News / Regional
Mphoko returns to Zimbabwe, to attend Tsholotsho burials
18 Jan 2015 at 09:10hrs | Views
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."
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."
Source - sundaymail
