Africa-Press – Botswana. Mourners and dignitaries alike celebrated the life and legacy of the late Tiroentle Pheto, who passed away aged 76 after succumbing to a long illness.
As the nation came to grips with the loss of this literary giant, different speakers at his memorial service at his home in Molepolole remembered Pheto’s selflessness, his inspiring mentorship, and his relentless pursuit of academic excellence.
Minister for State President, Kabo Morwaeng eulogised Pheto as a selfless individual who dedicated his life to education and made significant contributions to the sector in Botswana.
He therefore called on Bakwena to nominate him for the prestigious Naledi ya Botswana award, a fitting posthumous recognition of his outstanding achievements.
His friend, ministry of finance and development planning former permanent secretary, Nelson Mokgethi said their friendship spanned an impressive 57 years, dating back to their school days where they forged a close bond. Speaking fondly of his friend, Mokgethi praised Pheto’s unyielding character and trustworthiness.
“He was an individual of the highest integrity and honesty. We often relied on him for advice and support, even back in our school days. In fact, he was renowned for his eloquent use of the English language,” he said.
“Re ne re mo itse ka sekgoa se se kima, re ne re mo itse ka buka ya student companion,” said Mokgethi explaining that Pheto was always fascinated by big English words, and he carried the student companion book everywhere. The student companion book is an English grammar book which is a popular and a widely used resource that provides guidance and support for learners of English as a second language.
Mokgethi explained that Pheto’s early love for the written word was evident even then, setting the stage for his future as a celebrated author and educator.
Celebrated poet and fellow writer, Moroka Moreri described Pheto as a ‘literary legend of note’ whose work had impacted generations of students and influenced countless writers. “Pheto’s book, Botlhodi jwa Nta ya Tlhogo, was a resounding success in the Setswana literary landscape. It was not only used in public schools, but also in higher education institutions, which speaks volumes about its profound influence,” he said.
Moreri went on to highlight Pheto’s illustrious career, comparing his stature to that of literary luminaries from around the world such as Chinua Achebe, Charles Dickens, Leo Tolstoy, Ernest Hemingway, and Solomon Plaatje.
“Pheto’s influence spans continents, and his name deserves to be etched into the annals of literature as a giant among giants,” Moreri emphasised.
He also took the opportunity to propose two tributes to honour Pheto’s legacy: naming a street or public road after him, and erecting a statue in his memory.
“These acts of recognition would serve as a fitting homage to a man who has enriched our literary landscape and left an indelible mark on our society,” Moreri stated.
Pheto’s son, Dr Gaolese Pheto, provided a moving tribute to his father, describing him as a man of many talents and great influence.
“My father was not just an artist and an author, but also a linguist and a champion of multiculturalism. He instilled in us a love for reading and learning about different cultures through books. He exposed us to the great works of William Shakespeare and many other classic authors from around the world, which shaped our worldview and understanding of literature,” said Dr Pheto.
He also shared fond memories of his childhood, describing how his father’s passion for literature and culture was reflected in their home environment.
“Our house was filled with bookshelves, and my father made sure we had access to a variety of books from different parts of the world. His influence on us was profound, and we learned to appreciate the beauty of literature and the power of words to bridge cultural divides,” he stated.
Born on September 3, 1948 in Goo Ntloedibe ward in Molepolole, Pheto earned a Bachelor of Arts from the then University of Botswana, Lesotho, and Swaziland. He went on to pursue postgraduate studies at Leeds and Bristol Universities in the United Kingdom.
Starting his career as a Setswana teacher and eventually becoming a headmaster at Tutume McConnell, Molefhi, Swaneng Hill, and Moeding, Pheto dedicated his life to education.
His impact on education did not stop with his retirement from the civil service when he retired as the Department of Teaching Service Management (TSM) director in 2004.
He instead continued to contribute to his community as a businessman, farmer and board member. His life’s work left a lasting impression on those he touched. He was laid to rest Saturday at Phomolong Cemetery in Gaborone.
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