Africa-Press – Botswana. The late former Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Boteti East Sethomo Lelatisitswe was as a legislator who actively represented and championed the interests of his people in Parliament.
Addressing mourners at the funeral of Lelatisitswe in Letlhakane on Saturday, Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse said the deceased effectively communicated the needs of the people of Boteti and advocated for policies and resources that could benefit them.
He indicated that Lelatisitswe tabled motions that were meant to impact the lives of the people of Boteti.
“He presented 22 motions and 363 questions ever since he was a Member of Parliament,” he said.
Mr Keorapetse described the late former minister as a hardworking leader who valued time, noting that he served in seven committees of Parliament.
He stated that Lelatisitswe was a supportive friend who stood by him at all times.
He pleaded with those who had been in any way hurt by the deceased to find way to forgive him and implored Batswana to find ways that could unite the nation.
He pleaded with the youth and the public at large to refrain from posting information that had not been verified.
For his part the former president, Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi described the late former legislator as a remarkably agile person.
Dr Masisi pleaded with the public to comfort Lelatisitswe family.
He indicated that the late minister was named after his father, Mr Setlhomo Masisi hence he was compelled to accord him that honour.
He condemned the tendency of attacking each other based on allegations, stating that as political parties in Botswana they were all against it.
Dr Masisi urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified information on social media platforms. “Tainting other people’s image would not take us anywhere as a nation,” he said.
Botswana Democratic Party president, Mr Mpho Balopi praised Lelatisitswe for his ability to connect with his constituents.
Recalling on his political journey, he said he was amazed at how Lelatisitswe as a youthful politician managed to defeat an experienced and established incumbent during primary elections for 2014 elections, which saw him win the general election to become its Member of Parliament.
The late former minister’s friend, Mr Yandani Boko said they met 10 years ago through Mr Keorapetse.
Mr Boko said theirs was a good relationship, ‘even though we threw jabs at each other, ours was a valued friendship,” he said.
He stated that their bond extended beyond politics, adding that Lelatisitswe paid him visits in South Africa even post elections.
Lelatisitswe is survived by six children and nine siblings.
Source: DAILYNEWS
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