08 Oct 2020

October 25 will mark end of public service journey for a veteran messenger reporter, Ms Onalenna Mokhawa.

She would be joining the pensioners’ community after 28 years of service to the nation.

The God fearing mother of four would leave the Department of Information Services as a happy woman considering contributions she made during her service.

She was optimistic that God would open new opportunities in for her.

Ms Mokhawa joined the department in 1992 as a cleaner at Maun Information Services Office.

In an interview, Ms Mokhawa affectionately known as Khawas could not hide her excitement, stating that she would leave the public service with a big smile since she had ran her race to serve the nation.

She stated that she joined the department during tough times where there were inadequate resources.

Ms Mokhawa recalled that she never provided excuses when asked to do something because she believed in tangible results. In addition, she said the spirit of volunteerism, team work and love for the job drove her.

Despite the hustle and tussle she experienced, she said she would leave the public service a proud woman because she achieved a lot.

She talked with fond memories when her immediate supervisor then, Mr Epena Ngatangue, who is now the chief information officer, initiated her in news writing when she was working as a cleaner.

Ms Mokhawa recalled how Mr Ngatangue was patient and professional when drilling her on issues of reporting for Radio and newspaper.

Her passion for writing was developed and after two years, she was elevated to the position of a messenger reporter where she became popular through the Radio Botswana’s programme newsreel commonly known as Tatediso ya Dikgang.

She also reported for the DailyNews at the same time executing her messengerial duties without failure.

Ms Mokhawa noted that she managed to attend general news reporting course where she was drilled on news writing.

Loyalty, hard work, good conduct and commitment, she said earned her some awards, citing that in 2010, she was awarded the ministerial award for Tatediso ya Dikgang.

In 2016, she got the best performer award during the inter district public service day while in 2017 Khawas was awarded for long service and good conduct at the national public service commemoration.

Still in the same year, she was among few messenger reporters who were elevated to a high position of senior technical assistant.

“I thank God for giving me the opportunity to excel at work and I am hoping to enjoy a slower pace of life in the years of my retirement,” she added.

Ms Mokhawa intended to now venture into farming.

However, Khawas would be missed by many both colleagues and customers as she has been a mentor, parent, motivator and friend. She was a key team player in Maun office as she served in several committees such as wellness and anti-corruption committees.

Those who were very close to her described her as a person who was time conscious and worked independently with minimal supervision, but still yielded results.

Her supervisor, Mr David Moeng stated  that Khawas served the department diligently by wearing so many hats and it was fair and proper to wish her a happy retirement.

He described her as a team player who served the nation with respect and love. ENDS