Mathomola Modise, 'the Hero' laid to rest

KEABETSWE NEWEL
Correspondent | Tuesday March 15, 2011 00:00

 

Modise died in a car accident last Tuesday.Speaking at the service, a relative, Uncle Mosala, revealed that he grew up with Modise at Bobonong. He described Modise as a born politician who was attracted to politics at a young age.

'During his senior school years at Mater Spei College, his love for politics grew and he worked hand in hand with veterans such as Philip Matante, who coached and groomed him into a politician,' he said. Uncle Mosala said that many times, he advised Modise to quit politics and venture into the business world, but his nephew was determined to be a politician.

Margaret Ludo Mosojane, the Customary Court President related how she worked with the late Modise as a councillor and described him as a hero. 'From 1984 to 1989 we were both councillors in this town. After the 1984 elections, Francistown made history, with Modise among the councillors they transformed the council, making it to be controlled by the opposition for the first time,' She said.

Mosojane said that at that time Modise was in his late 20s, and was the youngest councillor. 'Modise was unique and very energetic and active in the opposition. He was chosen for politics,' Mosojane said. She described the death of Modise as a loss to Francistown that can never be replaced. Mosojane said Modise became popular because of his outstanding dedication and commitment in representing Francistown.

Mosojane further described Modise as intelligent and hardworking. Kenneth Nkhwa, one of the founders of Botswana Peoples Party (BPP) also former Member of Parliament for North East from 1965 to 1989 said that he regarded Modise as a son whom he worked with for a long time.

'He began his involvement in politics at Mater Spei College when we started working together in building the BPP, he was still at school then,' Nkhwa said.  He said that Modise also worked with the likes of Motsamai Mpho. Nkhwa described Modise as a veteran politician whose words of advice will be remembered forever. 'With Modise we have lost a hero,' he concluded.

Tutume central councillor, Moseki Mathodi said that Modise's biggest dream was to unite the opposition. He said that Modise led delegations to negotiate for opposition unity. 'Modise was a man who liked progress, he led the formation of Botswana Alliance Movement (BAM) after he felt that BPP was slow in matters of opposition unity because he believed that without opposition unity, the future of opposition would fade,' said Mathodi.

Mathodi said the late Modise was a loving family man who cared and contributed much to community building. Calling him a seasonal politician, Mathodi said that he was motivated by the will to serve the community but not for self-enrichment.

'Today we mourn a loss that no one can replace, Modise's shoes were so large that no one could fit in them. Modise sleeps with a rested heart because he served his purpose, I say a job well done, may his soul rest in peace,' he said.