adminMduduzi Mathuthu
VICE President Phelekezela Mphoko returned home yesterday following visits to Mozambique and Botswana.
Yesterday morning, the Vice President attended the burial of the former Botswana Vice President Lieutenant General Mompati Merafhe, who died on January 7 aged 78.
VP Mphoko, who was accompanied by his wife, Lourinda, and Defence Minister Sydney Sekeramayi, joined Botswana President Ian Khama, his predecessor Festus Mogae and the former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe among notable dignitaries during a four-hour ceremony and burial.
President Khama, one of a dozen speakers, said Lt. Gen. Merafhe — a former army commander who was Vice President of Botswana between 2008 and 2012 — had travelled a “principled journey”.
He praised him for touching the lives of many, saying he distinguished himself as a diligent, industrious, good-hearted and selfless individual.
“He was also very spirited, humorous, meticulous and most importantly he pursued a principled journey,” said President Khama, speaking under a giant white tent pitched on the grounds of Merafhe’s rural home in Serowe, 250km north east of the capital Gaborone.
In recognition of his immense contribution and unwavering commitment to the service of his country, President Khama said he had bestowed upon Merafhe the highest honour: Naledi ya Botswana.
Merafhe, he said, became the founding commander of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) when in “1977 he was entrusted by Botswana’s first President with the task of moulding a modern defence force in the shadow of conflict along the country’s borders.”
“He led the defence force at a time when Botswana was surrounded by the hostile minority,” said President Khama.
“I of course had the good fortune of having served with him in these formative years and can attest to the fact that it was his shrewdness that helped Botswana survive antagonistic neighbours, in a very hostile sub-region.
“Gen Merafhe’s legacy will live with us the people of Botswana forever. There is no doubt that he had a profound impact in the lives of many Batswana.”
Following the burial, Vice President Mphoko cut short his visit to return home where he will attend the burials of some victims of a horrific car accident which killed 11 Zimbabweans in Botswana last week.
Almost all the victims of the crash were from Tsholotsho.
Five men, five women and a child perished after their people carrier, which was driving through Botswana to South Africa, hit a donkey on the Martins-Drift road in central Botswana on January 12.
The Vice President is expected to console the bereaved families and offer material assistance for the burials.
VP Mphoko began his two-country trip with a stop in Mozambique on Wednesday and Thursday to attend the inauguration of President Filipe Nyusi.
Online Reporter