30 May 2021

Former Radio Botswana newscaster, Mr Michael Ditlhakeng was laid to rest Saturday at his home village of Ramotswa.

Mr Ditlhakeng’s son, Koketso told mourners that the family was absorbed by grief and that nothing had prepared them for the loss of their father, just a week after they buried their mother.

He said they lost a respectful father figure who had undying love for each one of his children and a special bond to their late mother.

Mr Ditlhakeng, who succumbed to COVID-19 on Tuesday last week, was described by several speakers as a strict disciplinarian who had an unwavering commitment to whatever he laid his hands on.

His childhood friend, Mr Reuben Botlhole took mourners down memory lane to their years as pupils at Gaborone Secondary School and Moeding College.

Despite the dark veil that covered the family’s homestead, Mr Botlhole managed to stir a jovial mood by sharing their secrets as young men on the verge of discovering the real world.

Mr Ditlhakeng’s neighbour, Mr Ike Botlholo told mourners that their two families lived peacefully and shared pleasantries until the last days.

Malete branch pensioners’ association representative, Ms Gopolang Nyongani described Mr Ditlhakeng’s death as a huge blow to the movement.

She said as an energetic and young member of the association they had looked up to him to steer them to greater heights.

Many described him as a patient and selfless person who was easy to handle and deal with.

Many expressed their satisfaction and said they were proud to have him as a friend, uncle and son. 

He was described as an honourable man who cultivated the spirit of hard work among many he crossed paths with.

Mr Ditlhakeng, the second born from his family, was born in 1956 in Ramotswa. 

He studied news and current affairs in radio, intermediate radio production and mass communication in Zambia. 

He went for further training in Zimbabwe, studying for a diploma in radio production and graduated with a BA journalism with Howard University in the Unites States of America. 

Mr Ditlhakeng worked for the Department of Information and Broadcasting his entire professional career until his retirement in 2012 as Radio Botswana station manager.ends