16 Jan 2022

 A Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) councillor, Kagiso Mongwaketse of Bophirima Ward in Gaborone Bonnington South, who died on January 11 was laid to rest in Gaborone on Sunday.

In his commiseration message to the bereaved family, relayed by the District Commissioner, Ms Grace Seitshiro, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, said Cllr Mongwaketse's legacy would forever remain embedded in the  minds of Batswana.

President Masisi hailed him for his humbleness as well as trustworthy leadership.

In another message, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Eric Molale said the nation had lost a great man who worked tirelessly in the council’s Social and Development Committee.

“A true patriot who worked passionately for the growth and development of his country,” he said.

Different speakers including BDP secretary general, Mr Mpho Balopi said Cllr Mongwaketse's demise was a huge loss not only to his family but to the party and the nation at large.

Describing the deceased  as a distinguished man, Mr Balopi said he served the nation with honour, loyalty, humility and love.

Cllr Mongwaketse’s ethics were founded on respect and love, he said.

Mr Balopi said the deceased served wholeheartedly adding that the BDP was grateful for his service.   

He implored family members to preserve Mr Mongwaketse’s good name.

Yet another condolence message, from Gaborone Bonnington South MP, Mr Christian Greeff described Cllr Mongwaketse’s death as a huge loss to the local authority and the city as a whole.

He said it would be difficult to replace him as he was an intelligent man with great strategies for winning.

“He left an example for all of us to follow. Quite a gentle giant,” said Mr Greeff.

MP Greeff said he was a dedicated person who would do anything to bring services to  the people.

He also described him as a straightforward person who did not mince words if he did not like something but was trustworthy, well-liked and respected by people around him.

Mr Greeff said they worked closely and well together.

For his part, Gabrone deputy mayor, Mr Lotty Manyepetsa extended appreciation to the Mongwaketse’s hailed Cllr Mongwaketse as a selfless servant and caring person who calmed storms with his unique calmness.

“Despite a heated debate during council session, he will speak with a smile, calm and soft voice, and ask for the way forward,” Cllr Manyepetsa said.

Speaking on behalf of the deceased’s siblings, Ms Malebogo Molaolo stated that her brother started showing leadership qualities at a young age therefore it was not surprising that he ended up as a councillor.

She reminisced about a time when he took children off the streets and brought them home, bathed them and went around collecting clothes from neighbours for them. He started a football team.

“They eventually left one by one on their own, but that did not kill his leadership qualities. He formed other sporting groups of netball and football in our community,” she said.

She said Mr Mongwaketse was the family’s pillar of strength who believed that families should pray together even in difficult circumstances.

He always put people’s interests at the forefront, she said.

Ms Molaolo explained that Cllr Mongwaketse believed that everything must be done to improve people’s living and working conditions.

Cllr Mongwaketse was serving his second term after winning the the seat in 2014 and was re- elected in 2019.

He served in different council committees including SHHA, Finance and General Purposes Committee, Social and Community Development Committee which he chaired.

Mr Mongwaketse was an International Centre for Local Democracy (ICLD) trained change agent.

He is survived by his father, four siblings and three children.ENDS