29 Jun 2025

One of Sir Seretse Khama’s well known traits is that of a unifier though it is believed that he had a soft spot for Basarwa.

An octogenarian, Ms Gasehete Leatswe, who was born and bred in Ncojane, remembered that Sir Seretse despised cultural intolerance and guided communities to live harmoniously together.

Today, we see Ghanzi and Charleshill being homes to diverse ethnic groups that include Bakgalagadi, Basarwa, Baherero, and some white people, Ms Leatswe said.

“Le ntswa a ne a rata merafe yotlhe ka tekatekano, o ne a rata morafe wa Basarwa ka pelo le mowa,” said Ms Leatswe, explaining that Sir Seretse loved and treated all tribes equally, but was particularly fond of Basarwa.

Basarwa were always present during his consultative meetings, where they would chant, “Aye wee, Seretse wee,” an expression of sincere love for him, Ms Leatswe recalled.

She said because he preached peace among Batswana, people were each other’s keepers, and extended that beyond families, to accommodate other communities and uplift them.

She said communities came together to help those who were less privileged, in some instances building mud houses for them so they could have a roof over their heads,

Ms Leatswe implored the current government to emulate Sir Seretse’s leadership style of tolerance and embrace diversity in today’s changing world order. ENDS