18 Jul 2021

Family, friends and colleagues gathered at the Phomolong Cemetery chapel Friday (July16) to share memories and celebrate Veteran journalist Golekanye Molapisi, who succumbed to COVID-19 related illness on Sunday (11 July.

Wonder, as Mr Molapisi was affectionately called, was well known for his loving and jolly character.

“He was a confident yet humble man, and he left a legacy among his media colleagues,” said Director of Information Services Mr Maria Leshongwane of Molapisi, who was former Daily News Managing Editor.

Ms Leshongwane said young journalists could learn a lot from veterans like Molapisi, saying he was one of the journalists who respected accuracy and balance of reporting news.

His family described him as a source of inspiration and a role model who always had their back.

 “My father always had a way of lifting our spirits,” said his elder son Tebo, adding that his father was not strict but commanded respect with his straight firm voice filled with love. He also shared how his father loved finer things in life, ‘he had legitimately acquired a huge appetite for fine things, he had nice life problems,’ Tebo said.

“Golekanye was a humble man who was full of jokes,” said family representative Ms Elizabeth Molapisi adding that he had a sense of humour from his early childhood while they were growing in Mapoka. His brother Mr Zwelithini Molapisi said after losing their parents, his brother stepped in and transformed to being a father to his siblings.

“He guided us through life and we shall forever be grateful for that and cherish him forever,” Zwelithini said.

His friend, Ms Boitumelo Nondaba described him as wonderful football player during their childhood in the dusty grounds of Francistown. He said he acquired his nickname Wonder through his amazing football skills. He also described Mr Molapisi a generous, loyal and loving friend who had strong solid personality.

His colleague at Botswana Telecommunications Corporation Limited (BTCL), also Chief Executive Officer of BTCL Mr Anthony Masunga said he worked closely with Molapisi promoting the BTCL brand. Mr Masunga said Mr Molapisi was loved by all at BTCL. He described him as an amazing writer and said his loss was devastating not only to family but to his colleagues.

Speaking in an interview earlier after announcement of Mr Molapisi’s demise Mr Aubrey Maswabi, a BOPA reporter who interacted with him at Daily News described him as a humble man who was big on accuracy. Mr Maswabi said Mr Molapisi always put his head on the block and move forward when making decisions. Mr Maswabi and Mr Molapisi also worked together in the Department at Northern Region in 1999, based in Kasane and Maun respectively. “I used to call him Wonder boy and he will jokingly scold me,” stated Mr Maswabi.

Retired BOPA veteran journalist Mr  Ernest Gaelesiwe remembered Mr Molapisi as a fresh graduate from Canada when the Department was still based at Main Mall. He said he learnt a lot of new information regarding journalism from him. “He was a team player and cooperative in work,” said Mr Gaelesiwe adding that Mr Molapisi was dedicated to his work. He said his passing is a great loss to journalism.

A former colleague now retired, Mr Tacisious Mudongo described Mr Molapisi as a friendly journalist who was always sharing jokes with his co-workers. He said despite Mr Molapisi being from a royal house, he was humble. Mr Molapisi’s grandfather is chief in Mapoka,

Mr Molapisi, a staunch supporter of Tafic, was always cheerful. Mr Mudongo said Mr Molapisi knew how to handle sensitive news and he was a great gate keeper.

Mr Molapisi passed on at Sidilega Private Hospital at the age of 55. Born in Mapoka, Mr Molapisi joined the Department of Information and Broadcasting Services in 1993 under BOPA. He then moved to the Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism before joining Botswana Telecommunications Corporation in 2009 as Corporate Communications Manager, a position he held until his passing.
BOPA