17 Oct 2022

University of Botswana Chancellor, Ms Tebelelo Seretse, has described former president, Sir Ketumile Masire, as a man of unique traits.

Speaking during UB’s 40 years anniversary of existence  in Kanye on Friday, Ms Seretse said the institution saw it fit to celebrate, honour and remember the late former president, also first UB chancellor.  

She said Sir Ketumile was an inspiration to many, adding several attributes set a great leader apart; recognition of education as a foundation for the future, democracy and the rule of law as well as peace and tranquility coupled with interest in the cultural identity of one’s nation.

She said Sir Ketumile believed that education was an essential part of any long-term national development strategy and therefore economic, political and social independence were void without education.

As a graduate of Tiger Kloof in South Africa, the former president came to Botswana and helped establish Moeding College, adding he was also the first headmaster of Seepapitso Secondary School.

Ms Seretse shared that the 40-year journey of the University of Botswana reminded people of Sir Ketumile’s vision on education.

Sir Ketumile, she said, also had passion for culture, which was not only song and dance, but rather an essential element in breaking tension and allowing for peace and tranquility.

Ms Seretse said Sir Ketumile’s committment to ensure peace and tranquility saw him participating at various platforms sharing his vision on democracy and peace.

He was instrumental in the reshaping of SADC and being chairman of the said organisation, chairman of Organisation of African Unity (OAU) now African Union (AU), chairman of Global Foundation for Africa and member of UN Group for African Development.

Ms Seretse said the former president was described as a leader of exceptional qualities when he was awarded African Statesman of the year in 2001.

The chancellor said Sir Ketumile cherished the idea that traditional institutions should play a critical role in dispute resolution and reconciliation.

She said the nation was indebted to Sir Ketumile for the role he played as vice president, president and UB chancellor.

She said it would be amiss to talk of the late president without mentioning his wife, Lady Olebile Masire for supporting him on his national duties.

For his part, Sir Ketumile’s grandson, Mr Thato Masire, thanked UB for celebrating Sir Ketumile.

He said education was the central part of his grandfather’s life.   BOPA