02 Jun 2022

The departed Jacqueline Tebogo Khama, the first child of the founding President the late Sir Seretse Khama will always be remembered through a collection of rich and wonderful memories she has left behind.

Jackie, as she was called by her friends, and Nana Jax by her grandchildren, was known for her generosity, care and compassion. She was a socialite, who though reserved, strived to make an impact in other people’s lives.

Her son, Dale ter Haar said his mother always started her conversations with something controversial knowing very well that it would trigger a response. “If she was engaged in a debate it would be a game involving trivia, with her favourite trivia being capitals of the countries across the world and one would be expected to know them all,” said Dale.

As for Marcus ter Haar, his late mother was a teacher, disciplinarian, mentor and a source of comfort. 

 “Honesty, compassion, determination, generosity were some of the features that she breathed and lived for and was unapologetic about them,” he said. 

He said her mother was at times misunderstood as she spoke in riddles. However, he said Jacqui was someone who was confrontational and was always eager for a challenge. 

“She wwould present to you her level of etiquette and would expect you to raise the bar,” said Marcus. 

Marcus said her mother’s house was one place where one would somehow be expected to rise to the high levels of understanding and only to eventually derive comfort out of it as her place was a temple of knowledge. 

Though able to socialise with friends and other people, Jackie was described as someone who was not fond of public gatherings. “She did not enjoy crowds, but she would socialise by visiting friends and relatives at their homes,” said Marcus.  

A childhood friend and cousin, Ms Mpho Mothibatsela said her relationship with Jackie started when they met in Serowe during the time when her family was returning from exile. 

Though separated for some time while growing up, as they were at boarding schools, they had a beautiful share of life as childhood friends having fun and at times being naughty and ultimately growing up and assuming responsibilities of being parents.

Ms Mothibatsela said the circumstances of her upbringing contributed to her private life, which she had lived with humility. She described Jackie as a straight talker, who would never shy away from revealing her stance when confronted by a situation and was also mistaken for being rude and full of pride. 

“Her house was never crowded. She staggered her visitors accordingly to avoid crowds. You would never visit her house without an invitation. Etiquette was one of the principles she was particular about. Her love for good food was unquestionable and she was equally a good cook. A great host, generous with great love for her family and children,” said Ms Mothibatsela.

Ms Mothibatsela said as a result of her ‘private’ personality, many were deprived of the understanding of how much she cared for other people and her devotion to charity work. 

“She was good at negotiating with potential funders for charity work and she would persist until she got what she wanted,” she said.

Though living a private life, Mothibatsela said Jackie was human and cared for other people in her own way without being pompous. 
Another friend, Ms Angelika Oxford still wondered how coming from backgrounds that were completely distinct, they managed to establish a friendship.

Ms Oxford described the deceased as a principled individual with love for everyone she was close to. 
She said Jackie had an interest in all sorts of subjects and never limited herself, and was a good listener with a sharp memory too.

Meanwhile, her brother, former president Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama indicated in a recorded message of condolences that he had hoped for them to be united as a family in order to celebrate a life well-lived, to grieve and give support to each other. 

Lt Gen. Khama said when Jackie was born in Serowe, their father was in forced exile in the United Kingdom and he could not be there for and celebrate the birth of his first child and only daughter. “Over 72 years later, our family is once again unable to gather together and comfort each other, this time to grieve Jacqueline’s passing. As a brother and uncle to her sons and as head of our family, you can only imagine how saddened I am because of this,” he said.

He said Jacqueline had a sharp mind and a great sense of humour, therefore her death has left a void in their lives and they would forever miss her lively debates. 
Born May 15, 1950, Jacqueline passed on May 24 and will be buried today in Serowe. ENDS