Africa-Press – Botswana. Serving the public brings gratification to many Batswana, who feel honoured by the opportunity to do so.
These words best describe Ms Ikotlhaeng Rantopele, who has worked for the then Department of Information and Broadcasting since 1986. Mmaikho as she was affectionately called by colleagues is retiring as a happy citizen.
She began her service as a cleaner and was later promoted to the position of Messenger in 1990. Seven years later, she was elevated to the Messenger Reporter position. In 2017, she was promoted again, becoming a Senior Technical Assistant I, due to her dedicated service to the nation.
Many will remember Rantopele as a popular voice from Radio Botswana’s Tatedisa ya Dikgang.
Speaking uring her farewell party in Kanye on Friday, various speakers had only good things to say about her.
Mr Taolo Moshaga, the Executive Director of Global Transformation and Networks (Pty) Ltd, mentioned that Ms Rantopele was a dedicated employee who went the extra mile in executing her job.
He stated that she played a crucial role in the country’s development and it was fitting for her to be honored.
He believes she still has a lot to offer the country and urged her to use the skills and knowledge acquired over the years to continue serving the nation in different capacities.
“I sometimes get motivated when I think about her; she is a unique individual. What she stands for is what she lives,” he added. He further urged her former colleagues to follow in her footsteps in order to propel the country to greater heights.
For his part, Mr Emmanuel Tlale, the Principal Information Officer in the Department of Information Services, Kanye, said it was an honor to have worked with Ms Rantopele.
He mentioned how she inspired many individuals who later joined the media industry. He also noted that despite her age, she worked well with her colleagues and respected everyone, even those younger than her.
Another coleague, Mr Tiroyaone Letlhatshane, said he had worked with Ms Rantopele since 2008, and expressed how she gave him a warm welcome when he joined the department. He described her as a loving individual who created a conducive work environment.
“She inspired us and advised us where necessary, even on our social lives. She wanted to see others prosper in all they did,” he said.
Ms Rantopele expressed her gratitude to her former colleagues for working well with her over the years. She emphasised the respect and camaraderie among the staff, even though she was older than many of them.
“We used to joke about different issues but there was respect among us; they kept in mind that I was older than them,” she added.
She explained that despite not attending journalism school, she believed she effectively carried out her duties and taught many seasoned reporters how to diligently fulfill their roles.
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