Kgamane reminisces about Mandela's 1995 visit

Gasebalwe Seretse | Wednesday December 18, 2013 16:16

 

Speaking in an interview to reminisce about Mandela’s 1995 Serowe visit, Kgamane said that the Bamagwato came in their thousands to see a man that many on the African continent regarded as a great struggle hero.

“There were people all over the Kgotla, some were perched on treetops while others climbed hillocks around the area to get a glimpse of Mandela,” said Kgamane, adding that the statesman had come to Serowe at the request of the Bangwato.

He said that Mandela’s visit to the capital of the Bangwato would remain one of the most historic moments in the history of the tribe and the country.

He highlighted that Mandela came to Botswana as the first democratically elected president of South Africa and that he came to visit the village of the first president of an independent Botswana, which was something coincidentally remarkable.

Kgamane further said that Mandela had an infectious smile that enabled him to charm those around him.

“The way a smile never left that man’s face made him one of the happiest men I ever knew.

“Even those around him could instantly feel that he was very content and glad to be amongst the people,” he said. Kgamane said that Mandela also broke protocol and easily mingled with ordinary people to chat with them and at some point joined a group of traditional dancers in a dance.

During the event, which was graced by former ministers Colin Blackbeard and Dr Gaositwe Chiepe, Mandela laid a wreath on Sir Seretse Khama’s tomb and planted a jacaranda tree in the middle of the Kgotla. Kgosi Kgamane showed Mmegi the tree that Mandela planted. The jacaranda is still intact and it has grown remarkably.