03 Jul 2022

Multitudes of mourners thronged Sheep Farm in Borolong on Saturday to pay their last respects to one of Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) stalwarts Ms Lesego Molapo.

Ms Molapo, who died last week Sunday, was one of the long-standing members of the ruling party and described by many as a woman of many firsts, a giver and a born leader.Those who had the opportunity to bid her farewell said she was one of the few women in politics who made it easy for her colleagues to join the then male-dominated field.

Her rich profile shows that she was chairperson of the BDP Women’s Wing from 1992-94 and a member of the central committee, while also doubling as a chairperson for the Southern District Council.
 

The newly elected chairperson of the BDP Women’s Wing, Ms Peggy Serame thanked the family and the community at large for having supported the late Ms Molapo in her political endeavours.

“She was a parent to many, led with aplomb and contributed immensely to many developments in the country, she said.

 Ms Serame also noted that when she first joined politics the area Member of Parliament, Mr Eric Molale advised her to seek free political lessons from Ms Molapo, who was one of the pillars of the BDP during its formative years.

 She made it known that the late was a second chairperson in the history of the BDP Women’s Wing, a time when it was still difficult to make women’s voices heard.

For his part, Mr Molale said when he first met Ms Molapo back then as a district commissioner, he saw a woman who exuded confidence even in the way she walked, which made her to command a lot of respect.

He revealed that she was one of the few who were well versed on issues of development, especially at local government level.

“During her days as a councillor, she could give advice and direction to cabinet ministers,” he said, adding that she was an encyclopaedia of BDP manifestos.

The area Member of Parliament  underscored Ms Serame’s sentiments that she fought for the inclusion of women in leadership positions.

Mr Molale said hard work, dedication and the ability to lead were Ms Molapo’s legacy that would surely guide many, both at the party level and in the community.

Her son, Mr Baaitse Molapo, who spoke on behalf of the family said their mother was a loving individual with a vision and made sure that they all progressed well in life.

He said that they would forever be grateful to her as she always encouraged them in their studies, making sure that they attended good schools.

“It is for that reason that we thank her for having done a good job in raising us and showing the value of love as she could take in a child either from relatives or the community and raise them as her own,” he said.

Her neighbour and longtime friend, Ms Dorah Pandora said Ms Molapo was like a mother to her as she taught her to have confidence in everything she did including in politics.

Ms Pandora concurred with many that Ms Molapo was a cut above the rest, a God-sent messiah who, during her days, made sure that she helped all regardless of how they associated with her.

A memorial service was also organised in her honour on Thursday and in attendance were former president Dr Festus Mogae, Member of Parliament for Kgalagadi North Ms Talita Monnakgotla and former councillor for Pitsane/Rakhuna, Mr Freddie Mogatle.

Ms Molapo was a farmer of note, a trait which saw her being one of the pioneers of the Barolong Agricultural Show, a church leader at the Methodist church, once a member of the salary review commission just to mention a few of her achievements.

Among the many awards she amassed was Presidential meritorious award for her outstanding service. BOPA