On Thursday morning, the country woke up to the news that former Speaker of the National Assembly, Gladys Kokorwe had died.
Kokorwe affectionately known Mma Setompi died after a brief hospital stay, the family confirmed to Mmegi.
When Mmegi reporters arrived at the Kokorwe home, the family of were preparing for the funeral arrangements.
"We are yet to appoint a family spokesperson but we can confirm that our mother passed on yesterday (Wednesday) after a brief hospital stay," they shared.
The current Speaker of the National Assembly, Dithapelo Keorapetse also confirmed this yesterday.
"Mma Stompie, as she was affectionately known, enjoyed a long and distinguished career in public service, during which she held several senior and influential positions. Her service spanned across multiple spheres of governance, including the civil service, Parliament, the Executive (Cabinet), and the diplomatic service, reflecting her broad experience and deep commitment to national development," Keorapetse told parliament.
Kokorwe first began her political leadership career in 1994 and served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Thamaga/Kweneng South constituency until 2009.
She was appointed Assistant Minister of Local Government 1999–2004 and later Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture from 2008 until 2009.
From 2004 until 2008 she was elected Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly as the first woman to hold the position and was elected the 8th speaker of parliament in 2014, a position she held until 2019. Kokorowe was appointed ambassador of Botswana to Zimbabwe in 2009 until 2014.
The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), Secretary General Kentse Rammidi also confirmed the news.
“I confirm the sad news of the passing on of Former Speaker and Ambassador Kokorwe who was elected to Parliament under the BDP ticket in the Thamaga Constituency by-election in 1994. She also served the Party loyally in Cabinet. She was one of the pioneers of women politics in both the BDP and Botswana,” Rammidi shared.
Meanwhile, former President Ian Khama having worked with Mma Stompi for over a decade shared,"Mma Stompie was a delight to work with. She had a very jovial and wonderful personality and sense of humour and always willing to help. She cared deeply about the disadvantaged in our society and was always willing to go the extra mile for their welfare. It was a pleasure to have known and worked with her."
