04 Oct 2020

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi on Friday visited Mabutsane to offer his condolences to the family of  late Botswana Vaccine Institute general manager Dr Onkabetse George Matlho who died last week after a short illness.

Speaking during the memorial service, President Masisi thanked his widow Dr Kgalalelo Ranthoakgale-Matlho and family for having shared the trailblazing veterinarian with the nation.

He described Dr Matlho as a distinguished man who had served the nation with honour, loyalty and love.

The President said the deceased hoisted the nation’s flag high through hard work and spotless commitment to the veterinary medicine field and immortalised himself with international bodies such as the Food Agricultural Organization together with some countries including Egypt and Sudan.

“As we mourn him, I want you to take it straight from me that messages of condolence are pouring in from across the globe for your father was a hero,” he told the deceased’s daughter.

President Masisi further told the family that even though painful, they should walk tall and celebrate his memory adding “his name shines, be proud”.

“Although we had so much wanted him to stay, be comforted that it was God’s will for him to depart and he will see you through,” he said.

Family spokesperson, Mr Koolopile Matlho thanked President Masisi for creating time to join them in their mourning.  He leaves behind his widow, daughter, mother and three siblings. ENDS