Kablay passed on on Wednesday this week and was buried yesterday at the Ramotswa cemetery because of his belief. Regardless of differing opinions about him, Kablay was among the few former MPs who emphasised the importance of holding Cabinet Ministers accountable. He insisted that these ministers should deliver results within their ministries and frequently called out their failures to respond to questions from MPs. He publicly expressed concern that ministers' lack of accountability could jeopardise his party's success.
Having been in Parliament since the 2009 General Election, Kablay geared up for his fourth term. Before that, he served as a councillor from 1994 to 2008. Moreover, despite living with a disability, Kablay never let it define him and believed he could effectively represent his diverse constituency. Vice President Slumber Tsogwane, a close friend of Kablay, stated in an interview yesterday: "He was a very loyal member of the party leadership, deeply dedicated to his constituents and always cheerful. He worked very hard to ensure that MPs attended Parliament, which was one of his key roles. He loved his party." He said Kablay took his work as the Chief Whip very seriously and kept on advising the BDP members to follow the party caucus and avoid going against it. The Vice President said if anyone had an intention of not going to support what was agreed, he would then remind them what they had signed for and what the party constitution says regarding caucus that its decisions are binding. He added: “Unlike other members who feared being challenged in the primary elections, Kablay never had a problem with it. He was a person of the people and encouraged competition.” Tsogwane said Kablay was a good leader and never undermined anyone regardless of the tribe. Alliance for Progress (AP) Chief Whip, Wynter Mmolotsi, also remembered Kablay as a man unafraid to stand up for his beliefs.
He noted that Kablay sometimes preferred to apologise after speaking the truth if he thought it might hurt his party members. “Kablay was friendly to all MPs, including those from opposition parties. There were times when he felt cornered by his position, especially when he had to name someone for expulsion from Parliament at the Speaker's request. Occasionally, he would slip away without the Speaker noticing. We will remember him fondly for his teasing and loud laughter,” Mmolotsi said. The BDP spokesperson Kagelelo Kentse described Kablay as a dedicated member who fought tirelessly for his constituency’s developments. He advocated for the division of the Letlhakeng-Lephephe constituency, which was quite large, and delimitation exercise eventually addressed this. Additionally, he was a no-nonsense gentleman who did not entertain anyone going against the party. He remained steadfast in his commitment to the caucus. “He was a media-friendly individual who believed in allowing the press to do its job freely.” “His unwavering commitment to the party and the people of Botswana was evident in every role he undertook, always working to improve the lives of his fellow citizens,” Kentse said.
Moreover, he said leadership and sense of duty will be remembered by all who had the privilege of working alongside him. He said his passing is a great loss to the BDP and the nation, but his legacy of service and dedication will continue to inspire many. One of the moments that many will remember Kablay for is when he said; “Khama o tshwana le Jesu, poo!, he even said it during President Masisi's tenure as he praised him. However, those close to him will remember his last words, such as when he complained that he was not going to be launched by President Masisi as a Parliamentary candidate. He felt there would be no proper launch for him if the President could not attend it. However, it was unclear if he made this known to the President and if there were any plans to accommodate him in the launch schedule.
