Gov’t, BDP to hold memorial for departed Mthimkhulu
Sharon Mathala | Wednesday September 4, 2024 13:41
Mthimkhulu had been hospitalised for some time to receive clinical care. The deceased minister’s niece and family spokesperson, Sibongile Jinya, confirmed that the government will hold a memorial service for the late Gaborone South Member of Parliament. In a telephone interview this morning, Jinya told MmegiOnline that government will host a memorial on Thursday whilst her uncle’s party, the BDP will hold another in his honour on Friday. “The funeral proceedings will then move to Tloaneng. He will be buried there on Sunday,” she said. The BDP issued a statement indicating that Mthimkhulu’s demise 'cuts a deep wound, and is a huge loss not only to the Mthimkhulu family and his constituency but also to the BDP and its members across the country'. In a statement informing the public about the minister's death, Vice President Slumber Tsogwane described Mthimkhulu as a 'passionate, courageous and gutsy' legislator.
“We profoundly appreciate the dedicated service and contribution that our departed fellow, patriotic citizen made to our wonderful Republic of Botswana in the various roles he played during his life’s sojourn on Mother Earth that has now been cut short while we still expected more from him. On behalf of President Masisi and his family, and on behalf of my own family and I, as well as on behalf of the Government of Botswana, Cabinet, Parliament, and the nation at large, I solemnly send prayers to the late Mthimkhulu’s family, relatives, and friends, wishing them the comfort from the Almighty God during this difficult time of their loss. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Tsogwane said in a statement. Meanwhile, tributes from Parliament and Batswana continue to pour in for the minister who has been hailed by close allies as a straight shooter.
The Minister recently won the BDP primary elections (Bulela Ditswe) for the Gaborone South constituency and was to represent the ruling party in the General Election on October 30. His colleague Nevah Tshabang shared: “Mthimkhulu, so long my good friend. May your soul rest in peace.” His colleague in Cabinet, Minister Peggy Serame posted: “Heartfelt condolences to Mthimkhulu family and the people of Gaborone South. May the soul of our brother Mthimkulu rest in eternal peace.” Obakeng Matlou shared: “So long Honourable. Cheers Ntwana Wa Zolaz. You have served this nation extraordinarily and to the best of your abilities - for this, we remain eternally grateful. A Modimo a neele ba lelapa lo oo-Rra Mthimkhulu kgomotso mo nakong e botlhoko e. Good memories remain with us. Modimo ke yoo betsho, gomotsegang.”
A close friend, Tebogo Sebego, also took to his Facebook page: “When he stood under the BDP ticket in 2019, the writing was on the wall. He was one of our own. The voters in the area found him to be authentic. Their son, BDP took us to the cleaners. With Senyolonyolo (Oarabile Motlaleng) as one of the few survivors. DMM was loved by Gaborone South, he was our hero! A fearless debater, at times rough and where necessary uncouth! He spoke his mind.”