08 May 2022

A loving, generous giver and above all a woman who valued education so much that she pushed her children to pursue the path.

This is how speakers eulogised Ms Noopo Moribame,  who was laid to rest in Semolale on Saturday.

The 92-year-old cherished, advanced and propagated the ideals of education.

Now that the nonagenarian rests, the fruits of her indefatigable push for her children and others to pursue educational badges have been realised.

She rests as her daughter, Ms Emma Peloetletse is the current permanent secretary to the President while one of her sons, Sir-Wonder Masebola served as a director of education among others who have progressed owing to fruits of education.

Speaking at the funeral, first born, Mr Gabana Masebola described how her hardworking mother fought for them to get educated.

“I still recall that back in the days female students in Semolale were presumed educated upon completion of Standard Seven. The fear was that putting her through upper classes one would be educating her for future in-laws who would reap the fruits of the hard work they never supported,” said Mr Masebola.
Mr Masebola said that despite this belief, his mother fought for his younger sisters to further their education citing an example of her niece in Zimbabwe that self-sustains owing to education.
“My father had decided that Mmathapelo Kgosiemang (nee Moribame) would get married upon completion of her Standard Seven, but my assiduous mother flatly opposed him and

Mmathapelo went on to succeed academically,” added Mr Moribame.

Ms Peloetletse talked of her mother’s tough love.

“If asked to carry out a chore and you deliver some shoddy job then expect her wrath,” she said about her mother being a firm parent.

Ms Moribame was, among deluges of eulogies heaped upon her, compared to a flower to bees. She loved sweets and shared them generously with children and this gesture earned her some love from children which she duly reciprocated.

Not only was Ms Moribame a devoted Christian and a cornerstone of Morians Episcopal Apostolic Church, she was also a staunch member of Botswana Democratic Party.

“She was a loving mother for all. She was also a firm and honest person who will be remembered for her hard work, dedication and selflessness,” read a message from President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi.

“I learnt of how she pushed for her children’s education and lived to witness their successes as they ascend various positions at both public and private sector,” said the Vice President Mr Slumber Tsogwane.

Mr Tsogwane said that not many people lived long like Ms Moribame to reap the benefits of their hard word while simultaneously enjoying longevity of their lives. ENDS