27 Mar 2022

The vice president on Saturday unveiled a tombstone in remembrance of Major Clifford Manyuni’s who died in an April 2018 plane crash during preparations for Botswana Defence Force (BDF) day celebrations.

Speaking at the event in Rakops, Mr Slumber Tsogwane stated that  Major Manyuni died for Batswana.

Explaining that Major Manyuni had sworn to die for his country, he said parents should be taught to understand that ‘a soldier dies with his boots on’.

 He said soldiers should be appreciated for good conduct at and outside work as well as their commitment to protect the nation.

“Major Manyuni’s spirit is alive. He cannot be among us but his spirit lives on,” stated Mr Tsogwane.

The decease’s father, Mr Bonno Manyuni said he had over time learnt to come to terms with his son’s death and had finally found closure.

He said the discussions and counselling he received from the BDF helped him come to terms with the loss.

Mr Manyuni disclosed that the meaning of the words, to fight to the death, embroidered on a badge displayed in the deceased‘s bedroom, became clear after his passing.

One of the deceased’s uncles, Mr Goitsemang Manyuni described his nephew as a multi-talented person, a cyclist and Marimba player.

A member of Thebephatshwa Air Arm, Colonel Kenneth Molefe depicted Major Manyuni as a jewel to the BDF.

Col Molefe said Major Manyuni was a fast learner indicating that he worked with fighter jets and became competent within a short space of time.

The deceased earned himself a scholarship to the United States of America where he excelled, he said.

The deceased’s father in law, Mr Mogakolodi Sebego, also a former soldier, said he got to know Major Manyuni through his swimming prowess. Ends