16 Sep 2018

President Mokgweetsi Masisi has described Professor Balefi Tsie as a not only a decorated scholar, researcher and author, but a committed change champion whose profound contribution to the development of democracy, peace and security transcended  Botswana shores.

At the time of his demise, Professor Tsie had just retired from an illustrious teaching career at the University of Botswana in July 31, 2018, where he was first employed as a staff development fellow in July 1979.

In an eulogy delivered in his absentia at funeral of the professor of Political and Administrative Studies in Kanye on September 15, President Masisi said the former’s death was therefore not only a loss to the Tsie family but also to the nation at large.

“His academic publications in the subject of democracy in Botswana are well documented,” he said of significant contribution Professor Tsie who was a founding commissioner of the Independent Electoral Commission from 1999.

His friend and associate, Professor Mpho Molomo said Professor Tsie, who founded Democracy Research Project at the University of Botswana had indeed entrenched and deepened democracy in Botswana.

He said it was out of the democracy research project deliberations that the Independent Electoral Commission was birthed.

“The same can be said about the reduction of voting age from the initial 21 to 18,” he said of the great deeds achieved by the fallen Professor.

Another friend and colleague, Dr Thulaganyo Mogobe whose comradeship with Professor Tsie dated back 30 years said other than academics, his fallen friend had a penchant for music particularly Afro Jazz.

Speaking on behalf of the UB, Professor Bojosi Otlogile said Professor Tsie was a reliable and open minded person who never shied away from debating issues at any given time.

On September 12, Mr Ontumetse Ontumetse, a student of Master of Politics and International Relations, said at a memorial service that Professor Tsie had greatly impacted a lot of livelihoods through impartation of knowledge spanning many years.

“The student community is saddened and deeply shaken by the fall of this great baobab tree,” he said in his tribute to Professor Tsie.

Mr Ontumetse said in particular that Professor Tsie’s deep grasp of concepts and world issues inspired awe and inspiration among the student community.

Professor Tsie leaves behind wife, Veronica Gaarongwe Tsie, three children and seven grandchildren. ENDS