His career in the public service, particularly at the Bank of Botswana, Botswana Development Corporation and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning where he served in different capacities and at different times before becoming minister, was distinguished. As Minister of Finance, he was hailed across the continent for his prudent husbanding of our nation's resources. Botswana will remember Rre Gaolathe as an astute economist and an unassuming politician. But despite the heights he commanded, the soft-spoken gentleman remained humble and accessible to all. He epitomised botho to a fault. Towards the end of his illustrious life, Rre Gaolathe demonstrated the increasingly rare quality of political tolerance. His son, Ndaba, was recently estranged from the father's party, the BDP, but Rre Gaolathe accepted it graciously and would not allow it to poison their relationship.
We are all thankful to have been touched by the life and service of Rre Gaolathe. Indeed, many among us would do well to take a leaf from this humble hero's life for lessons in many spheres. Rest in peace, Baledzi!
We applaud the appointment of Dambe and Moroka
