15 Feb 2021

Former Kgatleng West MP, Rakwadi Modipane was laid to rest on Sunday after succumbing to COVID-19 on February 11 at Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital in Gaborone. 

In his message of condolences to the Modipane family, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi said  Mr Modipane played a meaningful role in building the Botswana Democratic Party, adding that ‘RJ’, as he was popularly known, was an outspoken leader whose fight for the development of his constituency was on the record. 

“As we mourn the loss of your husband, let me, on behalf of the government and the people of Botswana, and indeed on my own behalf, convey our heartfelt condolences and sympathies. 

We thank you and the family for having allowed Mr Modipane to serve this country,” the message read. 

For his part, Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Phandu Skelemani said the nation had lost a great man who worked for the foundation and development of this country, further noting that Mr Modipane’s legacy would remain embedded in the lives of Batswana. 

The Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, Mr Kabo Morwaeng said Mr Modipane was a father-figure who taught him a lot during his time at Tsholetsa House as his senior. 

“Mr Modipane and I worked together in peace and he has played a huge part in my growth. Even after retirement, we always kept in touch,” he said. 

Botswana Democratic Party secretary-general, Mr Mpho Balopi expressed sincere gratitude to the former MP for paving a way and serving as a good example to members of the party. 

“To the Modipane family, we are thankful to Mr Rakwadi Modipane for his contribution in this country, and his duties and responsibilities in the BDP,” he said, adding that the deceased’s departure was not a loss only to the family, but to the nation at large. 

Speaking at the burial on Saturday, Kgosi Bana Sekai Linchwe of Mochudi described Mr Modipane as a fine man whose presence was always felt. 

He said Mr Modipane had gone too soon as he had hoped for him to continue grooming more people.

Ms Tebogo Modipane, daughter to the deceased described Mr Modipane as a loving father and husband. 

She also described him as a selfless person who was loved by all. 

“My father was very affectionate and he was a people’s person who has played a pivotal role in the career of many politicians,” she said.  

Modipane completed his BSC in 1989 at Langston University with a minor in Management and Gerontology, where he was also awarded a Dean’s Honor roll from 1987 to 1989. 

He also has a certificate in Primary Teaching and Healthcare Administration, among others. 

He served as a primary school teacher from 1972 to 1973, hospital administration from 1978 to 1989. 

He has also served as a Roads Technician from 1973 to 1975. 

In his political career, the former MP served as Mochudi constituency BDP secretary from 1989 to 1990. He went on to serve as deputy executive secretary from 1991 to 1994 at BDP headquarters and assumed the position of BDP executive secretary from 1994 to 1997. 

Modipane went on to serve as deputy regional chairperson from 1997 to 1999. 

He became MP for Kgatleng West from 1999 to 2004. 

For his parliamentary duties, Mr Modipane worked on the Heath Committee and Parliament Select Committee on HIV/AIDS from 1999 to 2004. 

He was also part of the committee on Population and Development from 2002 to 2004. 

He also served on the SADC PF Election Observer Mission as a group leader in the Tanzanian Elections in 2000 and group leader in Malawian Elections in 2004 respectively. 

In other organisations, Modipane served as chairperson for the Association of Medical Missions in Botswana from 1884 to 1988. 

He was the secretary of the District Crime Prevention Committee from 1983 to 1986. 

Modipane was also secretary for Kgatleng Agricultural Show Committee from 1984 to 1986 and synod secretary at Dutch Reformed Church in Botswana from 1994 to 1998. 

He was also synod church office chairperson from 1998 to 2004 and also served as board chairperson at Pudulogong Rehabilitation Centre. 

He is survived by his wife, four children and 13 grandchildren.  ends