20 Sep 2022

 If it was possible for the dead to hear, Kgosi Tshekedi Khama would have been smiling from his grave following eulogies by many on Saturday September 17.

The domestic visionary and global statesman that was Tshekedi Khama, the man was praised highly about his legacy at the 117th anniversary of his birth in Pilikwe, a village he founded.

Growing up, a lot of controversial stories were said about him, while the good he did was seldom said until the commemoration of his life.

One of the speakers, Dr Jeff Ramsay said Kgosi Tshekedi was a visionary leader who concerning education, in his written document, affirmed his intention to construct Moeng College, which would integrate academic and vocational subjects with an emphasis on agricultural training.

It was said that he also proposed that priority be given to the accelerated construction of a Bechuanaland Protectorate Maternity Hospital and Training Centre for nurses.

To promote livestock development, Dr Ramsay said Tshekedi advocated that in addition to a commercial abattoir, a canning and frozen factory be established to facilitate beef exports.

In terms of horticulture, it was said that Tshekedi advocated the piloting of irrigated agriculture in the Nata region. For mining development, Dr Ramsay noted that the visionary leader advocated that Bechuanaland nationalised its mineral wealth, while further imposing strict production timelines on companies that held mineral leases.

“In addition to the deficit in skilled local manpower, to be addressed by vocational training, Tshekedi recognised inadequate transport infrastructure as a key constraint. To overcome this, he attached a detailed appendix in support of his view that the railway should also be nationalised. Tractor-trailers could also be purchased to provide public transport for produce, linking to railheads,” said Dr Ramsay.

Concerning transport, it is said that Tshekedi’s dream project, which also appeared in “The Case of Bechuanaland” was the revival of efforts to construct a Trans-Kgalagadi railway, which would link from Palapye to Walvis Bay via the then already existing rail spur at Gobabis.

It seems the man achieved a lot during his abbreviated life against immense odds, therefore, many believed his life should be an inspiration to build on his legacy. Professor Mutjinde Otjitambi, paramount chief of Ovaherero from Namibia also highly praised Tshekedi Khama that he was an intelligent leader.

A great man as perceived by many, Prof Otjitambi said Kgosi Tshekedi played an indefatigable role being against South West Africa becoming part of South Africa. He said Tshekedi had long realised that Botswana being a landlocked country, her foreign trade route through racist South Africa and to be at the mercy of the Boers, would be in jeopardy.

“He had it in mind that, if, one day, South West Africa became free and independent, the better option for Botswana’s foreign trade route would be a railway from Francistown to Walvis Bay. What a foresight. I know that there is a dry dock in Walvis Bay for Botswana goods, but reinforcing Tshekedi’s initial idea of a Francistown-Walvis Bay railroad to facilitate improved export and import of goods by Botswana,” he said.

The paramount chief said Tshekedi distinguished himself as the first Pan-Africanist ever, long before the later generation of the Pan-African Movement, the likes of Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Dr Jomo Kenyatta, Dr Kamuzu Hastings Banda among others.

He however highlighted that when finally Namibia was liberated, and for the last 32 years of independence, no credit had been given to Kgosi Tshekedi Khama for his role in Namibia’s struggle for Independence. “I therefore humbly propose to the Botswana political leadership to consider renaming the Botswana Dry Dock in Walvis Bay after Kgosi Tshekedi Khama to honour and appreciate his role to solicit the support from the United Nations to prevent the annexation of Namibia, Swaziland and Basutoland by the Union of South Africa,” he said.

Kgosi Gasebalwe Seretse of Pilikwe was also excited about learning that Tshekedi was a great man, adding Tshekedi’s life should inspire people to build on his legacy and not to forget it. Ends