Fare thee well Sekgoma
Kagiso Sekokonyane | Monday July 24, 2023 06:00
Sekgoma was the second born in a family of five. Other siblings were Leapetswe, Semane (who was married into the Molotlegi family in Phokeng, SA), Modiri and Mphoeng. They were born of the late Tshekedi Khama and Ella Khama.
Multitudes of people braved the chilly Saturday morning breeze to bid farewell to Sekgoma who passed away last week. However, as the sun rose over the hill that stands tall over the Khama homestead, the coldness melted and the weather became friendly.
Although all his other siblings were buried in Serowe, Gaborone and Phokeng, Sekgoma chose that his remains be interred in Pilikwe alongside his son, Kebuileng. Sekgoma had been a prominent feature in Pilikwe as he would spend time there and attended various activities in the village. He was the custodian of Pilikwe bogosi.
Sekgoma’s funeral brought the Gamma-Ngwato royalty to the sleepy village of Pilikwe. One speaker after the other poured praises on the man who was described as a unifying factor in the troubled Gamma-Ngwato royalty.
Meanwhile, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Kgotla Autlwetse was among the mourners alongside magosi from across the country and outside. The Bafokeng royals were represented by their leader, Leruo Molotlegi.
Speakers, particularly from the royal house bemoaned trouble that is currently engulfing the royal house.
Mokhutshwane Sekgoma, Sediegeng Kgamane and Gasebalwe Seretse, spoke strongly about political alignment that is the cause of trouble in the Gamma-Ngwato chieftainship. They pleaded that the royal house be given space to deal with their bogosi as they know the right thing to ‘correct’ their bogosi.
To this end, they looked up to Sekgoma to intervene and help in the resolution of the Gamma-Ngwato bogosi crises as a unifying figure. Mokhutshwane said Sekgoma believed in bogosi and that there is proper succession in bogosi.
Other speakers included Christopher Masunga, a representative of the Customary Court of Appeal in Francistown where Sekgoma once worked. Masunga indicated that although he was younger than Sekgoma, he (Sekgoma) gave him so much respect. He said Sekgoma was an avid reader who would research before he could deliver judgements.
Nobantu Kalake, who worked with Sekgoma when he was an Ambassador in Sweden in 1998 also covering Russia, said he was respectful to all to a point where even some members of staff from other countries who worked for the Embassy had so much respect for Batswana. She said Sekgoma treated all employees equally regardless of their age.
His friends, Joel Pelotona and Gordon Opelokgale reminisced about the good old times they had with Sekgoma. They indicated that whenever they were together, there was never a dull moment.
Ewetse Khama spoke highly of his father, indicating that he was patient and loved his family, children, grandchildren and all the people as he had a good giving heart.
According to his funeral programme,Sekgoma is survived by three of his various spouses and his children, Ewetse, Oratile and Thuto. He leaves behind seven grandchildren; Motheo, Lothsa, Langa, Ayise, Boikanyo, Baanthata and Unathi.