05 Jun 2022

Botswana’s Ambassador to Belgium and Mission to the European Union, Ambassador Samuel Outlule was laid to rest Saturday in Maunatlala, his home village.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs acting permanent secretary, Ms Lorato Plaatjie, who read a message of condolence from President, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi said Ambassador Outlule was a true patriot who served the nation with great distinction.

She said Ambassador Outlule devoted over 40 years of his life to public service defending Botswana’s national interest, a function he carried out with selflessness, passion, integrity and professionalism, epitomising the finest values of public service.

She said during his career, Ambassador Outlule impacted the lives of many of his compatriots and colleagues who knew him as a man of outstanding talent, great respect for his peers, sober demeanor, and patriotism.

Ms Plaatjie said in Ambassador Outlule, Botswana had a vibrant representative who fully understood the interests of his country as a developmental state seeking to survive and strive in a highly competitive and imperfect world.

She said Ambassador Outlule articulated, defended and promoted the country with clarity and boundless energy to promote national development at home.

Acting President, Mr Slumber Tsogwane said Ambassador Outlule was an honourable man who served his country with determination and distinction.

He said Ambassador Outlule contributed immensely to the development of Botswana and its people.

He said Ambassador Outlule had a peace of mind and always accepted any appointment he was given, adding that his death was not only a loss to his family and relatives, but to the nation at large.

Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Sethabelo Modukanele said Ambassador Outlule was humble and also a paragon of a servant leadership.

Ambassador Outlule’s wife, Ms Letoane Outlule and his children described him as a simple and humble man who was family- orientated with an impeccable work ethic.

They said he was selfless and worked diligently to be a provider and protector of his family.

Botswana Diplomatic Corp representative, Ms Tshenolo Modise said Ambassador Outlule was a diplomat of note and the most senior member of their group. 

She said Ambassador Outlule communicated regularly with his colleagues and displayed leadership qualities, which did not come as a surprise because he had served in most senior positions and was a highly accomplished and respected diplomat.

During his service as a career diplomat, Ambassador Outlule held a number positions that  enabled him to actively contribute to advancing Botswana’s interests abroad. 

Among others, he served as the head of Africa and the Middle East, director of International Relations as well as permanent secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

While abroad, Ambassador Outlule served in a number of Botswana’s Diplomatic Missions including Zimbabwe, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, where he was Botswana’s ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations in New York between 2005 and 2008 and most recently in Belgium. 

Throughout his journey of service, Ambassador Outlule made notable contributions to Botswana’s development agenda. 

Among others, while serving as Botswana’s ambassador in Belgium and Head of Delegation to the European Union, he was instrumental in promoting Botswana’s economic and trade interests that covered European Union-Africa, Caribbean, and Pacific Countries issues.

In addition to his decades of service in the diplomatic field, Ambassador Outlule also served the nation in other capacities. 

From 2000 to 2005 he held the post of clerk to Cabinet and senior private secretary to the former president, Dr Festus Mogae from 2010 to 2011.

He also served as the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture.

At the time of his passing he was Botswana’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium and Mission to the European Union, a position he assumed in 2011. 

He was also concurrently accredited to Luxemburg, the Netherlands and Italy and was serving as the Dean of Botswana’s Envoys.

Ambassador Outlule loved his home village and through his membership of Maunatlala Tlhabologo Movement, he contributed to community projects. He is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son, two granddaughters, his mother, two elder sisters and a younger brother. ends