08 Oct 2018

Kgosi Gonkgang Mankgatau of Rakops Village was laid to rest in Rakops on Saturday.

Kgosi Mankgatau, who was born on February 2, 1926, died on September 25, 2018.

He was described by different speakers as a true leader who always stood for the truth and was never ashamed of making a decision.

The Vice President and Member of Parliament for Boteti West, Mr Slumber Tsogwane described him as a skillful leader from whom young and upcoming leaders should have bench marked.

Mr Tsogwane said he worked with the late Kgosi Mankgatau for a long time, adding that a lot of people got mentorship on leadership from him.

The Vice President said Kgosi Mankgatau understood his role, indicating he had never criticised the government.

“He upheld and respected the Constitution, and he never took part in politics, but served as an advisor to government, united the tribe and remained a strong leader because of the traits he possessed,” he said.

Mr Tsogwane said kgosi’s death was a loss to the residents of Rakops and the nation at large.

One of the residents, Mr Tshwenyego Manyuni described the late kgosi as a loving person who handled cases in a fair manner and was never biased when delivering judgements.

Mr Manyuni said the deceased was more like an elder brother to him as he stayed at his place in Serowe in 1962 and later moved with him to Rakops.

Ms Kelelese Diane said her uncle was a skillful hunter who was feared by many, adding that the deceased also had his own style of disciplining children and would administer punishment that would make one reform and abandon illicit behaviour.

Another speaker, Mr Josephat Henguva reiterated that the late Mankgatau was a responsible leader who would never exchange negative words with people, but would only focus on resolving the issues being discussed.

He is survived by 11 children; seven males and four females, 46 grandchildren and 39 great grandchildren. ENDs