The family grappled with the heartbreak of being unable to bury their father for nearly three years. His remains were kept at Joyce’s Mortuary in Gantsi. Their hopes had nearly diminished as legal battles with the government left them with no solution. However, when the new government under the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) came into power, their cries were heard and their father was finally laid to rest at Metsiamanong in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR). They were finally allowed to honour their father's wish and bury him to rest at his preferred place. This resolution brought immense relief and joy to the Gaoberekwe family, as they had waited for almost three years for the government to give them the green light to bury their father. The dispute with the former government began when the family expressed their desire to bury their father inside the CKGR, as per his dying wish. Even though the long legal battle did not bear fruit, the family refused to relent.
They boldly declared that the government could bury their father wherever it wished, but they would not participate if his wishes were not respected. This unprecedented situation sparked widespread debate across the country, as it was the first of its kind in Botswana. The tides turned this year when Advocate Duma Boko, who had previously served as the family’s attorney, became President. In one of his addresses, he assured the nation that the government would cover all the burial expenses for Gaoberekwe and announced the funeral date. Gaoberekwe received a dignified funeral, which was attended by President Duma Boko, Vice President Ndaba Gaolathe, cabinet ministers, members of opposition parties, and Batswana from different walks of life. His body was transported by helicopter to the CKGR, a gesture warmly welcomed by the Basarwa community in the area.
The total mortuary costs, amounting to P1.4 million, were covered by the government. The funeral marked a turning point for the Gaoberekwe family and brought joy and unity to many in the society. Although the courts had initially ruled that Gaoberekwe could be buried anywhere except at the CKGR, citing his relocation to New Xade due to illness, the new government’s decision honoured the family's perseverance and their father's final wish. This remarkable story remains a powerful testament to resilience, justice, and cultural respect. As the deceased wishes clashed with the State, legal representatives of the state argued that his relocation to New Xade made it the appropriate final home for Gaoberekwe.
However, his family strongly opposed this, insisting on honouring Gaoberekwe's wish to be buried inside the CKGR. This disagreement complicated burial arrangements for years. By early 2023, the family had publicly declared their decision to move on with their lives, stating that they would not participate in any government-led burial arrangements.
