The family grappled with the heartbreak of being unable to bury their father for nearly three years. His remains were kept at Joyce’s Mortuary in Gantsi. Their hopes had nearly diminished as legal battles with the government left them with no solution. However, when the new government under the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) came into power, their cries were heard and their father was finally laid to rest at Metsiamanong in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR). They were finally allowed to honour their father's wish and bury him to rest at his preferred place. This resolution brought immense relief and joy to the Gaoberekwe family, as they had waited for almost three years for the government to give them the green light to bury their father. The dispute with the former government began when the family expressed their desire to bury their father inside the CKGR, as per his dying wish. Even though the long legal battle did not bear fruit, the family refused to relent.
They boldly declared that the government could bury their father wherever it wished, but they would not participate if his wishes were not respected. This unprecedented situation sparked widespread debate across the country, as it was the first of its kind in Botswana. The tides turned this year when Advocate Duma Boko, who had previously served as the family’s attorney, became President. In one of his addresses, he assured the nation that the government would cover all the burial expenses for Gaoberekwe and announced the funeral date. Gaoberekwe received a dignified funeral, which was attended by President Duma Boko, Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe, cabinet ministers, members of opposition parties, and Batswana from different walks of life. His body was transported by helicopter to the CKGR, a gesture warmly welcomed by the Basarwa community in the area.
