06 Jan 2022

Willoughby Kemoen was laid to rest in Kanye at Kgwakgwe burial site on Tuesday (January 04, 2022).

In a send-off ceremony, speakers took turns to describe Willoughby as a hardworking person who served the nation tirelessly through sport.

A family representative and his uncle Mr Seadimo Kemoen hailed him as a game changer who transformed many lives through sport adding that his nephew who was born in 1967 was a loving and energetic person who was supportive in family matters.

He said his nephew always exchanged bouts with his peers at home as a sign that he loved Boxing at a tender age.

Elder brother, Boiki Kemoen said they grew up together from a Christian family. “He was firm in decision making and would fight for his ideas to be incepted if the need arise, as he always wanted to win,” he said.

He talked about his love to wear suits which he said also reflected his inner personality.

Father in law, Mr Morerinyane Molato said Willoughby who had special skills and talent was a straight forward person.

Retired Maj. Gen. and also Ngwaketse Land board chairperson, Mr Odirile Mashinyana conveyed message of condolences from Botswana Association of Tribal Land Authorities (BATLA). He said what he observed from their work relationship established in 2020, Willoughby always had diverse views when dealing with issues that needed to be addressed.

 “He was very particular in servicing the nation and he always strived for excellence as he believed there is always room for improvement,” he said.

Jacob Sesinyi said his friend believed in the spirit of togetherness and urged the family to stand together in times of need.

Willoughby retired from Botswana Defence Force in 2000 and worked in different companies among them AC Braby, Nasua, Fincraft Investment Management and Canon Botswana where he was a sales executive.

He succumbed to illness while serving as a board member of Ngwaketse Land Board. Always keen to learn, he was decorated with a number of credentials among them; certificate of City and Guilds that he obtained at YWCA, certificate in preaching that he obtained at United Congregational Church of Southern Africa’s (UCCSA) Moffat Mission Training College at Kuruman and Diploma in Theology from Kgolagano College.

He had an amazing talent in dancing and was well known during the times of Michael Jackson and mentored children in dancing. He won several entertainment and music awards.  

He also tried his luck in boxing, the sport he loved wholeheartedly. During his days at Lobatse Senior Secondary School he was known for fast japs and a powerful left uppercut.

He also tried his luck in football but later returned to boxing where he served Botswana Boxing Association (BoBA) for a very long time as a spokesperson where he was affectionately known as ‘Kgagaripa’ selling the game of boxing using words such as “our boxing, our pride” that saw the code rose to another level

Willoughby who passed on December 29 was the third child of Ms Daphne Kemoen. He is survived by wife Boipuso, four children: three girls and a boy, and two grand-children. He also leaves behind three siblings. ENDS