The passing of Sir Ketumile Masire
Dumelang Saleshando | Tuesday June 27, 2017 16:13
Rre Rra Gaone, as he was affectionately referred to, was a unique leader. He helped to strengthen our democracy at a time when autocratic leadership was more the norm.
During his presidency, he created the necessary environment for the various political formations to dialogue on the long term political future of the country.
He convened the All-Party Conference, a platform that gave birth to the Independent Electoral Commission, Presidential term limit, extended the right to vote to Batswana residing in foreign countries as well as reduced the voting age from 21 to 18.
He understood that members of the opposition, just like members of the ruling party, were patriots, bound together by their desire to see their country progress even as they differed on the best route to prosperity. He will also be remembered for his humility.
An easy-going man who engaged other leaders within the region and beyond and earned their respect even though he was only a leader of one of the smallest nations, and at some point, one of the poorest nations of the world.
His simplicity also enabled him to interact meaningfully with the average citizen through various platforms and engage them on issues of governance.
His untimely passing has robbed the country of a founding father whose wisdom and guidance was respected across the political divide.
The SADC region, Africa and the world have lost a principled, dedicated and industrious patriot who contributed greatly to the development of his community, the country, the region and the world. In his role as former President, he spoke truth to power fearlessly on a variety of topical issues even when his views were diametrically opposed to the government or the ruling party.
The nation, in this regard, will be incomplete without his well-thought interventions. We hope that Masire will be honoured, especially by protecting his legacy of democracy, social justice and economic development.
Our thoughts and prayers go to members of his family. They have lost a caring father who was a symbol of admirable family values. We hope that the deep sense of loss that they feel will be wiped away by the numerous positive memories of the life or Rra Gaone, a life well lived.
May the soul of our father rest in eternal peace.
Dumelang Saleshando
President BCP