02 Nov 2021

Department of Information Services employee, Ms Onkgopotse Kanokang (36), has been described as a dedicated, hardworking and highly spiritual individual.

Ms Kanokang, who died on October 26, was laid to rest at Phomolong cemetery in Gaborone Monday.

Information Services director, Ms Maria Leshongwane, said the deceased was employed as assistant procurement officer since 2019, adding that she was a dedicated and disciplined individual.

“We lack people of her character to take the nation and the public service forward. I believe her upbringing shaped her into a character that she was. Her values of team work, botho and hard work were instilled in her at a young age,” she said.

Ms Leshongwane said the public service desired people of the deceased’s character, who served willingly and with dedication.

“Her mind set was the right ingredient and key to a progressive and satisfactory public service. She was a professional, an exemplary employee,” said Ms Leshongwane.

For her part, the deceased’s mother, Ms Elizabeth Kanokang, said even though her daughter was nursing a fractured leg, her sudden demise was not linked to the injury.

“Her injury was healing well. It was no longer a concern and it did not deter her from going to work and doing other household activities.

She was a hard worker, cheerful, sociable, adored by children and dedicated to upgrading her education. What I loved the most about her is that she was dedicated to agriculture as she was always by my side when doing farm chores,” she said.

Ms Kanokang described her daughter as someone with a special gift of loving and caring for others.

Despite being the youngest of the three children, Ms Kanokang said the deceased commanded respect from her siblings.

The deceased’s sister, Ms Lame Kanokang said they were not only siblings but soul mates.

“We were friends and I had never thought even in my wildest dreams that we will be standing here to pay last respects to my younger sister. I have lost an amazing friend. Her demise is a sudden blow to the family,” she said.

She said Nkgopo or Kgopolan as the deceased was affectionately known was a cheerful character, kind, genuine and lived her life to the fullest.

Even though she was the youngest, Lame said the deceased possessed physical strength and therefore always defended her siblings when engaged in some brawls at school. Ends