Africa-Press – Botswana. President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi on Friday visited the Temane family to convey message of condolences following the passing on of Ms Gaboratanelwe Temane.
President Masisi said he had heard of Ms Temane’s illness and the subsequent death on March 7.
Ms Temane was wife to the late former MP and minister, Mr Bahiti Temane.
Dr Masisi thanked Ms Temane for her contribution towards building the country, saying she worked as a nurse, teacher and later on at the United Nations Development Programme and African Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Partnerships.
The President also applauded the late matriarch’s children for having taken care of their mother during her long illness.
“I am here representing both government and the Botswana Democratic Party because Mr and Ms Temane worked for this government and they were also BDP stalwarts,” he said.
President Masisi added that ‘as it is a sign of respect and culture for us Batswana to stand together through trying moments like this, I found it necessary to come here today and relay my heartfelt condolences. I am also here as a child in this family because I grew up playing with the late Bashi, who was Mr and Ms Temane’s son.’
Dr Masisi encouraged Ms Temane’s children and family to remain united and put all their faith in the Lord.
For his part, the family representative, Mr Basireletsi Maphane thanked President Masisi for the gesture and for his comforting words, saying his visit showed the love and respect he had for the family.
Mr Maphane explained that Ms Temane died after being sick since 2014, adding that she was in and out of hospital.
In his remarks, one of the elders in the family, Mr Richard Mmatli thanked President Masisi for having found time within his busy schedule to visit their family and comfort them.
The President was accompanied by Ministers; Dr Lemogang Kwape and Ms Peggy Serame of Foreign Affairs and Finance respectively, Gaborone North MP, Mr Mpho Balopi and former Molepolole South MP, Mr Daniel Kwelagobe.
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