Batswana bid Masire farewell
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Wednesday June 28, 2017 18:00
The viewing attracted mourners from Botswana and beyond borders, young and old who queued from early morning. It was clear from the masses who braved the cold winter morning that indeed a giant was no more.
Tears ran down many cheeks, as perhaps they were feeling the pain for the late father as he had stitches on his head which many assumed he was in pain before his passing away. The viewing started at 6am with the first 30 minutes dedicated to the family. The President, the Cabinet and senior government officials came in between 8am and 8.20am and the general public continued to view Sir Ketumile from them onwards.
Even people living with disabilities also came to say goodbye to the late Masire. Legislators, councillors and Dikgosi came in at different times to pay their last respects.
One elderly Ogotseng Regojwang (83) said: “I left Thamaga early in the morning to come and pay my last respect to the late. During his time as a president, Masire believed in consultation with people. Even if we could not get certain developments, but he would find a way of communicating without bashing us”.
He said the reason why people came in large numbers is because of the love that Masire had for his people. He continued: “Gape Masire o ne a rata dinyao thata. Le ha a ikgatha ka motho o ne o ka se lemoge mothofo, gape e le motho le go tshega”. Another elderly person Goepamang Legotlho (75) said Masire knew how to appreciate the contribution that Batswana made when they took over from the colonial government.
Legotlho said Batswana will miss Masire since he could still speak up when he believed that something that the government was doing was wrong. “We need elders who can speak without fear or favour. He had the love of the country and Batswana at heart. O ne a dumela mo pusong ya batho ka batho. That’s what has built our country,” Legotlho said.
The former President will be buried on Thursday in Kanye and his memorial service will be held today at the University of Botswana Indoor Sports Centre from 8am. The public is expected to be seated by 7.30am.