02 Dec 2018

Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) councillor for Mathangwane Ward in Shashe West constituency, Mr Gerald Hulela was laid to rest on December 1 in Mathangwane.

Councillor Hulela passed away on November 24 after a long illness.  Different speakers described him as a humble man who was always cheerful.

Member of Parliament for Shashe West and Assistant Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology, Mr Fidelis Molao said Mr Hulela was not only a colleague but a friend who put the interests of the party first.

He said Mr Hulela stood under the BDP ticket to help the party win Mathangwane ward from opposition in 2014.

Mr Molao said because of Mr Hulela’s association with the electorate, coupled with the strategies the party had in place, their efforts were successful.

He said Mr Hulela’s friendly demeanor earned him the nickname ‘Hula Hoops.’  Mr Molao said the deceased endeared himself to the electorate. He said after losing primary elections this year, Mr Hulela accepted the results and pledged his support to the victor.

Mr Molao said even in his sick bed, Mr Hulela never got tired of speaking about the party and promised that once better, he would work with other members to ensure they retained the ward. Party secretary general, Mr Mpho Balopi praised the family of Mr Hulela for having allowed him to work for the BDP.

He said being a family man and raising children on his own was a challenge, but that he found time to serve the party. Mr Balopi said the deceased’s contribution to the party would forever be cherished.

Meanwhile, Central District Council (CDC) chairperson, Mr Peter Williams said Mr Hulela was part of the 174 councillors that made up the CDC, and that he was an audit and SHHA committee member. Mr Williams said despite the size of the CDC council, the late Mr Hulela was always cheerful even when there were some disagreements.

He also said he proposed, together with his electorate, to move from Tutume to Tonota Sub Council in the interest of better serving the community and reducing congestion at Tutume which had 29 villages against Tonota’s 15.

His friend, Mr Donald Santagane said they met years ago while studying in England. Mr Santagane said because Mr Hulela was easy going, it became easy to befriend him. Mr Hulela is survived by eight children. ENDS