Fare thee well 'Rraagwe Malaakatse'
Sharon Mathala | Friday April 14, 2023 12:37
Motshidisi became a household name across the country when he joined Radio Botswana 1 (RB1) as a broadcaster in the late 1970s. His unique approach to broadcasting and creativity catapulted his stardom earning him prime spots on national radio.
The 74-year-old Motshidisi was the lead anchor of the radio programmes ‘O sethakga jang rakoto le a kgwetlha, Tatediso ya Dikgang and reporting on Parliament news but perhaps it was his brainchild programme ‘Mo Kitchining' which really cemented Motshidisi’s stardom. President Mokgweetsi Masisi also shared a message of condolence with the family during the funeral on Wednesday. “Even though Mma Motshidisi and the family have suffered an irreparable loss, we pray that you will take solace from the fact that the affection you shared with your husband and father radiated across the length and breadth of Botswana.
On behalf of my family, the government of Botswana and people of Botswana, allow me therefore, to convey my deepest condolences with the unquestionable belief that God’s faithfulness will see you through this darkest hour,” reads the message from President Masisi. Speaking to Mmegi, one of his colleagues and fellow radio veteran Justice Gaolekwe described Motshidisi as a gentleman whose work ethic was admirable. “He was a gentleman and he was one of the best broadcasters the country has ever seen. He was a lovable gentleman and knew his way around the radio. I knew him from match reporting but outside work he was a very quiet person.
But behind the microphone he was the most interesting person. He knew what his audience wanted and needed,” Gaolekwe said. Speaking on the fallen star’s track record during their radio days, he added: “He was a very observant person. He knew the kind of lives Batswana lived and he always took them on board. I was shocked about his death and immediately my mind went through the memory lane. When he started his programme, ‘Mo Kitchining,’ we (colleagues) all wondered what he was on about but the programme became big because he made it appealing and very interesting.” For her part, Kesego Okie also remembers the man behind the microphone. “I started working with him in 1997 during my National Service when I served as a radio presenter for primary school educational programmes.
Later on when I got employed permanently as a broadcast journalist, he continued to coach me and my other colleagues.” According to Okie, at the time Radio Botswana recording equipment was analogue but Motshidisi made life easier. “He taught many of us to use it and its uniquely different editing systems. He was a great leader who was patient with all, especially us, the youth (of that time). He would guide us on the right (appropriate) kind of music to play on radio, to ensure that we play only what was palatable.
He always wore a big bright smile; was extremely kind and respectful to all, young and old. Of course he was incredibly talented, and infact, him alongside Moreri Gabakgore and Banyana Segwe, inspired my career in radio with their eloquent news reading skills especially in the Queen’s Language.” Another colleague Goitseone Moatlhodi also described Motshidisi as a hard worker. “He loved radio and he was very innovative. He was always punctual and imparted that on us who were lucky enough to work closely with him. "Mo Kitchining" show, which aired every Tuesday, was his brain child. He had a keen interest on different types of food Batswana ate.” Moatlhodi remembers that Motshidisi never prepared for a show. “He always emphasised that radio is very personal and spontaneous but he was always spot on.
On a personal level, malome (Motshidisi) was a darling to all. Very patient, always available when needed. Personally, he was my cheerleader as he would call me after I was given my own show. He would call me and shower me with compliments. "Ke yone radio eo stogolo!" he would say (loosely translated, now that is what we call radio my child),” she added. Motshidisi was laid to rest on Wednesday as multitudes of well wishers and family members attended the burial.