01 Nov 2023

Member of Parliament for Kanye South, Dr Lemogang Kwape, has commended the Sebogodi family on their zeal to know their origins, reconnecting with each other and new family members as this can help strengthen the bond in times of need.

Dr Kwape said this at the Sebogodi-a-Moilwa family reunion, which was organised to reminisce about their origin and a celebration of love and reconnection. He said nowadays it was common for families to spread out to different parts of the country and even other parts of the world, hence the need to continually meet and catch up.

Dr Kwape indicated that family ties could have a huge impact as they help enhance connection, strengthen relationships and most of all create memories that can be shared for generations to come. “I wish to commend the family for making time and effort to bond as this will help strengthen and preserve such relationships, especially in times of need,” he said.

Dr Kwape said currently, due to urbanisation, most people are isolated and end up being helpless, especially in times of need, and further assured them that their solidarity will work for them in the long run. He advised that through keeping each other close, it will be easier for them to help each other, more especially medically, adding that some people have lost their lives for lack of relatives to donate organs, adding that in their case the advantage is that it will be easier for them to find compatible donors. “Forming a bond amongst yourselves will go a long way in assisting you to help each other in times of need, more especially in cases where you need organ transplants as you will be aware of the people with the same blood group,” he said.

Dr Kwape advised and assured them that although many people refuse to donate as a result of misinformation or misunderstanding, organ transplant is one of the marvel modern medicines. He therefore implored them to view organ transplant as an opportunity to offer a renewed chance to loved ones to live full and active lives.

While retracing their origins, Mr Dichaba Sebogodi shared that they are descendants of Moilwa Sebogodi, who was described as a mighty giant and a leader of note, having been in the chieftaincy of  Ga Ngwaketse in the pre-independence era. He further noted that their grandfather, the late Sebogodi, was a freedom fighter and a cornerstone in the liberation struggle of the people of South Africa, adding that he was a recipient of the Presidential Honorary award. He shared that the family have since grown and spread to other parts of the country, and even further to other parts of the world with some in South Africa and Namibia.

In Botswana the family has spread to Manyana, Ramotswa, Moshaneng, Otse, and Lehututu. In South Africa they can be found in Ganyesa, Mahikeng, Lichtenburg, and Morokweng. “His vision was for his family to be united, stay connected and for us to know each other. So we believe that he is pleased to see us all here,” he said. Mr Sebogodi pleaded with the family to ensure that they document all the family history in order to be appreciated by the coming generations. Ends