Matenge To Be Laid To Rest On Labour Day
Staff Writer | Monday April 30, 2018 13:23
Matenge is counted amongst those who contributed immensely to the development of Botswana.
Matenge started working for government in 1947 as a messenger for the District Commisioner’s Office in Francistown. He went on to hold different posts, in different government departments and ministries, which included clerical officer/court interpreter, higher executive officer, to mention a few.
In 1971, Matenge became the assistant secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning. He went on to become District Commissioner, Southern District with major interest in the National Accelerated Rural Development Programme. Thereafter Matenge went on to serve his country, holding big positions in different ministries, which included under secretary at the Ministry of Works and Communications and Ministry of Mineral Resources and Water Affairs. He also served as permanent secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Matenge was awarded the Presidential Honour of Meritorious Service in 1976. Matenge retired after 34 years of service.
Matenge served as chairperson for different entities, which included Bechuanaland Protectorate Civil Association, Botswana Civil Service Association, and The Botswana Society. He is credited for starting the Association of Training and Development Officers.
In politics, Matenge was a member of the Botswana National Front, but later joined the BCP after the 1999, scuffle, which ended with a break away, which gave birth to the BCP.
Matenge was honoured by Standard Chartered Bank late last year for being the first Motswana to open an account with the bank, and maintain it for 64 years.
The said bank account was reportedly opened on July 30, 1953 in Francistown.
Matenge will be laid to rest on May Day, otherwise known as Labour Day, at Phomolong burial site. Proceedings will, however, begin at his home in Extension 5 at 6am.