Retired PS, Kgosi Masogo Buried
Koketso Kgoboge | Monday July 9, 2018 14:13
Masogo passed away last Friday at Bokamoso Private Hospital in Gaborone. Masogo’s funeral service was held at his home in Boikago Ward and he was buried at Mmaphula cemetery. Family and friends, Cabinet ministers, former colleagues, colleagues and members of the community attended Masogo’s funeral.
The minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Pelenomi Venson-Moitoi and Member of Parliament for Palapye Moiseraela Goya were amongst the speakers.
All the speakers that took turns to honour Masogo, described him as a visionary educationist and a legend who fulfilled his calling on earth.
Goya said even though Palapye may have lost a visionary leader with vast experience, tears should not be shed for Masogo’s passing, instead, it is worthy of a celebration that he finds time to rest after he diligently served the nation.
“This is a man who has sown an education seed, nurtured it, and watched it bear the fruits,” Goya said. “It was during the very difficult times when he was the permanent secretary of education and he weathered the poor literacy storms and emerged with plans of developing the education sector that today has changed the fortunes of our country and we are proud of that. His legacy will live forever.”
Venson-Moitoi said they had higher hopes of transformation in the tribal authority with the knowledge and input of Masogo. She said when people of such calibres as Masogo arrive in the tribal administration, she saw it as a rebirth of Bogosi. “I knew that with people of his calibre, it would bring back reverence in the tribal leadership.
“This is an intelligent man who served his purpose and he will be remembered long, long after he passed on.”
The former civil servant was ordained headman of records at the Palapye Tribal Authority two years ago. Masogo was appointed to replace the late Kgosi Klass Motshidisi who passed away in 2015.
The 76-year-old has served as a civil servant for over 30 years. He started his career as a teacher at Gaborone Secondary School in 1969.
He taught briefly before he became senior education officer in 1970.
In 1971, he was appointed the deputy PS in the Ministry of Education.
Eight years later, he ascended the ladder to become PS in the same ministry after being appointed by the first president of the country, the late Sir Seretse Khama.
He served as the Education PS for 11 years under three presidents being the late Sir Seretse, the late Sir Ketumile Masire and Festus Mogae. After serving in the education ministry for 21 years, he was appointed PS in the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs in 1990 where he served for four years.
In 1995, he became the Director of the Directorate of Public Service Management (DPSM), and retired from the civil service in 1999.
Post-retirement, he became a government consultant serving as the director for productivity management, responsible for recruitment of scarce skills and later managing director manpower management and recruitment service.
He served in different Boards of parastatals and Non Governmental Organisations including the University of Botswana Council, Inter-University of Botswana and Swaziland, Institute of Development Management (IDM) Board of Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland and the Economic Committee of Cabinet.
He was also the president of Botswana Students Union from 1965 to 1969 and was also president of Botswana Teachers Union from 1970 to 1976. He received the Presidential Order of Honour award from president Mogae in 1994.
He graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Education in Lesotho at the University of Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland (UBLS) in 1969.
In 1973 he graduated with a Masters in Education from Pittsburg University in Ohio, United States of America. Masogo is survived by his wife, four children, grandchildren, and grand-grandchildren.