Mmegi

A tribute to the fallen educationist

Fallen:
Fallen:

Tennant Sebofo Motshwane was an educationist-cum-columnist of note.

Our fondest memory of 'T.S' as he was affectionately known, is that of a teacher who remained instrumental in his students’ lives. He taught in the classroom, at home and at every opportunity. His legacy as a teacher lives on. Born on November 20, 1948 in Molepolole, T.S went through his early childhood education up to secondary school in Molepolole and Gaborone. He studied at Kgosi Kgari Sechele II Secondary School and Gaborone Secondary School and proceeded to study to become a teacher at the Francistown Teachers College.

He attained his Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Botswana and Master’s Degree at the University of Leeds, United Kingdom. He was an educationalist - as a teacher, researcher, studying and learning educational theories and methods and the impact of various educational practises, policymaker influencing and creating education policies and frameworks, and an advocator of educational reform. Motshwane served as a teacher at Kgosi Kgari Sechele II Secondary School and St Joseph’s College as well as a head-teacher at Tsetsebye Community Junior Secondary School. He progressed to become an Education Officer at Ministry of Education, Secondary Education Department in Gaborone and and Regional Education Officer in Serowe.

Above all, T.S was a “grammar enthusiast”; very colloquial and always insisting on precise use of Setswana language. His skill with words meant that he was frequently critiquing other people’s use of Setswana language. He has authored many books in Setswana, History and Social Studies. He took pleasure in educating people and spreading knowledge in Setswana and History. Most of us would be familiar with his fiery prose in his contributory column in the Mmegi newspaper titled “Mmualebe”.

Those who knew T.S will remember him for his jovial repartee and teasing remarks. He was the type to joke with strangers without hesitation. He was always assigning nicknames to people. Almost everyone has a nickname that they were given by him. Singing was one of his greatest joys. He would sing or hum instinctively, almost without awareness. As a member of the UCCSA Trinity Church Choir, given his devotion to song, it was only natural for religious hymns to be on his lips. When he was at his happiest, T.S had a flair for telling jokes and laughing loudly at his own humour.

He loved telling stories of old. T.S was a farmer and a member of the Kweneng Small Stock Farmers Association. TS succumbed to an illness this year on January,3.

He is survived by his wife, four of his children, seven grandchildren and a great-grandchild as well as three sisters and numerous nephews and nieces. His remains will be interred at his home village in Molepolole tomorrow (Saturday).

Robala ka Kagiso Kwena.

Editor's Comment
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