Francistown Celebrates own Stars

Chakalisa Dube | Monday October 3, 2016 17:21

In addition, organisations that helped build Francistown in the last 50-years received awards as well.

The Friday awards were part of the city’s BOT50 (marking Botswana’s 50-years of Independence) commemorations. A combined figure of close to 100 people and businesses lined up for the awards.

Matante, who is also the founding president of the Botswana People’s Party (BPP) and first leader of opposition in parliament, became Francistown MP when Botswana gained Independence in 1966.

The late Matante is considered among the best opposition politicians in the country’s history.

He is also credited with turning the BPP into one of the country’s feared political bodies. In fact since his death, the BPP has been a shadow of itself. Matante was a great promoter of economic, social and political justice.

Former District Commissioner (DC) and current city mayor, Sylvia Muzila was also among prominent figures to be recognised on the day.

Muzila is widely recognised for shaping Francistown’s social values during her long tenure as the city’s DC.

Former mayors; Motlatsi Molapisi, Iqbal Ibrahim, the late James Ntuane and the late deputy mayor, Rebecca Nshakashogwe were among award recipients.

One of the first commercial enterprises in the city, Haskins and Sons was also recognised at the event.

Haskins owns various hardware shops in Francistown and other parts of the country. Founded by James Haskins, Haskins and Sons has been operating in Francistown for over 118 years.

Cash Bazaar Holdings, which has various business entities such as CB Stores and Furmart under its stable, received the honour of helping sustain the economy of Francistown over the last 50 years as well.

Entrepreneurs, Eustin Mbakile, Samuel Mpuchane and Abel Khupe and his wife were among close to 100 figures honoured.

Medical doctor and popular philanthropist, Dr Vera Sayana also received a token of appreciation for helping build the city’s health sector. Sayana is one of the first medical doctors to set up private clinics in the city.Still in the health sector, Dr Mompati Kgosidialwa Mompati and his wife Dorcas, who are among the first people to set up a fully-fledged private hospital in the city, saw their efforts gaining recognition on Friday.

British Philanthropist Ronald Fish, who recently returned to his homeland, was also honoured at the event together with his wife Moira.

Fish has been an ardent advocate for the deaf while under the Botswana Society for the Deaf (BSD). He was the first BSD chairperson in 1988.

Before he returned to his homeland after 40-years in Botswana, he was serving as an ordinary member for BSD. Legendary Schools such as Nyangabwe Primary, Our Lady-Of-The-Desert, Mater Spei College, Mophato and John Mackenzie were also among entities honoured for their contribution to the development of Francistown over the last five decades.

Retired Judges, Mphaphi Phumaphi and John Mosojane together with their spouses, Joy and Margaret respectively, also received a token of appreciation. Retired primary schoolteacher and author Beauty Magula was honoured for helping the city to excel academically.

Football clubs, TAFIC and TAFA also earned the honour of helping taking sports in the city to greater heights.