Eulogies poured in at the burial of former Cabinet Minister and Botswana’s former High Commissioner to India, Lesego Motsumi, in Ramotswa this past Saturday.
Just before her casket was lovingly lowered at her final resting place at the village cemetery, speakers took turns expressing their fond memories of the former educator and legislator who also represented the country with distinction as an Ambassador in India.
Mma-Motsumi breathed her last at the age of 67 on January 9th, succumbing burn wounds following a tragic fire incident she sustained while burning waste at her place of residence in Ramotswa.
Botswana’s First Lady, Neo Masisi, Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Pono Moatlhodi, and several top government officials were among the mourners who thronged Motsumi’s residence in Sepitswana Ward to bid her farewell and accord her an honorable send-off.
Speakers at the funeral described Motsumi as a diligent, influential, and spirited individual who valued life and was devoted to having excellence aligned with her name.
Having started her entire career as an English and Setswana teacher, she was described to have been an educator of note, who produced scholars of high caliber and great contributors to this country.
As her journey was outspread, Motsumi later transitioned into a publisher and a politician who ascended with remarkable success, landing a role as a minister consecutively for different ministries before she could designate as Botswana’s High Commissioner to India. Eminently in 1999, Motsumi became the first female Member of Parliament for the South-East South Constituency.
Motsumi’s family spoke about her unwavering love for people, dedication to inculcating unity, and, commitment to serving her community and nation at large. “My beloved mother loved life and happiness was her priority,” highlighted Motsumi’s daughter, Thulaganyo Kauta.
Conveying his message, Tumelo Seboko described his sister as a selfless individual who raised many kids. “My sister would go all out of her way to make people happy,” he reminiscently stated.
Imparting her speech, a veteran politician and former cabinet colleague, Margaret Nasha exalted Motsumi as a dignified leader who embedded full support of women and earned badges of merit in public service. “Lesego was inspirational for women aspiring to be politicians,” she declares, classifying that she was a dedicated patriot.
Speaking deservingly high of Motsumi, Kgosikgolo Mosadi Seboko of Balete categorized her as a leader whose legacy would be imprinted in history and she will forever be remembered for her achievements, adding that her life ought to be celebrated.
The renowned Motsumi leaves behind four siblings, four children and six grandchildren.
As her soul marches on to Heaven, we convey our deepest condolences to the Motsumi family, friends and relatives. May her soul eternally rest in peace!!
