Mokalake bids ministry farewell
Patricia Edwin | Wednesday September 17, 2014 13:16
Mokalake bid farewell at the Ministry of Lands and Housing (MLH) Forum taking place in Francistown this week, which consisted of ministry officials and staffers from across the country.
Mokalake’s days in the ministry ended after he lost in his party’s primary elections, making him ineligible for a Cabinet position. He can, however, still bounce back into both Parliament and Cabinet should President Ian Khama appoint him as a Specially Elected MP. Officiating at the event, Mokalake paid tribute to his staff, reserving special thanks for his permanent secretary, Thato Raphaka.
“I wish to extend my humble gratitude to my right hand man, my PS who has been a part of my trusted team of executives and invaluable advisors, not forgetting my endeared staff,” he said.
He said that he enjoyed the respect he had been given while working at the ministry’s helm for the last three years. “I must say that I am going away happy with the love that you gave me. I am leaving an enriched person as you have taught me a lot.
“I have enjoyed the atmosphere you created for me to fit in,” he said. Mokalake described himself as a rolling stone “moving from ministry to ministry”, adding that he had quickly come to realise that being a minister required one to learn fast.
Mokalake was Assistant Minister at Trade and Industry, Assistant Minister at Education and Skills Development and also Local Government Assistant Minister. “Your commitment and dedication leaves no question in my mind as to the invaluable support you will continue to show my successor,” he added.
For his part, Raphaka said it was painful to part ways with a leader who “possesses the ability to see things with his mind’s eye often long before others”.
“My minister would constantly search for additional information that might yield an insight to help solve a problem or create a breakthrough,” he said. “Though we may not be with the minister at the next leadership forum, he will remain a part of us.
“We wish you well in your future endeavours to drive the nation’s vision. I have no doubt that wherever you will be, you will always be remembered as part of us.”