03 Feb 2019

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has said the passing of Bishop Boniface Setlalekgosi is not a loss to the Catholic Church and his family only, but to the nation of Botswana. 

In his message read at the funeral on February 1, Dr Masisi noted that Bishop Setlalekgosi devoted his life to serve God and therefore he would be remembered for his good deeds.

He said Bishop Setlalekgosi led the flock with unwavering commitment throughout his mission; an attribute which led to his appointment as the first Motswana Bishop of the Roman Catholic Church.  

President Masisi also noted that Bishop Setlalekgosi would also be remembered for the immense contribution he made towards the socio-economic and political development of the country, particularly in education. He said his generosity would be missed, particularly by those communities whose lives he changed. 

Chairperson of Ntlo ya Dikgosi Kgosi Puso also conveyed message of condolences on behalf of Dikgosi. Kgosi Gaborone said dikgosi were grateful for Bishop Setlalekgosi’s contribution and role to the development of Botswana as a church leader.  

Reverend Rupert Hambira representing Botswana Council of Churches said Bishop Setlalekgosi was a unique and special gift of God to the church and the people of Botswana.

He said Bishop Setlalekgosi always saw opportunities in every obstacles. He said his love for the country and the people transcended boundaries of race, class, and ethnicity and served as a model of how to build pillars of tolerance. 

Father Lawrence Pheto described Bishop Setlalekgosi as a mentor, father, brother, friend and hero to everyone around him.

He said he was a prayerful human being who loved God and served Him diligently. Father Pheto said Bishop Setlalekgosi was passionate and had a great zeal about his vocation; adding that during his mission he traversed Botswana extensively spreading the word of God.

He said Bishop Setlalekgosi continued to be an inspiration to them all. Although not man of many words, Father Pheto said, Bishop Setlalekgosi was the epitome of wisdom. 

Speaking on behalf of the family, his sister Ms Magdeline Gabatshwane said Bishop Setlalekgosi’s kindness showed in his childhood.

She said her brother was compassionate and got on very well with everyone.

Ms Gabatshwane said although they differed in personalities as siblings, her brother always guided them and gave them wisdom. 

She said Bishop Setlalekgosi displayed his interest in serving the Lord from an early age.

She said he was a staunch reader and most importantly he loved reading the Bible; something she said he took after their mother. 

In his sermon, Archbishop Buti Tlhagale of Diocese of Johannesburg said Bishop Setlalekgosi was an admirable, elegant and presentable man.

As the longest serving Bishop, Archbishop Tlhagale noted, Bishop Setlalekgosi was a good judge of character. 

Besides his work and love for God and the church, Bishop Setlalekgosi was described as a sports lover who was a Township Rollers fan.

He also was a fan of choirs enjoying watching the dances and singing.

Bishop Setlalekgosi was laid to rest at Christ the King Cathedral in Gaborone. Ends