13 Jul 2023

The last surviving child of the Famous late Kgosi Tshekedi Khama, Kgosi Sekgoma Tshekedi Khama will be buried at his home village of Pilikwe on Saturday (July 15). He died age 82 on July 6 in Gaborone after a long illness.

His father, Kgosi Tshekedi Khama, the last born son of Kgosikgolo Khama III, was blessed with five children namely; Leapetswe Khama, Sekgoma Khama, Semane Khama, Modiri Khama and Mphoeng Khama.

In an interview, Kgosi Gasebalwe Seretse of Pilikwe said Kgosi Sekgoma Tshekedi Khama was the senior royal uncle and they all depended on him for guidance. He said he was their pillar of strength and played a pivotal role in the royal family in GaMmangwato chieftaincy; and was a backbone the whole GaMmangwato depended on.

He said Kgosi Khama not only played royal uncle duties, but was also a father, a gentleman, an advisor, a leader, a giver and master cattle farmer.

He said Kgosi Khama who was once an ambassador and a customary court of appeal judge, always performed his duties thoroughly.

He said the late played a pivotal role because he dealt with the main matters of GaMmangwato bogosi disputes and other issues which needed further consultations. He was also called to mediate whenever there were conflicts, the duties he did thoroughly. He said he played his duties in the marriage proceeding as an uncle.

Kgosi Khama’s son Mr Ewetse Khama said his father was caring and attentive and didn’t dictate to his children about their choices, but supported them to do their best in whatever they do.

He said he was hardly ever angry and always patient.

He said his father’s had great sense of humor, and able to make a joke out of any situation.

He Kgosi Khama, a perfect gentleman and always impeccably dressed cared for people even if it was just to listen to their issues.

“He opened doors and created opportunities without expecting rewards,” he said.

He said his father also believed in being decisive once a decision was made and also believed in keeping the peace.

His ability to enter tense situations made him a friend to all involved as he managed to get them all to see reason.

Ewetse said his father was respected and loved because he gave his time, attention and self very generously, and loved reading. “He read all sorts of books, history, autobiographies, fiction, and enjoyed jazz music,” he said.

He said long walks, horse riding and hunting were things he liked to do for recreation and fitness and soccer was a big feature in his life. He was also credited for being a founder of Maphatshwa Football Club.

Ewetse said his father also liked to cook since his days as a young man in Europe.  He was once a founding member of the Gourmand club in Sweden where they hosted dining events to appreciate food from other countries.

Initially, he said, he worked at the family businesses, Tshekedi Estates and Maria Ranching.

“He branched out into all levels of cattle farming from being a rancher and elite cattle breeder, cattle agent through Lechana cattle agency to retail when he owned Sehabo and Chomela butcheries in Selibe-Phikwe, to meat processing when he opened a factory in Lobatse called Meat Processors Botswana, including international export when Botswana began exporting to Europe through BMC, “he said.

Kgosi Khama also has worked briefly as Motshwarelela kgosi when his brother Leapetswe fell ill.

He has been on boards of over 30 companies and parastatals in Botswana at various times in his life. He also served as ambassador for Botswana to Russia and all of Scandinavia.

Ewetse said in the last part of his life his father had turned his attention to small stock. He was also a leader of Matsosa regiment.

One of Kgosi Khama’s friends Mr Etshabile Sebusang said Kgosi Khama was very well-liked and respected by people around him.

He said he was a giver because he did not mind giving him a borehole for free.

He said Kgosi Khama also loved farming because when he retired he went straight into farming.

Kgosi Khama married thrice, first to Gomotsegang Khama (mother to three of his children- Ewetse, Kebuileng, Oratile, Thuto Mokgwathi). He then married Sheila Letshwithi Khama and later June Rampa. He is survived by six grandchildren. ENDS