02 Dec 2019

Former Mmatshumo kgosi has been hailed for playing a crucial role in development of the village.

Speaking at Kgosi Jacob Baganetseng’s funeral in Mmatshumo over the weekend, the Vice President, Mr Slumber Tsogwane said the chief contributed to establishment of a solid foundation for the village.

He described Kgosi Baganetseng as a God fearing and peace loving man, traits which saw him leading the village in the right direction, adding that he had exceptional leadership skills.

Meanwhile, the vice president implored members of the public to respect funerals, especially the mourning families.

The current village leader, Kgosi Keletshwaretse Phetsogang, said Kgosi Baganetseng provided him with guidance on the role of chieftaincy, adding that he was a strict person, who instilled discipline and was not afraid to express his opinion.

He said the late kgosi was his closest friend and worked with him whilst he was still an ordinary member of the community and also played a huge role serving as an advisor in other villages such as Mosu and Orapa.

“He was a very neat person who was fond of dressing up on a suit and tie,” he said.

His daughter, Ms Margaret Kadimo reiterated that her father was strict and moulded them into well-rounded children.

“He was a person who had a stand in decisions he made and would not easily bend.” Ms Kadimo said, adding that her father was a farmer who took pride in training his children on farming skills.

Her father, she said, would never tolerate idleness, so all the children had to do house chores and would allocate themselves roles.

Mr Gabantshetse Boshoma said he worked with Kgosi Baganetseng on church issues at Nazareth Church, saying the late kgosi had committed his life to God and loved his congregants.

Mr Boshoma also described him as an expert on horse training.

He was born in 1921 in Xhumo and was appointed to the chieftainship in 1976, a position held until 2010.

He had married three wives and is survived by one wife and 14 children, 35 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Ends