Remembering Robert Natefo Ntsima

MORERI GABAKGORE | Thursday April 21, 2011 00:00

The long illness means that he was not in the public eye for 10 years before his death.  As a friend, I feel obliged to pay homage to him and salute him for his contribution in the development of Kweneng generally and Moleplole in particular. No doubt, his accolades will remain as a source of inspiration for posterity in the district.

Unfortunately, Robert's successes in tree planting as forestry manager in the district did not come out clearly in eulogies during his funeral; it was only captured in the obituary by his family, yet it is not in any doubt that 'Robitha' planted eucalyptus forests at Mankgwenyane, Mokgopeetsane, Ga-Ranta, Kopong and Takatokwane.

With a team of 30 labourers whom he trained, Robert persevered to win the support of Bakwena in acquiring pieces of land for the plantations. Sadly, there are unconfirmed reports that some of the plantations are now owned by certain individuals, and not Kweneng Rural Development Association (KRDA), as it was the case before.

Robert also introduced a boulevard in the cluster of trees on both sides of the road that divides Molepolole North and South constituencies.  The boulevard runs from Mokgopeetsane to the Scottish Livingstone Hospital, a distance of about four kilometres, and gives Molepolole a feature that distinguishes it from other villages. There are, however, long empty spaces in some areas along the road, bearing testimony to the neglect and lack of understanding of those who continue to destroy this unique beauty with impunity. Even the trees that have survived the test of time are out of shape and are now becoming an eyesore along the village's busiest road.

It was not only the boulevard and the forests that Robert masterminded in Kweneng, having also managed a nursery at KRDA that served as a hub for the provision of both exotic and indigenous plants. Coupled with his determination and commitment, this nursery enabled Robert to achieve his goal, attesting to saying, 'Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.'

Using his skill, Robert also managed KRDA Brigade that successfully trained the youth in sewing, carpentry and bricklaying. Because of its good performance, the brigade earned itself unwavering support from the Ministry of Education.

Robert will not be remembered only at KRDA for his endeavours in youth development because he also played a major role in the registration of Thari Ya Banana as Commissioner of Cooperatives.  Thari Ya Banana is a Molepolole-based youth organisation that is tries to impart agricultural skills to young people by giving them pieces of land to produce for themselves under supervision.

Against this background, 'Robitha' is seen as a fallen hero who, in my view, should be given a posthumous award for his contribution and commitment to forestry management and youth development in the Kweneng District.