Africa-Press – Botswana. Multitudes of mourners bid farewell to Seratiwa ‘Sthando-Same’ Tebogo who was buried Saturday at Phomolong Memorial Park in Phakalane.
Tebogo, who is the mother to Botswana’s sprint sensation, Letsile Tebogo, died May 18 after battling cancer.
A message of condolence from President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi, read by Gaborone District commissioner, Sebokwane Dikgope said, the passing on of Tebogo had cut a deep wound in the nation’s hearts and inflicted an unfathomable anguish to her son, given that she was his support from whom he derived the warmth of the much converted and unconditional love of a parent.
“It is so regrettable that Letsile lost his mother in the aftermath of the nation’s joyful celebration of his sterling accomplishment when he was adorned with the sportsman of the year at the 43rd Botswana Sports Awards held last week Saturday,” he said.
The message reads that the permanent separation robbed him an opportunity to share with his mother of coming second in his 100m season opener, with a time of 10.13 at the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix 2024 last Saturday.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to Letsile, the Tebogo family, friends, relatives and the entire sports fraternity. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during the time of grieving as we besiege the Almighty God to grant you the comfort that surpasses human understanding and trust in his grace, to stabilise Letsile’s mind and spirit as a person with a remarkable destiny,” President Masisi’s message read.
Paying his last respects to his mother, Letsile said she raised him to be a responsible man and he would continue the legacy.
He said they had discussed some things, which unfortunately his mother departed before the deal was completed.
Letsile said he would always remember his mother for he taught him to always give, be kind, caring and to never give up.
“I hope Ano will take after you. You taught her to travel, which she will miss as will shopping. As for me, I am going to miss the support and your prayers,” said Letsile.
Tebogo’s sister, Olebile Kgabanyane said Tebogo was diagnosed with cancer in 2014 but continued to live a good and bubbly life.
She said this year, the cancer recurred but it took them long to notice because Tebogo live an active life.
“I cannot give up on God, but we thank him that she did not allow her to suffer but decided to shield her from suffering,” she said. Minister of Youth, Sport, Gender and Culture, Tumiso Rakgare described Tebogo as free spirited and never shied away of confronting him if she felt something was not done well.
“Seratiwa confronted me on several occasions but with respect, she is one person who never minced her words,” he said.
Rakgare said he met Tebogo after Letsile returned from World Athletics Under 20 Championship.
He said he wanted to meet the athlete because Botswana had never done well in short sprints therefore, found it prudent to meet and know the rising star.
“Letsile came with Tebogo and Ralph Kgabanyane and still, she did not mince her words when talking about athletes’ welfare,” said Rakgare.
Rakgare said Tebogo did not only advocate for her son, but all the athletes.
For More News And Analysis About Botswana Follow Africa-Press
