13 Nov 2022

Member of Parliament for Mmathethe/ Molapowabojang, Dr Edwin Dikoloti, Kgosi Malope II of Bangwaketse, Kgosi  Lotlamoreng of Barolong and for former cabinet minister, Mr Peter Siele were among hundreds of people who attended the tombstone unveiling ceremony of Kgosi Daniel Mathiba in Mmathethe on Friday.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Dikoloti remembered Kgosi Mathiba as one who stood by what he believed in.

“He did not shy away from expressing his views on different topics,” he said.

He also described him as a passionate farmer who had great ideas on how to grow the agricultural sector, adding that it was appropriate to celebrate him as he contributed a lot to the development of the country. 

“I believe his son, Kgosi Thabo Mathiba will continue where his father left,” he said.

Kgosi Malope highlighted that Kgosi Mathiba was one of the farmers who made it his mission to feed the nation.

“During COVID-19 he travelled to South Africa to purchase tractor parts in preparation for the ploughing season which was risky,” he said.

For his part, Kgosi Thabo Mathiba said his father was a hard worker who detested laziness, adding that he surrounded himself with hard workers.

He said his father died during the pandemic and that they did not bury him the way they wished to.  

Mr Siele highlighted that Kgosi Mathiba was a hardworking man who contributed a lot to the development of the country. 

He urged his children to emulate him.

Ms Keaikitse Mathiba, Kgosi Mathiba’s sister, said his brother was a hardworking and loving man who helped a lot of people.

A representative of the Madisakgosi regiment, to which Kgosi Mathiba belonged, Mr Tlhomamiso Tshenolo said Kgosi Mathiba instilled the hard work mentality among the people.

“When we worked on different village projects, he also played his part and did not just command,” he said, adding that such a mentality inspired all to work hard.

He also described him as a visionary who addressed different challenges in the village. Different other speakers described him as a caring person, a hard worker who did not shy away from expressing his feelings.

Others said he believed that people should not be spoon-fed, but taught how to fend for themselves and their families. 

They also said he believed that Batswana should revive farming in an effort to feed the nation. 

Kgosi Mathiba once received a presidential award for his contribution to farming. BOPA