Tribute to Cde Moore

Correspondent | Tuesday July 4, 2017 16:02

 

Cde Moore used to come to conferences clad in full BNF attire even during the time when he was still a public servant, teaching at MCE..

What initially brought us close was his contribution to the founding of ABOTEL in 1989, with the likes of Changu Mannathoko, Sophistou Nthobatsang, Moses Bantsi, Leonard Mutheto, Thandie Phindela, Moggie Mbaakanyi, Basima Basima, Caiphus Dema, Mathaka Mmapatsi, Modiredi Hill Nthaga, Abel Modungwa, J. Moilwa, Nchengwa Tshome, Valerie Sinombe and many others..

My best recollection of his Marxist analysis is an excellent rally speech in 2004 campaign, on the origins of the Botswana flag and insignia - the role of Russell England, Peter Fawcus and their wives. In that speech Moore simplified the neocolonial character of the post independence state in a symbolic yet profound oratory, framed in a well crafted analysis of class and power.

He was also a prolific writer and sought to dissect any issue from the lens of Marxism-Leninism. After the death of Tony Benn in 2014 Cde Moore wrote a moving homage, contrasting Benn and Tony Blair..an analysis of their role in the dynamics of the British Labour Party...

He took a clear class stand during the internal bickering that divided BNF into Letshabo-Moupo factions..which was a very difficult time for the party..following the NDF breakaway..

In one of my visit to his office, he shared with me a lengthy article which he purported to be a class exposition of the differences between BNF’s Social Democratic Programme (SDP) and BCP’s Democratic and Development Programme (DDP).

I also remember fondly our meeting some few years ago, at the unveiling of tombstone for Cde Mino Polelo, which was an emotional time for him - he was still devastated by Polelo’s demise, he confided.

Our last serious conversation was on UDC policy..the extent to which it reflects working class bias..

Fare thee well Cde Moore..We will miss your humility and dedication to the struggle for a Socialist society..

Edward Tswaipe