19 Mar 2026

The proverb, Mmangwana o tshwara thipa ka fa bogaleng, loosely translated to mean, a mother will do anything to protect her children, suits the character of former speaker of the National Assembly, Gladys Kokorwe.

It was she, whom the current Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse, said warmly welcomed him to the House in 2014.

Her considerate nature, together with other women politicians in Ms Botlogile Tshireletso and Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi, became his guide in parliamentary proceedings.

In her role as speaker, Mr Keorapetse remembers that she was fair and neutral.

Kokorwe carried herself with honour and respect and loved her job, Mr Keorapetse said on Tuesday during a memorial service held at Tapologo Farm, Ramaphatle, in her honour. 

Him being of the opposition party and Kokorwe of the ruling party never stood in the way of their cordial working relations even when he challenged policies of the government of the day.

This is what makes politics in Botswana beautiful, because you can belong to the opposition party and still be friends with those in the ruling party. It ought to be celebrated as the same cannot be said about politics in other nations, said the Speaker.

He was quick to say that Kokorwe was a great lesson to young women, that it was possible to rise through the ranks of leadership and become who they wanted to be.

Kokorwe rose from being a typist to being a Member of Parliament, minister, ambassador and Speaker of the National Assembly, making her a force to be reckoned with.

Mr Keorapetse thanked the family for lending Kokorwe to serve the nation with all her heart and the changes she brought to the communities she served.

Lions International District chairperson, Dr Thanuja Panicker, said Kokorwe was defined by selfless service, kindness and dedication to help others.

She was a lady of substance, dignity and humility, yet with the strength of an empowering leadership, he said.

Dr Panicker said she joined Lions Club August 2015 and understood the spirit of lionism.

Her sibling, Ms Tshegofatso Mapqazana, said her sister loved with all of her heart and made sure they were taken care of.

She said Kokorwe was a unifier who desired a well-knit family that loved one another, adding that they would continue her legacy of love and care. Kokorwe died March 11 and was laid to rest on March 18. ENDS