Kokorwe to be buried Wednesday
Staff Writer | Monday March 16, 2026 16:54
Kokorwe passed away last week in Gaborone at the age of 78 after a brief hospital stay. Family members said burial arrangements have been finalised, with relatives, friends, and political leaders expected to gather in Phomolong to pay their final respects.
Her passing has drawn tributes from across the political spectrum, with many remembering her long career in public service and her role as one of the country’s most prominent women in politics.
Kokorwe served as Speaker of the National Assembly from 2014 to 2019, becoming one of the few women to hold the position in Botswana’s history.
Before becoming Speaker, Kokorwe had already built an extensive career in both the civil service and politics. She entered Parliament in 1994 after winning the Thamaga Constituency under the ticket of the Botswana Democratic Party.
During her political career, she held several senior positions in government. She served as Assistant Minister of Local Government between 1999 and 2004 before later being elected Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, becoming the first woman to hold that position.
In 2008, she was appointed Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture in the cabinet of former president Ian Khama, a role she served in until the 2009 general election.
Following her time in Cabinet, Kokorwe was appointed Botswana’s ambassador to Zimbabwe in 2009, representing the country in Harare for several years before returning to active politics in 2014 when she was elected Speaker of the National Assembly.
Throughout her career, Kokorwe was widely regarded as a strong advocate for women in leadership and governance. Her rise from the public service to one of the highest offices in Parliament was often cited as an example of women’s growing participation in Botswana’s political space.
Colleagues and political observers have described her as a firm but approachable leader who played a key role in presiding over parliamentary debates during her tenure as Speaker.
Details of memorial services and other funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family ahead of Wednesday’s burial at Phomolong.