MPs weep uncontrollably over Bathobakae�s death
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Wednesday November 30, 2016 15:11
Most of the time when he described Bathobakae, Boko bowed his head and other MPs could not control their emotions as they wept. At some point, a distraught Boko seemed overwhelmed by emotions and had to kept quite for 10 minutes while the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) MP, Dithapelo Keorapetse took over the sombre press conference.
Bathobakae died on Monday of a suspected heart attack, according to a Tlokweng councillor. All opposition MPs attended the press conference. After regaining his composure, Boko said as tears streamed down his face: “This is one of the saddest moments as a leader for me to make a painful announcement of the passing on of our own. Bathobakae was the pillar of strength for all of us. She was like a friend, a mother and a warrior in the struggle. She stood with me during the hard times in Botswana National Front (BNF) when she was my vice. We are mourning her passing as opposition parties”. At the press conference, however, the party leaders could not disclose the details of what could have caused the death of the MP. The opposition whip, Wynter Mmolotsi said the family is still working around the dates for the funeral when their sister/mother would be laid to rest. “The memorial service is likely going to be held on Thursday, if she would be laid to rest this weekend”.
Bathobakae was the only opposition female MP. She became a legislator after winning the general elections in October 2014. Bathobakae joined the BNF during her youthful days.
She joined active politics in 1999 after working as a conveyancing secretary at different law firms. In 2004, she was the South East South chairperson. At the time of her death, she was the president of the BNF Women’s League.
Bathobakae celebrated her 60th birthday mid this year. She assisted societies such as Tlamelong Rehabilitation Centre with groceries. She also formed a youth group, ‘Banana ba Botshabelo’ for unemployed youths. Its aim was to bring youth in one place and teach them different life skills and issues.
A mother to one child, she often said she had raised many other children as her own. Her daughter, Tshepho Phetwe, the latter’s husband, Puso Phetwe and two grandchildren, survive her.