21 Jul 2022

 The late Kgalagadi District Council specially elected councilor, Ms Rachel Villander has been described as a sterling political stalwart of note who served the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) with outmost diligence and excellence.

Celebrating her political achievements during a memorial service held in her honor on Wednesday, numerous speakers described the deceased’s political performance as lethal to the BDP opponents.

The late Ms Villander, affectionately called ‘Maku’ was described as a committed Botswana Democratic Party foot soldier who rose through the ranks to serve the party with outmost diligence. 

Her greatest strength, which kept Botswana Democratic Party winning many wards over the years in the area lied in her ability to conduct house to house campaigns, which have tremendously benefitted the party in the Kgalagadi region.

Condoling the family, Botswana Democratic Party chairperson Acting President Slumber Tsogwane said Ms Villander was a hard worker, a leader of note and a game changer who exuded honour and passion in her political dealings, hence the need for members to emulate her.

Mr Tsogwane said the deceased was an epitome of personal development who was result- driven and constantly honed her leadership capabilities. 

“She lived Botswana Democratic Party values which made her an outstanding exemplary member, whose character must be emulated,” said Mr Tsogwane.

For his part, Botswana Democratic Party Western Region chairperson, also  Kgalagadi District Council chairperson, Mr Hendrick Jacobs said the deceased was a smart and calculative political strategist who planned a political win in her living room, coordinating Botswana Democratic Party’s win in the Kgalagadi South constituency from Kokotsha to Struizendam.

He said the late Ms Villander launched strong campaigns for all former Members of Parliament over 20 years and they all had won. 

Thus, he said the party had lost a true foot soldier. 

Mr Jacobs lauded the deceased as a smart politician who campaigned for him to become a council chairperson and a Western regional chairperson and campaigned for some to enter high level Botswana Democratic Party party structures, all of whom sailed through. 

“Ms Villander was a very sweet person, yet an unflinching strategist.

She knew council standing orders off hand,” he said.

Former Botswana Democratic Party councillor and party stalwart, Mr Tshipietsile Mothelesi said through the likes of Ms Villander, Botswana Democratic Party had a reputable development track record evident in improved livelihoods over the years. 

He said in the past there was little infrastructure development in Kgalagadi as there were no roads. 

“We travelled for four days to reach the city, but these days it takes a few hours,” he said.

He appreciated the ruling party for continuously driving the development agenda, which the deceased supported. 

Family representative and Maku’s nephew, Mr Segomotso Ntau said the late Ms Villander, who was born in 1961, died on July 15 in Gaborone and would be laid to rest in Tsabong tomorrow. 

He encouraged everyone to feel free and bid the deceased farewell in whatever way they wished.

Kgosi David Toto II appreciated the acting President for offering condolences when the family was going through such a difficult time.

The deceased served as land board member from 1994-1998. 

From 2004-2009 she was the Botswana Democratic Party regional secretary. 

Noticing her behind the scenes political track record, former Kgalagadi South Member of Parliament , Mr Neo Moroka made her specially nominated councillor.

The acting President was accompanied by Botswana Democratic Party central committee executive secretary, Ms Reobonye Merafhe, member of the Botswana Democratic Party central committee for Western region Ms Welleminah Brooks, Gaborone Botswana Democratic Party regional treasurer, Mr Kagiso Kwelagobe, and specially elected councillor for Goodhope/Mabule Mr Fankie Motsaathebe. Ends