Drama at UB memorial

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Thursday August 7, 2014 13:19

 

The protests were against Botswana Democratic Party’s (BDP) representative Gaotlhaetse Matlhabaphiri taking the podium to give condolences message.

 Things took a dramatic turn after the master of ceremonies invited other political parties - BDP and Botswana Congress Party -  to speak on Motswaledi’s life.

As Matlhabaphiri took the stage, the youth who were sitting in the stands forced their way into the stadium shouting, “Bring back our Sir G” prompting the party elders off their seats to calm them down.

The crowd booed the BDP members as they were coming inside the stadium but they welcomed the two former Botswana presidents Sir Keitumile Masire and Festus Mogae.

However, the youth demanded assurance that both BDP and BCP representatives would notbe allowed to speak.

Motswaledi’s friend and UDC policy director Ndaba Gaolathe pleaded with the angry members to remember that Motswaledi was a man of peace.

“I urge you comrades to be calm. Remember Motswaledi’s ideals and that he loved even those that hated him. Let us not forget that victory is certain.

Our leader believed in peace, so let us do the right thing to honour him,” Gaolathe appealed to the youth. 

The disruption took less than ten minutes barring the other parties from giving their messages of condolences.

Motswaledi’s uncle Modise Motswaledi said it was very painful for them to learn the death of their son through social media, but  expressed appreciation that it was because their son was a political leader who loved people.

He said Motswaledi has been a well mannered child who never took alcohol or tasted it.

“What I can testify today is that he loved his party and, and loved music so much. Even during the time that we felt that he should not fight with his former party (BDP), he told us that he fights for what he believes is the truth,” the uncle said.

He added that the family has accepted their son’s death and requested the general public to be calm.

Meanwhile, the BMD Chairman Nehemiah Modubule stressed that they will not give up in establishing the cause of the accident that claimed Motswaledi’s life.

“We are not suggesting that our leader was killed but we are suspicious about his death. Our private experts are on the ground and they will give us full report.

We believe that the blood of Motswaledi was not split for nothing. I want to assure people that we will go strong despite what we are going through,” Modubule said.

He said Motswaledi died a few months after their UDC president talked about a hit list.