29 Jun 2023

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi on Wednesday paid homage to two bereaved families in Thamaga.

First, President Masisi visited the Motswakwa family at Phuting ward who had lost their mother, Kutas Motswakwa, aged 83 and was mother to one of the President’s official photographers, Mr Godfrey Mpuse.

Comforting the family, President Masisi said his visit was to offer support to one of his own, Mr Mpuse,  whom he said was not only a colleague but also his official photographer.

He said he was compelled to support the family as it was custom and tradition in the Setswana culture to comfort one another during the loss of a loved one.

“Our culture compels us to support one another in times of difficulty,” he said. Nevertheless, he encouraged the family to find comfort in God and remember the good that their mother had done in the family and in the community.

Ms Noga Motlogelwa, an elder in the family thanked President Masisi for his support, saying that demonstrated that he was a parent to all and as such they would take great comfort in the Lord.

Motswakwa died on June 21 after a long illness. She is survived by  two sons and a daughter.

She will be laid to rest in Thamaga tomorrow (Saturday).  President Masisi proceeded to Mogojwe ward, still in Thamaga, to console the Mhiemang family who had also lost their mother, Kebotse Mhiemang, who died on Tuesday (June 27), also at the age of 83, after a long illness.

Paying condolences to the family, President Masisi said whenever a family lost a loved one, the community, relatives and friends gathered to offer condolences and support to the family, hence his visit. Dr Masisi said although, he could not offer condolences to every family because of his tight schedule he took comfort and felt a sense of pride in respecting the Setswana values and traditions of comfort grieving families.

Likewise, he requested the family to accept his condolences and take comfort in God.

Mr Motsumi Gaobotse, an elder in the family, expressed gratitude towards President Masisi for taking time off his busy schedule to support them. “It is a commendable feat to have the President of the country mourn with ordinary people,” Mr Gaobotse said.

He blessed President Masisi as he continued to serve the nation. ENDS