19 May 2019

Though inevitable, death is heartbreaking and even more so when it robs a family of someone they consider a pillar of strength.

That was the President, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi’s message of condolences to the Mollentze family at Botalaote Ward in Mahalapye on May 17.

The family is mourning the death of a family member, Ms Letsema Peter.

“I was on an assignment at Sefhare and learnt that my longtime friend and sister, Ms Margaret Mollentze had lost a younger sister and therefore saw it fit to come and console the grieving family on behalf of government, my family, the nation and the party that I am leading which is part of this family,” he said.

Dr Masisi said Ms Peter’s death was not a loss only to the family but to the nation as a whole.

“We are to follow the same route but we are not certain when. As a family, I believe you have done all in your power to nurse your daughter and even though she did not recover. You will bid her farewell as you lay her at her final resting place,” stated Dr Masisi.

Dr Masisi said burying a family member was much better and comforting that being in pain and suffering from not knowing their whereabouts.

“Trust in the Lord, you have friends and government will always be by your side, no matter the circumstances,” he said.

President Masisi was accompanied by the First Lady, Ms Neo Masisi, Justice Defence and Security minister, Mr Shaw Kgathi, Local Government and Rural Development assistant minitser, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso, Permanent Secretary to the President, Mr Carter Morupisi, Mahalapye West Member of Parliament, Mr Joseph Molefe and other senior government officials.

Ms Peter passed on May 10 aged 68.

A family member, Mr Frederick Mollentze said the deceased was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018.

Even though she recovered after seeking medical attention, Mr Mollentze said, she fell ill recently and lost the battle against the disease.

Meanwhile, Mr Obusitse Mollentze applauded President Masisi for taking time from his congested schedule to attend to other community issues.

“This day will not only be remembered as a day we mourned the loss of our beloved sister but will be remembered as a momentous day the first family was part of the mourners. Your message of condolences will comforts us forever. We appreciate what you have done," he said.

Ms Peter was laid to rest on May 18. ENDS