Africa-Press – Botswana. Ms Lesego Motsumi, former cabinet minister and High Commissioner to India, was laid to rest in Ramotswa on Saturday.
The 67-year-old Ms Motsumi died on January 9 following a fire incident at her home on December 31.
A somewhat gloomy atmosphere at Sepitswana Ward in Ramotswa was characterised by tears as multitudes celebrated Ms Motsumi, who was described by many as hardworking, impactful, resilient, courageous, amiable and dedicated.
She was said to have had led a good life fit for celebration having grown from humble beginnings as an English teacher.
Ms Motsumi’s hard work and dedication earned her an illustrious career as a publisher and a politician who rose through the ranks to become a minister in different portfolios and later represented Botswana as High Commissioner to India.
In a message read to mourners, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi described Ms Motsumi as a leader whose legacy would be etched in Batswana’s hearts.
“Mma Motsumi, as we fondly called her, embodied a character of integrity, courage and a deep passion to serve, that can only be matched by a few. She served Botswana in many portfolios. Her life was not for self, but for the country,” read President Masisi’s message.
For her part, Ms Motsumi’s daughter, Ms Thulaganyo Kauta said her mother loved life and was present in all family activities.
“My beloved mother was friendly, ever smiling and was a pillar of the family,” she said.
Her brother, Mr Tumelo Seboko, said death had taken away a warm individual and a unifier.
“My sister’s sense of humour is unmatched. We will miss her fondly,” he said.
Former permanent secretary, Mr Newman Kahiya, said Ms Motsumi would be remembered for her numerous achievements in the public service.
Mr Kahiya said Ms Motsumi made remarkable footprints in the health sector during her time as health minister.
Mr Kahiya said, among other things, Ms Motsumi managed to reduce the doctor-patient ratio and ensured that health facilities had vital medical supplies for surgeries and further facilitated hospitals to introduce other areas of specialisation.
“She was a distinguished and productive leader who did not accept failure,” he said.
A former cabinet colleague and veteran politician, Dr Margaret Nasha praised Ms Motsumi as a fearless trailblazer for women in politics.
“I am here to pay farewell to my friend, sister and a colleague. Lesego was an inspirational leader whose life should be celebrated,” she said.
Dr Nasha said the deceased was inspirational for women aspiring to be politicians.
“A stellar she was, Mma Motsumi made a difference in Botswana politics and served with high level of integrity and a deep sense of patriotism,” she added.
Leader of former parliamentarians, Ms Moggie Mbaakanyi said Ms Motsumi was a good example of a hard working woman.
She said Ms Motsumi’s demeanour had left a lasting impression in the minds of all those that mingled with her during the eighth Parliament, especially the women cohort.
“We were good acquaintances, an affable trio and enjoyed our moments in politics,” she said.
Kgosi Mosadi of Balete said Ms Motsum’s passing was an immense loss to Balete and Batswana as she had dedicated her life to serving the nation.
Kgosi Mosadi explained their family roots from Kgatleng to GaMalete, saying Ms Motsumi was a member of the royal blood from the Mokgosi/Seboko family and further thanked all who had contributed to their upbringing.
She also called for unity among the Seboko/Mokgosi royal members.
“I want you to learn our family tree and know each other,” she stressed.
Ms Motsumi’s illustrious career included, among others, becoming the first female MP for South-East South Constituency.
In 2001, she was appointed into cabinet serving in different potfolios such as being Minister of the then Presidential Affairs and Public Administration ministry, Minister of Works and Transport, Minister of Health as well as Assistant Minister of Labour and Home Affairs.
She was later appointed to serve as Botswana’s High Commissioner to India from 2011 to 2020.
Ms Motsumi leaves behind four children and four siblings.
For More News And Analysis About Botswana Follow Africa-Press
