17 Mar 2019

• An awesome father he was. I miss you already dad - daughter

• Shapi demonstrated commitment and passion in his work

Veteran journalist, Mr Benjamin Shapi, was laid to rest in Moshupa on March 17.

Speakers at the funeral appreciated his humility, hard work as well as his ethical and accurate reporting. 

Dignitaries at the funeral included Permanent Secretary to the President, Mr Carter Morupisi, acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, Ms Boikhutso Botlhole, deputy permanent secretary, Mr Bome Matshaba, MP for Moshupa/Manyana, Mr Karabo Gare as well as management of departments of Information and Broadcasting services.

Mr Shapi’s daughter, Paris Ramodiana thanked his dad for always being available for the family.

Despite his busy schedule, he always had time for family.

“You went all out to help me with homework and we had time to watch television together. I miss you already dad” she said.

Paris, whose eulogy left many in tears, said Mr Shapi was an example of a loving and caring father.

Acting deputy district commissioner, Mr Aaron Mafokate, read a message of condolences from President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi who appreciated contributions made by Mr Shapi to the media industry. 

“It is with great sorrow and sadness to learn of the passing of Mr Benjamin Shapi of Malakana ward in Moshupa. On behalf of my family and the government of Botswana we are expending a message of condolences to the family of Mr Shapi and the community of Malakana for their loss,” he said. 

The message further indicated that Mr Shapi was a reputable employee, who demonstrated commitment and passion in his work. 

Speaking on behalf of the ministry, Ms Botlhole thanked the family for having offered their son to work in the public service. 

She further stated that Mr Shapi devoted his entire life to the media industry and always did his work with diligence and high degree of professionalism. 

She said as a writer for Botswana DailyNews newspaper, Mr Shapi, works demonstrated that there was a great potential for the media to play a meaningful role in development of the country. 

“The media industry has lost a remarkable man, we have lost a great champion, a wonderful person and a dear friend. May God almighty give the family and friends peace during this difficult times,” he said. 

“To the family of Mr Shapi, it is with great sadness that we learnt of the passing of the veteran journalist, Mr Shapi, and on behalf of government  and indeed my own behalf, I wish to express my sincere condolences to the Shapi family,” read a message from Minister Nonofo Molefhi. 

For her part, director of information services, Ms Maria Leshongwane, acknowledged Mr Shapi for his dedication to work. 

He described him as a journalist who had great regard for professionalism and ethics. 

She indicated that Ms Shapi received numerous appreciation letters for his outstanding performance in his duties, adding that in 2017, he received an award from the department.

Ms Leshongwane implored fellow journalists both in the government and private sector to follow on the footsteps of Mr Shapi and bear in mind the impact that the media can have on the country. 

She said the media had a major influence in building or destroying the nation. 

She noted that it was critical for journalists to report accurately and to always abide by principles of journalism, adding that it was time for the media to reflect and take a leaf from past journalists who were reliable, trustworthy and producing accurate reports.

“Let us join hands as private and government journalists in building our nation,” she said. 

Mr Shapi, affectionately known as Sharps Electrical, Dibanka, Banks or George passed away at the age of 45, having joined the Department of Information Services in June 1994. 

His expedition in journalism saw him traverse the country working in Gaborone, Kasane, Letlhakeng and back to Gaborone where he was based until his passing. 

He is survived by eight siblings, 13 nephews, his daughter and a companion. Ends