The Nchindo's Lock Out The Nation?

MONKAGEDI GAOTLHOBOGWE
Staff Writer | Monday February 15, 2010 00:00

 

On Saturday sources close to the Nchindo family confided that his send-off will be a private affair, with the family selecting who can attend. Efforts to get a comment regarding this development were unsuccessful, as the phone at the Nchindos' house rang unanswered several times the Monitor phoned.

Undoubtedly Louis Nchindo was an iconic figure that many would have loved to give a farewell befitting his enormous status, but not many will have that opportunity to attend his memorial service either scheduled for this week, after his family decided to make it a private matter.

When he is finally buried, sometime this week the man  - who was for decades seen as the face of Botswana diamonds - will only be sent off by a few, in a low-key ceremony. Nchindo's send-off will be in stark contrast to Tswana customs whereby the whole community usually pours into the compound of the deceased to mourn with the family and offer their condolences.

Reacting to this action, Bakwena traditional leader Kgosi Kgari II said: 'If he was a Mokwena, Bakwena would be surprised that such an iconic figure was not sent off like a hero, but I don't know, maybe that is how they do it in their culture, but in the Kwena customs that is not the way we honour our greats', Kgari commented.

Religious leader, Rev Michael Gaotoge, who is also famous for presenting a death announcement programme and comforting bereaved families, said: 'Everyone in leadership positions deserve a royal send-off. I know that man, and many will agree that aside from the controversy that rocked him in his last days, he has contributed enormously to our prosperity as a nation and yes, everyone is expected to bid him a fitting tribute and farewell, as is the custom', said Gaotoge, also the leader of Living Faith Ministries.

The opposition Botswana National Front spokesman Moeti Mohwasa said while the nation expects to partake in the sending off of one of its greats, it should also be remembered that the Nchindo family have their rights and they should be respected. 'In this case let's honour Nchindo by respecting the decision that his family has taken, perhaps that is how the deceased also desired to be sent off. Remember his last days were marred by controversy and court cases. That might have also influenced his family to keep his send-off a private matter,' commented the BNF official.