Africa-Press – Botswana. Tributes continued to pour in for well-known missionary and medical doctor Karl Seligmann, with President Mokgweetsi Masisi leading the funereal salutations.
In a message read by the Gaborone District Commissioner Ms Grace Seitshiro during the funeral on February 5 in Gaborone, President Masisi said Dr Seligmann would forever be remembered for his contributions to the development of health and medical services in Botswana.
The president remembered Dr Seligmann as Batswana’s medical practitioner.
He said his outstanding work saw him being awarded the Presidential Orders for Meritorious Service in September 1980 and the Presidential Order of Honour in 2009.
“The government and people of Botswana are forever indebted to his sterling service and I convey my condolences to you on behalf of my family and Batswana.”
One of his grandchildren Mr Ian Beissner said his grandfather believed that everything was possible.
Loved by many for his personal and professional attitude, Dr Seligmann was worth emulating, and he would forever be grateful for the invaluable lessons he passed on to him.
Growing up, he said, he would always tell anyone who asked him what he wanted to be, that he wanted to be like his grandfather.
The good doctor was a humble, highly principled philanthropist who set an example for young and old alike.
His caretaker Dr Jemuel Frias said one way or the other, most people were impacted by Dr Seligmann’s life and therefore acknowledged God for his life.
Dr Frias said Dr Seligmann as a colleague, medical professional and missionary, had lived a purposeful life to inspire hope and health in Batswana.
He said even when his term to serve ended, he did not return to his country of origin, but stayed to serve, adding his health care skills were exceptional.
“In the midst of consultation, he would preach and pray as he attached healing to God,” he said, adding that his fluency in Setswana and Sekgalagadi drew many to him as a doctor and missionary.
He also described him as an outstanding citizen whose passion and commitment to health care surpassed expectation, as he dedicated his entire life to serving God and his people, which he showedthrough his philanthropy.
“We shall forever remember him for his outstanding and inspiring leadership and commitment to health and I hope we continue his legacy,” said Dr Frias.
Dr Seligmann arrived in Botswana in 1954, serving as a medical superintendent at Kanye SDA hospital and moved to Gaborone in 1980 where he practiced privately until October 2022 when his health deteriorated.
He served as chairperson for the Association of Medical Missions of Botswana; was the founder and director of Botswana Adventist Medical Services; a member of the High-level Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Health,;a member of the steering committee for the establishment of the medical school at the University of Botswana as well as a member in different many committees.
He leaves behind his wife, Sonita Seligman, daughter, grand and great-grandchildren.
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