16 May 2024

Kgosi Mooketsi Kgotlele of Leshibitse will be buried in Mochudi on Saturday, May 18.

Kgosi Kgotlele died last week at the age of 66. Speakers at his memorial service described him as a well-respected civil servant and dedicated football stalwart as well as leader, counsellor and a parent to many.

Former football administrator, Mr Ashford Mamelodi said he knew Mr Kgotlele for over 30 years, including during his stint as an official of Notwane football club and CEO of Botswana Football Association (BFA).

He said he enjoyed working with him whilst at BFA when he was the Coca Cola sales manager and that the company was their long-term sponsor.

Mr Mamelodi said Tosh as he was affectionately called as came across as a passionate football leader who loved the game and gave it his all.

“Although he had retired from football, Tosh will be remembered as a hard-working and straight talker who liked achieving for the game. He will be remembered for his hard work and strong commitment and will be sadly missed by all from football in Botswana, particularly at Notwane and the BFA family,” he said.

He said described  Kgotlele as  authentic, a great gentleman, full of humour and a great friend to have, adding that he was not surprised that he was installed chief of Leshibitse given his demeanour and qualities of leadership.

“I wish to convey my heartfelt condolences to his family and Bakgatla ba Leshibitse.

We should thank the Lord for the time we were able to spend with him during his short life. We must also remember that Kgosi is home now and resting,” he said.

During Kgosi Kgotlele’s memorial service in Leshibitse on Wednesday, his subjects said his death would be felt throughout the community.

They described him as a present leader who paid attention to details and committed to serving and uplifting members of his community.

Artesia Kgosi George Thwane, who presides over Artesia, Leshibitse, Dikgonnye and Kgomodistshaba cluster said Kgosi Kgotlele’s presence and guidance would be missed as he was a traditionalist and advisor to many.

He urged Leshibitse residents to celebrate his life and cherish the memories they had with him. “We should know that he has ran his race and is now resting,” he said.

He said Kgosi Kgotlele was a member of the Lelomakgomo regiment and a great custodian of culture, adding that during his chieftainship tenure he dealt with civil and criminal cases.

Kgatleng tribal administration secretary, Ms Ketlaetso Ndebele said Kgosi Kgotlele would be remembered for his intelligence and soft demeanour. She said he was installed as Leshibitse Kgosi in 2017 and contributed to community activities that involved bogosi and was always ready to work with others.

Kgatleng District Council chairperson, Mr Daniel Molokwe said Mr Kgotlele ‘loved life’ and had an unwavering commitment to football as well as committed to serving the country and a people’ person.

He said he knew him as a member of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) and was once secretary for Kgatleng West branch, adding that he also once contested as an MP under the BDP ticket.

He said his charisma earned him respect and was endorsed as headman of Leshibitse because people had decided that they wanted him to lead them although he was interested in politics.

Mosomane councillor, Mr Tshepo Ruele implored Leshibitse residents to remain united in the departure of their leader and encouraged them to celebrate his life.

A member of the Parents and Teacher Association committee for Leshibitse Primary School, Ms Lesedi Bae said Kgosi Kgotlele would be remembered for his good command of the English language.

Village Development Committee chairperson, Mr Obonye Bae said they were aware that he had no room for error and would be missed for his guidance. He said Kgosi Kgotlele liked order and was always on point.

Ms Esther Ntsima of Leshibitse Farmers Committee said Kgosi Kgotlele would be remembered for resuscitating village committees and ‘keeping them on their toes’ to deliver.

She said Kgosi Kgotlele was passionate about farming and that his legacy would continue to inspire them to work hard and achieve.
Kgosi Kgotlele leaves behind a wife and two children. ENDS