Tribute to Elvidge Mhlauli
Correspondent | Friday May 8, 2020 15:16
On August 31, 1974 he entered into holy matrimony with Kebatshabe Gloria Mhlauli (nee Modisa) and were blessed with three children.
Mhlauli did his primary education at Francistown African School (now Nyangabgwe Primary School) and Tamocha Memorial School respectively.
He went on to pursue his secondary schooling at Moeng College. He trained as a secondary school teacher at the then Francistown Teachers’ Training College in Francistown.
He went for further studies at Moray House School of Education and Sport at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. He pursued a number of short courses in various international institutions, amongst them being; Manchester University, England and Utah State University, USA. He also attended conferences and workshops in Management and Training at various institutions around the world.
His professional career started in education as a secondary school teacher at Seepapitso and Madiba Secondary Schools respectively. Later on, he was promoted to the position of deputy headmaster and ultimately headmaster. Mhlauli later joined the civil service starting with his first position as Assistant Director of Personnel at the Ministry of State President, Gaborone.
He rose through the ranks within the civil service to hold positions such as; the Deputy Director, Personnel; Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour & Home Affairs; Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Labour & Home Affairs and retired as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Lands & Housing. Mhlauli was an astute farmer who enjoyed spending time at his farms. He was also deeply passionate about his philanthropic work and contributed immensely to charities and community work.
Some of his community work included being a patron of Xhosa Primary School and sponsoring primary and secondary schools within the Mahalapye region for prize-giving ceremonies.
Mhlauli believed in empowerment, hence he would stop at nothing to assist anyone in need including his relatives. He was a father to all, in the family and amongst his relatives.
As a young man, Mhlauli was an avid footballer and played for Queens Park Rangers in Mahalapye. He served Queens Park Rangers in various roles as; vice president, president and eventually as team caretaker. He was also a member of the executive committee of the Botswana Football Association and also served as its vice president at some point. He was a staunch member of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa in Mahalapye (Botswana Central Circuit).
Elvidge Gaedupe Makhunga Mhlauli is survived by his wife, three children, a son and daughter in-law, six grandchildren, three sisters, one brother and nieces, nephews and beloved family and was revered by all for his warmth and kindness.
He will be sorely missed!
Lala Ngo Xholo Hlubi –lelihle- laka -Mpafana
Ezelani Ne Dothodzho Hlubi
Rest in Eternal Peace Hlubi
Robala Ka Kagiso Hlubi