19 Apr 2022

 

By Esther Mmolai

 

CHANOGA - Chanoga community has praised retired Kgosi Charles Letsholathebe for being a role model in instilling a discipline in the community, as well as driving developments in the Ngamiland region.

Kgosi Letsholathebe served bogosi since 1962  when he assumed the post of a secretary  before the country gained independence.

He retired last year September as a senior chief’s representative after serving the public for 59 years. 

To recognize and appreciate his contribution towards the development of the region, the community treated him and his family to a boat cruise and a lunch offered by Gateway Excursions, a facility situated in Chanoga along the Thamalakane River bank.

The community also offered him two nights’ accommodation at Drifters Lodge situated on the A3 highway along the Boteti River banks. The tented facility provides scenic natural environment. 

Speaking in an interview on behalf of the Chanoga populace, Kgosi Oateng Setlhodi said they saw it fit to thank Kgosi Letsholathebe for serving the Ngamiland  wholeheartedly. He stated that many would remember him for being a pioneer in instilling discipline/botho and settling disputes, which he did with boldness, simplicity and speed hence a big impact on the wider community. He said Kgosi Letsholathebe restored peace, stability and ensured people felt safe and protected as he did not tolerate misconduct and believed that all should be treated with respect.

“We will continue to cherish him as he is one of the leaders who was active in the community, freely giving his time and talent to benefit others,” Kgosi Setlhodi added. 

He also described him as a role model, who created the right culture to achieve results and an inspiration to some leaders.

He also cited that he benefited a lot from him as he worked under his leadership for ten years and Kgosi Letsholathebe, helped him to learn, grow and achieve much more in executing his duties. 

For his part, Kgosi Letsholathebe thanked the community for showering him with love and gifts, saying that was an indication that he indeed served them well. 

He said their special appreciation would create some lasting memories as he enters another chapter of his life. 

Asked about his feat in promoting the spirit of botho in society, Kgosi Letsholathebe was quick to point out that he believed in instilling the spirit of Botho, more especially among the youth, because many lack that moral attribute.

Batswana, he said are well known for good orderly behaviour and it was necessary to continue to uphold that principle.

“I strongly do not tolerate undesirable conduct and I believed in administering corporal punishment on the back rather than sentencing perpetrators to prison. Corporal punishment is a corrective measure as compared to prison as it destroys the future of the youth,” he added.

Kgosi Letsholathebe wished the government could reinstate corporal punishment on at schools saying it set boundaries and motivated children to behave well.  ends