06 Sep 2022

The unveiling of Professor Serara Segarona Selelo-Mogwe’s tombstone at Phomolong Memorial Park in Phakalane on Saturday was used as a platform to share her life which according  well lived and full of positive memories.

The unveiling ceremony also coincided with the unveiling of a tribute book of a collection of letters to her. She was described as an epitome of strength and grace, born August 29, 1927, Prof. Selelo-Mogwe died on September 2, 2020.

 The tribute book is a collection of letters giving tribute and celebrating her life as a woman who left craters on earth from the impact she made on the lives of many.

A message of condolence from President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi said Prof. Selelo-Mogwe was a Presidential Order of Honour awardee and would be remembered for her unwavering commitment and selfless service to the development of nursing in Southern Africa and the world.

Dr Masisi said the nation mourned and celebrated the extra ordinary life of a remarkable woman who was a true pioneer of nursing in the country and beyond. He noted that her life was characterised by an incalculable breath and depth of devotion and service to the noble profession.

“She had left behind a profound legacy and has placed our country irreversibly on the road of social progress. Our country has, indeed, lost one of its most outstanding figures,” said Dr Masisi.

In an article dedicated to her mother which was part of the tribute book, Dr Pearl Kupe said the death of her mother has left the thought of what legacy she was to leave on earth. She said the legacy was supposed to be positive, but many people had left behind dreadful memories.

“True legacy is not in money or materialism. It is not just about leaving behind houses and possession. True legacy leaves behind a wealth of wisdom and must touch and impact many lives.  True legacy would have taught, trained and equipped others. True legacy benefits the disadvantaged and the vulnerable. True legacy brings change and transformation to communities and nations. True legacy points to Christ and ultimately glorifies God,” said Dr Kupe.

Dr Kupe said Prof. Selelo-Mogwe left an indelible mark and legacy in Botswana and in many nations around the world. “Let us not leave this earth without leaving an indelible mark of Kingdom legacy. It is not too late. Run your race with passion, with speed and with a kingdom legacy in mind,” said Dr Kupe.  

A tribute message from Associate Professor, Dr Tissana Boontong, secretary general of the Princess Srinagarindra Award Foundation, Thailand Nursing and Midwifery Council and the Nurses Association read in part “… we are proud to have Professor Serara Segarona Mogwe as the Princess Srinagarindra award recipient of 2019.”

It further said her achievements meant a lot to young nurses in Thailand and globally. 

Dr Boontong also said in the eulogy that in addition to her contribution, the late Prof. Selelo Mogwe would always be remembered for her cheerfulness, humour, enthusiasm and kindness. 

It added that she played a crucial role in strengthening the health service system and the development of nursing and midwifery profession in Botswana from the dark to prosperity.

“She has been recognised as Miss Florence Nightingale and an icon of modern nursing in Botswana and Southern Africa…. Her remarkable work has laid strong foundation for the advancement of nursing and midwifery education service and profession as well as raising the status of women in society.  

“I admired her wisdom, strong personality and tireless efforts in moving nursing agenda in the global platform,” said Dr Boontong. Dr Boontong said she would always be remembered and that her name had been recorded in the history of nursing in Thailand.

An obituary from the Botswana Nurses Union (BONU) said Prof. Selelo-Mogwe was the founding member of Nurses Association of Botswana (NAB) which was now BONU.

BONU said she was a pioneer who helped improve the healthcare system in Southern Africa. “With the help of WHO, Prof. Selelo-Mogwe established the National Health Training Institute, which was a multi-disciplinary school of health of professionals, predominantly nurses,” said BONU.

BONU added that Prof. Selelo-Mogwe was a pioneer and icon of modern nursing and a change agent for nursing in Southern Africa as evidenced by the major improvements in health care education in Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa and Botswana.

“After spearheading the formation of NAB in 1969, Prof Selelo-Mogwe facilitated its affiliation to regional and international bodies like the East, Central, Southern Africa College of Nursing (ECSACON) and the International Council of Nursing (ICN),” said BONU. BONU described her as a visionary and industrious leader.ENDS