Motswaledi deserves national honour

Mmegi Editor | Wednesday August 6, 2014 16:31

His death, which is still the subject of investigations, has needless to say, created much fodder for the media – both conventional and social. Perhaps it is the flurry of reports, insinuations and all the talk about what really might have killed him, if not the car accident, that has diverted our focus from what we should all be doing – honouring the memory of this son of the soil.

While the focus is on the ‘killers’, all is forgotten on the real issue - honouring Gomolemo Motswaledi. It should not matter what political party or social club you identify with.  Motswaledi was not an ordinary man. He was someone who touched this nation in more ways than one.

While today we mostly remember him for his political stand, the man had other credits to his name. At a young age, he founded Botswana’s premier choral outfit, KTM, named after his ‘homeboy’ and noted musician and politician Kgalemang Tumediso Motsete, the composer of the national anthem. At the time he founded the choir in 1993 Motswaledi was only 23. Now that’s a feat for any young man.

It was as such not a mistake when the nation bestowed upon him the Presidential Honour of meritorious service for his huge contribution to nation building. Today KTM boasts an ensemble comprising some of Botswana’s best voices –some 70 odd young men and women.

The choir has for many years been grooming ground for many music stars, among them Nnunu, Lizibo, and Nono.

As a politician Motswaledi touched many lives also, first in the BDP where he led the youth league and lately in the BMD and UDC. Like it or not, Motswaledi was a national leader. His contribution to the development of this nation should never be relegated to some bunk in the history of this nation. 

Motswaledi’s death has not only left his family devastated. The whole nation is in a paralysis of sorts.  For in him, many, of all social standing, have found in him a national leader. That is why this nation must honour him.

Such honour would have been expected as having our flags flying at half-mast, or the nation observing a moment of silence. That has not happened. And we are told - and are appalled that the government will not so much as acknowledge this great son of the soil by allowing something as simple as a live broadcast of his funeral.  Ao! bagaetsho!

                                                                  Today’s thought

“You were not an ordinary man but you lived an ordinary and simple life. You had a big heart, a heart that could accommodate all of us, including your nemesis or adversaries,”

 

                                                                 –Uyapo Ndadi.