Africa-Press – Botswana. President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, First Lady Neo Masisi and some Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) veterans have paid tribute to the late former cabinet minister and high commissioner to India, Ms Lesego Motsumi.
Ms Motsumi, 67, died on Monday at Bokamoso Hospital following a freak fire accident at her home on December 31.
President Masisi consoled the family, encouraging them to celebrate and remember Ms Motsumi’s life in a good way.
He said he was still shocked and saddened by Ms Motsumi’s death and that he heard about her hospitalisation, but could not visit her at the hospital because she was in a critical condition.
“I am here to console you on behalf of my family and Batswana and to tell you that what happened to Ms Motsumi was a freak accident because she had an accident doing something that she used to do.”
He said Ms Motsumi’s demise was not only a loss to her family, but to the nation at large.
President Masisi described Ms Motsumi as a true politician who was full of life and that she served the country diligently as a public officer and later as a politician.
She encouraged Ms Motsumi’s children to continue the legacy she left behind and to cherish the good moments they spent with her.
For her part, Ms Motsumi’s sister, Ms Seabotseng Seboko said her sister suffered serious head injuries after something exploded whilst she was burning litter at the back of her house on New Year’s eve.
She was rushed to Bamalete Hospital in Ramotswa and transferred to Princess Marina Hospital and later to Bokamoso where she died on Monday.
“The whole family is shattered because she was very close to everyone in our family. She was a unifier and loved life,” she said.
Ramotswa MP, Mr Lefoko Moagi described the former minister as a loving person who was full of fun. He also said she loved people, adding that he learned a lot from her astuteness in politics.
“We will remember her smile and all the good work she has done for the country,” he said.
Mr Moagi further thanked the family and the media for treating Ms Motsumi’s death with utmost respect.
Ms Motsumi leaves behind four children, three daughters and a son as well as four siblings.
She will be buried in Ramotswa on Saturday. A memorial service will be held in her home by the BDP tomorrow at 2pm.
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