Tributes pour in for late BCP councilor
Chakalisa Dube | Wednesday October 26, 2016 17:20
Politicians from across the political spectrum have described Phitshane as a wonderful politician.
He was a councillor for Botsalano ward between 2009 and 2014. The BCP Francistown region leader Lazarus Tlou yesterday said the death of Phitshane late last week is a huge loss to the party. “From the 1990s, Phitshane was a very popular figure in all political activities. He conducted rallies across Francistown using his Mazda 1400 van,”said Tlou.
He was initially a Botswana National Front (BNF) activist but left the party in 1999 to join the BCP.
“The BCP (in Francistown) is what it is today because of individuals like Phitshane. He was a very hardworking person and a great mentor to young politicians. I am one of the people who have benefited a lot from the guidance of the late councillor,” added Tlou, the former Itekeng ward councillor.
Tlou also said Phitshane did not come into politics to gain wealth like other politicians.
“He lost several council elections until he won in 2009. His desire to continue trying despite losing clearly shows that he was determined to serve people. If he was after material gain he could not have persistently contested,” said Tlou yesterday.
Central ward councillor, Ephraim Maiketso who worked with Phithsane during his days as a councillor, said he will remember the latter for his humility and wise counsel at the chambers.
“He is someone who was against destructive criticism at the council chambers. He always acted as a peacemaker between warring councillors,” Maiketso said. “During his (Phitshane) time as a councillor, the chambers had many councillors who were militant and always attacking each other, which is why having a character like him (Phitshane) was vital,” said Maiketso, adding that Phitshane always wanted to see councillors from all political parties working together for the growth of the city.
Maiketso added that Phitshane will also be remembered for his relentless community service in Francistown.
“His community service dates back from as early as the 1980s when he was one of the senior officials of TAFA football club,” said Maiketso, formerly Botswana Football Association official in the north.
Former Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) councillor Raoboy Mpuang said, “Phitshane knew a lot of history about the city. Whenever we needed vital information we consulted him. Even those outside the council structures consulted him. Losing someone like him is devastating. He was a true civic leader”.
Mpuang worked with Phitshane at the council chambers between 2009 and 2014. Phitshane was also s member of the council’s audit committee.
Phitshane’s son Ontlametse confirmed his father’s death but would not go into details. The FCC will hold a memorial service in honour of Phitshane tomorrow..