Africa-Press – Botswana. Sir Ketumile Quett Masire’s early life was not only marked by personal ambition, but also by a profound sense of responsibility as a family caretaker, especially following the loss of his parents. His mother, Ms Gabaipone Masire, died in 1944, along with her last born. His father, Mr Joni Masire, died in 1947.
At the time of these losses, Sir Ketumile Masire was still young and just beginning to carve out his identity. In an interview with BOPA on Friday, Ms Morufi Masire, the sister of the second president, reflected on how the passing of their parents bestowed upon Sir Ketumile an immense sense of duty that profoundly shaped his character. She noted that he took on various responsibilities, including herding cattle, while he simultaneously pursued education, ultimately becoming a teacher.
Ms Masire praised her brother’s intelligence, revealing that he often doubled classes at Tiger Kloof in order to finish his studies early and return home to fulfill his caretaker role for his siblings.
He passionately advocated for the education of his siblings. And his time at Tiger Kloof – an institution known for cultivating African leaders, teachers, and clergymen – had a significant impact on their educational pursuits. During a period of illness that caused Ms Masire to miss school, Sir Ketumile made a point of ensuring all his siblings were well cared for.
She remembered how he alleviated her struggles related to school by enrolling her in a home craft school in Mochudi, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to their family.
Even when his siblings faced health challenges, Sir Ketumile was a constant source of support. Ms Masire shared that his regular visits provided encouragement and were crucial to her completion of school. From a young age, even as early as Standard Six, he showed a keen interest in agriculture, cultivating a backyard garden to help feed the family and community.
He thrived on growing vegetables such as cabbage and would sell them after school to put food on the table.
His appreciation for traditional Setswana dishes further showcased his connection to his roots. Ms Masire recounted that upon returning from Tiger Kloof, Sir Ketumile became a dedicated teacher in their community, introducing Standard Seven because he believed the village was deserving of such educational advancement. She fondly recalled his neat handwriting, noting that he was her Standard Six Geography teacher. Interestingly, she pointed out that among their mother’s children, half were left-handed, including Sir Ketumile. Despite the age differences – where all siblings were three years apart – there was a strong sense of respect and unity among them, which was often acknowledged by elder members of the community.
In addition to his academic talents, Sir Ketumile was an accomplished carpenter and a celebrated sprinter, earning numerous trophies during his time at Tiger Kloof and in Kanye. He was known for navigating between the village and the cattle post on his bicycle, affectionately named ‘Disoto,’ and was the first in Kanye to own a tractor.
His structured routine included daily visits to the farm, yet he always ensured that his siblings were well fed and present for their meals. Even when making significant life decisions such as buying his first vehicle or getting married, he consulted his siblings, showing his deep respect for their input.
Ms Masire shared a poignant story regarding her brother’s wedding. In the weeks leading up to the event, Sir Ketumile faced numerous challenges, including financial setbacks and a severe illness that required hospitalisation – caused by exposure to a certain agricultural chemical.
On the day of his wedding, despite still being in the hospital, he managed to marry with the support of close relatives standing in for him as the groom.
Reflecting on his legacy, Ms Masire expressed pride in how Sir Ketumile’s six children embodied his values of love, respect, and honour within their family, ensuring that his remarkable spirit continued to thrive.
For More News And Analysis About Botswana Follow Africa-Press
