Makgekgenene to get presidential honour

ISAIAH MOREWAGAE
Staff Writer | Tuesday September 23, 2008 00:00

The former Cabinet Minister and former Member of Parliament (MP) for Tonota will be awarded the order in appreciation of his efficient and devoted services to the nation.

President Ian Khama will on September 25 honour five prominent persons, among them, the late Makgekgenene. Makgekgenene who joined the ruling Botswana Democratic Party in 1962.

On March 1, 1965 he beat two other competitors, Lucas Senthufhe of the Botswana People's Party and Mogolodi Nwako of the Bechuanaland Independence Party (BIP) to become the first elected MP for Tonota.

He held on to the parliamentary seat until 1999 when Pono Moatlhodi defeated him. Makgekgenene served in different portfolios under the three former presidents, Sir Seretse Khama, Sir Ketumile Masire and Festus Mogae.

Another recipient of the honour is the current Minister of Local Governments, Dr Margaret Nasha.

Nasha was once Minister of Local Government, Lands and Housing. She served in the civil service for a long time, ultimately serving as Director of Information and Broadcasting.

Another recipient of the honour is Eric Mothibi Molale, the Permanent Secretary (PS) in the Office of the President as well as Secretary to the Cabinet and Head of Public Service. He was formerly Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government.

Under the category of Presidential Order of Meritorious Service, the Botswana National Front member, Klaas Kebotse Motshidisi will be among the recipients. Motshidisi stood for the council seat in Lotsane ward, Palapye constituency, but lost to Botsalo Ngunge, of the ruling Botswana Democratic Party in 2004.

Others are Ishmael Takaedza Nshakazhokwe, Dr Bal Chand Sharma, Eileen Siboniso Ndlovu, Elias Moyo Dewah and Lucas Ramokhua.

The award recognises 'any person for actions or services benefiting Botswana or any community organisation therein in any particular field or sphere and any acts of courage or devotion to duty'.

The Presidential Certificate of Honour, which is awarded for long and faithful service to the nation, will be awarded to the former Boteti Member of Parliament, Gabofele Masusu.

The category will go to about 15 individuals, among them, Stephen Sorinyane and Negroes Kgosietsile.