My requiem for Armstrong Dikgafela
Correspondent | Friday June 27, 2014 16:41
Born in Kanye and raised in the mining town of Jwaneng where he got his basic education before he ventured further to UB. You could tell that this young man had a unique spark and was filled with a spirit that matched no other. This came to light when he choose to serve in societies like Botswana Red Cross, choosing not be a bystander and thus displaying his remarkable and humble nature.
As a passionate and well rounded athlete, he played among softball giants in teams such as Scramblers, Gatalamotho, UB Giants and many more. He represented his country at the swimming championships in South Africa, France, Italy and Turkey to name just a few. Not only did he participate in sport he showed tremendous leadership qualities during his time as the Minister of Sport in the University of Botswana Student Representative/Leadership Council. With all this, he still managed to engage the youth of all walks of life in sporting activities and thanks to his free spirited, fun-loving nature, young people had no trouble connecting with him. At the time of his untimely death, he dedicated time to being a life-guard at the University of Botswana, protecting lives of young and learning swimmers.
His charm and ability to build bridges brought masses together and saw him soaring on the political front. He was at one point the Chairperson of GS 26, the Botswana Democratic Party the UB Branch, Chairperson of BDP Village Ward and National Political Officer of the Botswana Democratic Party Youth Wing and ultimately it’s Chairperson. He became Council Candidate in Gaborone Central - Village Ward in 2008 By-elections. He was candidate for the same in the 2009 election and was part of my team. He decamped with us to found the BMD in 2010 and became the interim leader of the youth before he went back to the BDP a year and a half later. Anyone who worked with him can tell about his humor; about that special element that kept him young at heart, about this fun loving man who still maintained that amazing level of grit; about a young man who made all the frenetic schedules more than worthwhile.
Yes! He was a gentleman-one with a big heart, a generous spirit and surely a rare gem in society. One who never took a break from the spotlight of political battles and took in political punches as if he was receiving savored allies.
My young friend Armstrong Dikgafela, to some of us he is gone too soon but to the Lord it was seen that his intended purpose was played out.
Like the Baobab tree, he housed many, his charm like a strong bark bridged over differences, of course, maybe that was the reason he was UNITED. His heart, like the baobab’s swollen trunk, overflowed with love truly sent from above.
Yes, he is gone but he will never be forgotten!
May his precious soul rest in peace
Gomolemo Motswaledi