenant General Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama were also read.

The deceased’s younger sister, Ms Flora Mmolao said Ms Kelebonye had groomed her siblings to be business people and gave them their first jobs at her business.

Ms Kelebonye’s younger brother, Mr Phenyego Laletsang remembered the deceased as a great big sister, who learnt to fend for him even when they were still young and continued to give him advice even in adulthood.

For his part, Mr Markus said he chose to celebrate his mother’s life as she had instilled the spirit of independence and hard work in him at a young age.

He said his mother was a hard worker who loved cattle rearing and thanked all the relatives for their immeasurable support during his mother’s illness as well as his friend Tati East MP, Mr Guma Moyo.

The daughter-in-law, Ms Pearl Markus said she found a mother in her mother-in-law.

Also present were Mr Moyo, Ngami MP Mr Thato Kwerepe, Okavango MP Mr Bagalatia Arone, Mr Tawana Moremi also Maun West MP and Kgosi Kealetile Moremi.

Various speakers described Ms Kelebonye as a hard worker, and a compassionate person, who moulded her family members towards success. ENDS