29 Jul 2018

Mourners gathered in Vukwi on July 28 to pay their last respects to Kgosi Maendisa Bulala, who passed on July 20 after a short illness.

The 91-year-old leader served Vukwi as a Kgosi since 1968 until the time of his passing.

Speakers described Kgosi Bulala as a great leader and hard worker who strived against all odds to transform Vukwi from a remote settlement to a developed village.

Assistant Minister of Health and Wellness and also MP for Tati West, Mr Biggie Butale described the deceased as one leader he always looked forward to address meetings in his kgotla.

MP Butale potrayed Kgosi Bulala as a neat gentleman, who always dressed well despite his age.

Mr Butale further stated that the man was a peace maker, which he said was reflected on the serenity of Vukwi as a village.

He therefore called on his successor to continue his good legacy so that Vukwi maintains its status of being a dispute-free village.

Mr Butale said Kgosi Bulala advocated for the building of a clinic in his village. However he passed on before he saw the dream materialise as government had sourced a porta cabin, which would be installed soon.

A message from the chief tribal administration officer in the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Ms Masego Mooketsi read that the passing of Kgosi Bulala was not just a loss to Vukwi, but Botswana at large.

It states that the deceased started working as head of arbitration in Vukwi in 1968 as a volunteer and it was only in 2001 when he started being rewarded.

This, it says showed how dedicated Kgosi Bulala was as he performed his duties wholeheartedly free of charge.

The deceased son, Councillor Meshack Mabutho told mourners that his father had served Botswana wholeheartedly with due diligence.

He stated that his father was a strong person who was active in pushing village developments despite his old age.

He encouraged Vukwi people to find courage and comfort because a Kgosi does not die, but leaves successors to continue his legacy.

In closing, area Councillor Elias Mbonini said the fact that the deceased served his people for 33 years without pay should be an encouragement to all.

He called on Vukwi people to remain united and continue Kgosi Bulala’s legacy. ENDS