09 Jul 2026

First Lady Kaone Boko has, in a compassionate gesture aimed at healing decade-old wounds, unveiled the newly refurbished Dutlwe monument, transforming it into a permanent memorial and road safety hub for the nine Matsha College learners who tragically died in a 2015 open-truck accident.

On Friday, November 13, 2015, the learners were being transported to their homes in the Letlhakeng region when the fatal crash occurred.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony on July 9, Ms Boko explained that the upgrade was designed to honour the victims and bring solace to their families, noting that the gesture was intended to provide closure and comfort rather than reopening healed wounds.

The First Lady emphasised that the newly designated hub must also serve as a reminder for all motorists and pedestrians to prioritise road safety to prevent future tragedies. Furthermore, she stated that the memorial should be a challenge to government to improve road conditions and infrastructure across the country.

Addressing the nation, she noted that combating road accidents required concerted efforts from everyone, hence called on Batswana to rekindle their inherent spirit of compassion.

The initiative falls under her broader National Healing, Remembrance and Closure programme, which aimed to support families grieving from tragic accidents while actively promoting road safety awareness.

Representing the Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education, Ms Kankane Sephiri lauded the First Lady for championing the remembrance programme.

Ms Sephiri described the refurbishment as a historic event, noting that the initiative aimed to pay tribute to the affected families rather than renew their grief.

She also noted that losing learners at such a tender age, before they could realise their dreams, was a profound tragedy.

She admitted that prior to the renovations, the dilapidated condition of the monument brought misery to the community, but the new upgrades had restored dignity and comfort to the site.

Again, she said that was not the only tragedy associated with Matsha College, explaining that prior to the road crash, the school had also lost nine learners who died after consuming ethanol.

The leadership also turned out in large numbers to support the initiative. Member of Parliament for Takatokwane Constituency and Minister of Sport and Arts, Mr Jacob Kelebeng, commended the First Lady’s gesture, noting that the restored monument would bring lasting comfort to the community.

Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, Dr Oupa Tsheko also praised the First Lady for her dedication to honouring the victims.

Dr Tsheko highlighted that the entire refurbishment project was made possible through private donations to ensure that it was completed successfully without drawing from the government purse. ENDS