06 Sep 2021

Horticultural farmers in Tati East Constituency have paid tribute to horticultural icon, Mr Mogomotsi Marope (46) who died recently. 

Horticultural officer, Ms Senewe Pholoma said Mr Marope was known for quality products, worked hard to develop horticulture and created employment.

She said Mr Marope started from humble beginnings and was counted among established farmers in the district.

“He never complained about the market and was able to give what the market demanded,” she said.

A neighbour and also horticultural farmer, Mr Motshegetsi Moaletsi said Mr Marope was a skilled vegetable farmer and supplied stores among them Spar, Fours and Choppies in Francistown.

He said the deceased never accepted defeat in any of his endavours and was always ready to assist.

“He established himself quickly and had expanded his garden by cultivating another piece of land near the river,” Mr Moaletsi said adding that Mr Marope was also a self-taught guide and always ready to provide service to tourists who wished to explore Patayamatebele.

“He was always willing to host tourists and since the place has potential for agro tourism, visitors among them students came to learn about agricultural activities,” Mr Moaletsi said.

He said visitors were always welcomed at Mr Marope’s farm in Patayamatebele and even more so that the place was considered a Holy site since it hosted the tombs of two pioneer Catholic Missionary Priests burial site.

“They would come and dined here during the month of October while tourists would camp at his farm during Christmas and New Year holidays,” Mr Moaletsi said.

Mr Marope’s partner, whom he had two children said they had planned to tie the knot in October.

“His death came as a surprise to me because we had agreed to marry October this year. We had our plan and God had his own plan,” stated Ms Keneilwe Kenosi who is also a vegetable farmer based in Ditladi village.

Ms Kenosi said Mr Marope was in the process of establishing a hotel in his farm to diversify.

“He had already laid a foundation for a cocktail bar which was to be followed by building of some chalets,” she said.

Kgosi Dick Moring of Patayamatebele said the passing away of Mr Marope was a devastating blow to the community.

“We regarded him as our child who employed residents of the settlement and never shunned anybody,” Kgosi Moring said.

Nswazi Mall Spar manager, Mr Mohutsiwa Dikgakololo said Mr Marope never disappointed.

He encouraged Batswana to support farmers of Mr Maropa’s calibre and said others should learn from them. Ends