Mmegi

Dingake fought for our freedom

Michael Dingake PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE
Michael Dingake PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE

Last Sunday, the man who for 96 years (1928-2024) had stood as Botswana’s most distinguished living freedom fighter, Cde Michael Kitso Dingake, took his last mortal breath.

Although he never was State President, he was a true tautona. Mourning his passing the ANC this week thus observed: “Comrade Dingake’s commitment to the cause of liberation was unwavering, despite enduring arrest, torture, and a lengthy imprisonment of 15 years at Robben Island. His resilience in the face of adversity inspired generations of activists and freedom fighters.

Even after his deportation to Botswana, comrade Dingake continued to contribute to the struggle, playing a pivotal role in establishing a base for Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) and African National Congress (ANC) underground operatives. His dedication to the fight for social justice remained unyielding and unrelenting throughout his life.”

Editor's Comment
Human rights are sacred

It highlights the need to protect rights such as access to clean water, education, healthcare and freedom of expression.President Duma Boko, rightly honours past interventions from securing a dignified burial for Gaoberekwe Pitseng in the CKGR to promoting linguistic inclusion. Yet, they also expose a critical truth, that a nation cannot sustainably protect its people through ad hoc acts of compassion alone.It is time for both government and the...

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