Nganunu negotiated first diamond deal with De Beers- Mpuchane

Monkagedi Gaothobogwe | Monday August 11, 2014 10:56

 

Sam Mpuchane, who also happened to be Nganunu’s deputy during the historic period that ushered in new developments for Botswana, says Nganunu’s negotiation skills were impressive.

He recalls that during that period, when Nganunu was the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Water Affairs, he would brainstorm with his team even beyond the office environment.

Nganunu was laid to rest at Phomolong in Phakalane on Saturday as one of the greatest sons of Botswana and Mpuchane recalled the early days of working for the government with the legend when life was hard for every Motswana.

During that time, Mpuchane told hundreds of mourners who came to pay their last respects to Nganunu at his posh location in Phakalane, Nganunu and Mpuchane once rode on a bicycle to the airport to receive the woman who would later become Marianne Nganunu.

Mpuchane also recalled to the mourners that though he is regarded as a genius in his area of law today, Nganunu’s academic dreams nearly aborted when he was fired from St. Joseph’s College when he was doing Form III, following the riots of 1961.

Nganunu actually spent two years at home, missing the O-level examinations also known as the Form Five exams. It was not until the return from a two-year sabbatical by the St Joseph’s Colleges’ school head that Nganunu was recalled back to school.

Mpuchane says the headmaster knew all about the academic brilliance of the youngster everyone used to call Nganunu The Great, and was disappointed that he was among the expelled group of rioters.

When he returned, Nganunu lived up to his reputation of greatness, as, according to Mpuchane he completed the two years of missed work in just one year and passed with flying colours.

Kgalalelo Monthe, a reputed lawyer said he worked for Nganunu’s law firm in the mid 80’s and learnt a lot   from him, especially corporate law.

He remembered him also for his love of bakkies. According to him Nganunu would never buy a brand new car.

Monthe also says although Nganunu excelled as the chief justice, he enjoyed his deliberations as a judge.

Monthe feels Nganunu was a talented writer and that his written judgements were novelistic and a delight to read.