This is a line from one of John Donne's sonnets. He was reflecting and revolting against death. Today we are reminded of Donne's poem because the nation has been plunged into anguish and despair at the passing away of one Botswana's leading lights in Dr Kenneth Goabamang Shololo Koma.
History has and must recognise Koma as one of the foremost Batswana whose contribution has had a profound impact on the development of our nation. His public service was largely confined but not limited to the area of politics. The late Koma was one of the first Batswana to gain a university degree and a doctorate at a time when just literacy was a huge challenge. For a long time his lofty academic achievements served as a major inspiration to young Batswana and many went on to emulate him. Across the political divide, he was regarded as a voracious reader and thinker. It was in the area of national politics that 'KK' carved a niche for himself. In the mid 1960s Koma together with some political luminaries formed the Botswana National Front (BNF), although a little force at the time. The BNF, under Koma, went on to play a critical role in our national development. He will forever be remembered as one of the most articulate leaders of the opposition.
