Africa-Press – Botswana. Multitudes of mourners thronged Lobatse on Saturday morning to lay to rest World War II veteran, educationist, staunch Catholic and renowned community activist, Mr Julius Michael Segano who passed away aged 97 last Friday at Athlone Hospital.
The funeral service was held at Peleng Community Hall before a procession led by Roman Catholic priests took his body to its final resting place at a graveyard in the church premises.
A message from President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi to the family described Mr Segano as a hero who selflessly served.
President Masisi said the passing of Mr Segano was not only a loss to his family, but the entire nation of Botswana.
“We convey our heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the Segano family. May the Almighty comfort you during this difficult time,” read the message.
Mr Segano was one of the heroes who fought in World War II under the auspices of the African Pioneer Force of the British Army.
He also taught in a few schools in Lobatse including St Theresa Primary School and Hill School where he was a popular teacher, head teacher for many decades until his retirement in 1990.
After retirement, he became a large-scale farmer.
In recognition of his illustrious selfless service to Botswana, former president, Dr Festus Mogae honoured him with a Presidential Certificate of Honour.
Many speakers described Mr Segano as a humble, friendly, principled, hard working, strict person and an inspiration to those he interacted with.
Lobatse MP, Dr Thapelo Matsheka pointed out that Mr Segano’s life was a life of service.
He said the humility and spirit to serve led Mr Segano to serve on positions that were not appealing to many people, urging residents to learn from Mr Segano by putting service to the nation ahead of personal enrichment.
“I wish we could live our lives like he did. Live to serve. His recognition from former president, Dr Festus Mogae was not recognition of high posts, but recognition of service to people instead,” he said
One thing about Mr Segano, he said, was that he had his own views but chose to remain a father figure to all of us,” Dr Matsheka said.
His son, Mr Reginald Segano said his father was well known for community work and volunteerism. He said he spent most of his time on community activities such as serving in the Botswana Red Cross Society and counselling prison inmates.
“He was also a straight talker. He believed that straight talk didn’t break any friendship. He also loved his children and made sure they grew up under Christ,” Dr Matsheka said.
He added that the family was proud of what their father did for them and his community.
His in-law, Ms Lorato Sepotokele said Mr Segano encouraged everyone to take education seriously because he believed it would shape their future. She also said the deceased was a man of many gifts who gave guidance to many people.
His long-time friend, Mr Lloyd Mothusi said Mr Segano was a dedicated teacher. He said their friendship started when they worked together at Hill School in the 1960s.
He said Mr Segano was later promoted to the position of head teacher at the same school.
Mr Segano was born on 26 December 1925 in Taung in South Africa. He completed Grade Six (present day Standard Seven) at St Theresa Mission School in Lobatse in 1940. He then enlisted for World War II and returned home in 1946.
He went to further his studies at Roma College in Basotho land in the late 1940s.
Upon completion of his studies, he taught at St Josephs College and several schools in South Africa in the 1950s. He came back to Botswana in the 1960s and went on to teach for a long time at Hill School in Lobatse.
He was a member of the Red Cross in Lobatse, served as board member of the then Lobatse Mental Hospital, counsellor for prison inmates, member of Lobatse ministers fraternal and also served the Roman Catholic Church.
He married Ms Mathilda Segano, also from Taung, in 1954 and they had eight children, five of whom passed away. His wife died in 2020. He is survived by two daughters, a son, 13 grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
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