18 Feb 2024

Multitudes of old Naledi residents on Saturday bid renowned arts and craft reseller, George Molele farewell.

Molele, a once permanent figure at the Main Mall just in front of Standard Chartered Bank, passed away on February 12 after a long illness. Many speakers at his funeral described him as a quiet and good-hearted man with a pang of giving without inviting the world.

His nephew, Mr Thabo Dithebe described him as an easygoing man who was loved by children and the elderly alike.

“When we grew up he was a photographer, and for those times he was monied. He would often give us P1 when we did something good, such as passing our exams,” he said, something he said made him the darling of his younger relatives. He said despite not having been to school, Molele was eager to see them doing well academically. Mr Dithebe said his love was, however, free for all.

“He loved even his tenants as he would his children. He was a quiet soul and would only show affection through actions,” he said.

His uncle was at work selling his crafts most of the time, which he said attested to his belief in hardwork.

He said as relatives, they would ensure that his legacy lived on by continuing to sell his crafts on his behalf, which he said would also be in a way, honouring him.

Mr Dithebe said Molele started taking ill around November last year when he complained about constant fatigue and sweating, a rare patch in his otherwise healthy life, which made him a regular at health facilities.

He said his condition continued to deteriorate and was hospitalised on February 11 at Princess Marina Hospital, where he died the following day.

A staunch member of Gaborone United, it emerged that Molele also had a soft spot for city rivals, Township Rollers, a rare occurrence. Representatives of both teams described

Molele as very handy, especially at grassroots of supporters branches, and that he was always concerned when results were not forthcoming.

They said despite being a man of average means, his home was always available for other people’s needs. His fellow hawkers also said for all the years that they have worked with him, Molele never got on the wrong side of anybody.

Mr Molele, a native of Ramotswa, died at the age of 79. ENDS