27 Jul 2025

 Aptly named Ketumile, a name whose essence got depicted through the purposeful life that he went on to live, Botswana’s second president, Sir Ketumile Masire achieved not only fame but also a respected reputation attained through selfless service. 

Born 100 years ago on July 23, Sir Ketumile grew to become the embodiment of tenacity and intellectual ingenuity, with his efforts later helping establish a stable, democratic framework that ensured the country’s sovereignty.

In an interview, Mr Motswakgakala Sealetsa, the president’s uncle and caretaker chief of GooMotebejana ward in Kanye where he hails from, shared a thought-provoking synopsis of the life of Sir Ketumile Masire.

Recalling their upbringing, Kgosi Sealetsa highlighted the adage ‘Leina lebe seromo,’ a Tswana proverb frequently associated with Sir Ketumile Masire. 

The proverb roughly translating to ‘a bad name is a curse’ or ‘a name carries weight,’ Kgosi Sealetsa said its meaning fit like a glove to Sir Ketumile, whose reputation and character shone forth brilliantly throughout his life.

Notably, he reiterated that the late statesman often invoked the proverb to underscore the significance of integrity in leadership and personal conduct.

In the context of Tswana naming traditions, Kgosi Sealetsa explained that names often carried aspirational or descriptive meanings, reflecting the parents’ hopes for their child.

For Sir Ketumile, who was born to a cattle-herding family, his name likely represented his mother, Ms Gabaipone Masire’s aspirations for him to achieve prominence or honour. 

His life journey, transitioning from a herd boy to Botswana’s second president and respected statesman, truly embodied the essence of the name, achieving fame and a respected reputation through leadership and integrity, thus serving as a beacon for his fellow tribes people in Ga-Ngwaketse.

Moreover, Kgosi Sealetsa noted that Masire’s middle name, Quett, although its meaning remains officially unexplored, symbolically represented his role as someone who would speak polished queen’s language and reason with the white supremacy in protection of his nation. 

This was evident as Masire worked alongside a team that contributed significantly to Botswana’s liberation, ultimately leading to the country’s independence from British colonial rule in 1966.

Remarkably, Kgosi Sealetsa recalled Masire’s intellectual capacity, which became evident during his early academic pursuits when he completed a three-year course in just 12 months. 

“He had an impeccable thirst for education, which earned him a seat within the African Advisory Council (AAC) during the early days when Africa was pursuing its liberation,” he said. 

During this time, chiefs from across Botswana were tasked with nominating individuals to accompany them to the AAC, where Kgosi Bathoen Seepapitso Gaseitsiwe, known as Bathoen II, recognised Masire’s capabilities and tagged him along.

Sir Ketumile Masire integrated into the Advisory Council, making significant contributions that earned him recognition among its members, which included chiefs, colonial leaders, and scholars. 

Most importantly, Kgosi Sealetsa highlighted that it was during this period that Sir Ketumile Masire and Seretse Khama formed a close association and friendship.

Through this bond, the duo established the Bechuanaland Democratic Party, which faced opposition who dubbed it “Domkrag,” suggesting it was a party without integrity. 

Kgosi Sealetsa affirmed that as the party’s Secretary General, Sir Ketumile Masire excelled in advocating for its principles, raising its profile, and attracting members. He worked tirelessly to redefine the connotation of “Domkrag,” illustrating it as a valuable tool—much like a car jack—that contrasts the term “useless.”

Later, when the party assumed governmental roles, Sir Ketumile Masire became vice president and Minister of Finance and Development at a time when Botswana faced significant economic challenges. 

Through hard work and dedication, he played a crucial role in guiding the country towards attaining middle-income status. 

Kgosi Sealetsa emphasised that while serving as Minister of Finance and Development, Masire initiated the National Development Plan (NDP1), envisioning radical transformations for Botswana.

He also spearheaded Vision 2016, which aimed for Batswana to take ownership of their development, enjoy democratic benefits, and embrace Ipelegeng, a fundamental pillar of the nation’s founding principles.

According to Kgosi Sealetsa, the modern-day Botswana that advocates for mindset change and digital transformation owes its roots to the formative years influenced by Sir Ketumile Masire.

He compared Masire’s commitment to righteousness with the Biblical figure Joseph, whose “good name” before God and others was synonymous with wisdom and authority. 

Kgosi Sealetsa expressed gratitude to the second president for his legacy of instituting democratic governance in Botswana, ensuring that every citizen benefits from the rich resources endowed upon the nation by the Almighty.  BOPA