Mma Tshelang gets hero's send-off
Innocent Selatlhwa | Tuesday June 13, 2023 06:00
The ceremony was held in Moshupa on Saturday, with various dignitaries, including former president Festus Mogae, veterans in the political arena, Cabinet members, parliamentarians, members of civil society, and South African Member of Parliament Supra Mahumapelo among others attending.
Mma Tshelang was the wife of former legislator, Sethomo Masisi and mother to former Francistown West legislator, Tshelang Masisi.
Although little was documented about her before the funeral, it became clear that Mma Tshelang had touched many lives positively, contributing to the successes of her three accomplished politician family members.
Speakers at the event praised her role in building her husband and sons into political leaders and her contributions as a dressmaker, teacher, and civil society member. In the Moshupa area, Mma Tshelang was a devoted member and chairperson of the BDP women’s wing for 15 years, dressing up party members for free. She was born on 12 May 1928 in Ganyesa, Cape Province, South Africa, and spent most of her life in Botswana, where she began her schooling. Although she never finished her nursing training, Mma Tshelang dedicated herself to the community, teaching at a local primary school, serving as the national treasurer of the Young Women Christian Association (YWCA), and forming a Red Cross Club for Moshupa.
Mma Tshelang and her husband had eight children, and she is survived by six of them – three men and three women. President Mokgweetsi Masisi, who was very close to his mother, was one of Mma Tshelang's pallbearers that carried her out of her home for the last time.
Mma Tshelang’s funeral was a testament to the impact she had on the lives of those around her. Her devoted service to her community and beyond, along with her contributions as a dressmaker and politician, will be remembered for years to come. The outpouring of love and support from those who attended her funeral was a fitting tribute to a life well-lived.