Africa-Press – Botswana. President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has condoled with the Baleseng family following the death of renowned former radio personality and customary court president, Mr Baleseng Baleseng.
The President visited the family at Goo-Ruele ward in Kanye on January, 17.
He told them to find strength, peace and comfort as they reminisced about Mr Baleseng’s great works and service to the nation.
Mr Baleseng, President Masisi said, was full of life and had great love for his family.
He described him as a true patriot, who served the nation with utmost dedication.
He said there was still more to learn from Mr Baleseng through knowledge gained from his tour of duty.
Dr Masisi said the seed that the 80-year-old Mr Baleseng had planted in the family must unite them as they prepare for his funeral.
President Masisi said he knew Mr Baleseng though his (President) father, who was the then Minister of Agriculture, Mr Edison Masisi.
He said Mr Masisi senior employed Messrs Baleseng and Peter Siele as information officers at the department of animal and food production due to their captivating capabilities.
Dr Masisi noted that it was through the funeral of one master farmer who died in Barolong farms in 1971 that his relation with Mr Baleseng blossomed.
The President said he adored Thibang Diphotlha, an agricultural Radio Botswana programme, which Mr Baleseng pioneered.
“On behalf of government, the entire nation and my family, I offer the message of condolences to the family of Baleseng family,” he added.
For her part, the deceased’s sister, Ms Rebecca Phologolo, said the family was still in shock after the passing on of their brother, father and accomplished leader they had come to know as their pillar of hope and strength.
She said on the fateful Friday, she was summoned to his brother’s residence in Kanye where upon arrival, she was made aware that the deceased had shot himself.
The police took Mr Baleseng to the hospital where he was certified dead.
“We stay consoled with the understanding that we shall all depart from this earth and have full understanding that we do not know when or how we shall reach our demise,” Ms Phologolo added.
Another relative, Mr Modisaotsile Morekisi said President Masisi and government officials’ presence during this trying time would have a lasting positive impact on the family.
He described Mr Baleseng as a passionate agriculturalist and true public servant, who meticulously promoted agriculture through Thibang Diphotlha programme.
MP for Kanye South and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Lemogang Kwape, thanked the President for making time to visit the family, adding the visit would soothe the broken hearts.
“May God continue to bless you and offer you more strength so that you may continue caring for our nation,” he said.
Apart from Thibang Diphotlha, Mr Baleseng also played a critical role in other Radio Botswana programmes such Sethito le Boitumelo, Pitso ya Balemi, Molemi Ithute, Matimela, Malepa and Makgotla a Tshwaragano where he worked behind the scenes.
Amongst his other positions, he was the former customary court president in Lobatse and a member of Customary Court of Appeal.
Mr Baleseng is survived by his wife, Ms Rebaone Baleseng, 11 children and 10 grand-children.
Funeral arrangements are ongoing.
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