Unionist, Politician, Sportsman Laid To Rest

Lebogang Baingapi | Monday December 12, 2016 16:22

 

Ramogobya was the public relations officer for both Botswana Netball Association (BONA) and Jwaneng Galaxy FC.

Ramogobya was also a staunch member of the Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) of the Umbrella for Democratic change (UDC). He attracted masses and prominent figures amongst them, BNF president Duma Boko, BMD president Ndaba Gaolatlhe, South East Council chairman Phenyo Segokgo, MPs Wynter Mmolotsi, Shawn Ntlhaile and Mephato Reatile.

Speaker after speaker described him as a brave man who assumed leadership roles in all circles of life. He served as a member of Botswana Mine Workers Union (BMWU) for 13 years and rose through the ranks to become Jwaneng branch secretary until his death.

The 38-year-old was also BONA PRO where the president Tebogo Lebotse-Sebego described him as a game changer and a bold leader who was not afraid to turn around tables for the sake of the game of netball.

She said Ramogobya sourced a P1.2 million sponsorship from De Beers Group of Companies, which will leave a lasting legacy in the hearts of netballers. He became a member of UB Crystals netball team at the age of 17 where he ultimately served as an assistant coach.

Still in sports, he played a pivotal role in merging Jwaneng football teams into one to form Jwaneng Galaxy football club in 2014. He sourced sponsorship for the team from the mine and other companies. He was hailed as a legend in the making, who did everything with passion.

The late Ramogobya was also a hard worker in opposition politics. He founded BMD in Ngwaketse West Branch in 2010, was elected as a regional secretary for Southern region and was a member of the executive committee of BMD.

“Ramogobya was an optimistic person who believed that anything was possible only if you add passion and energy into it. He sat down with the mine management during heated debates to advocate for the welfare of the workers and all were not in vain. He was very influential,’’ BMWU President Jack Tlhagale said.

Ramogobya died last week in South Africa after a short illness where he went to pursue his studies. He was employed by Jwaneng Mine from 2003 as a workshop clerk and rose through the ranks to become airfield supervisor, the post he held until his death. He is survived by his parents, four sisters, and a son.