24 Jun 2024

Judge Gaedupe Makgato of the Industrial Court was laid to rest in Machaneng on Saturday.

Many speakers at the funeral said Judge Makgato had a complex character, at times very formal and strict while at times the prankster and a jester for he possessed a wicked sense of humour.

They said Judge Makgato was selfless, an altruistic philanthropist with many of his good deeds unknown to the general public.

They also said he was also a farmer and loved his family.

A message of condolence from Acting President Mr Slumber Tsogwane, read by Mahalapye District Commissioner Mr Ernest Phiri said Judge Makgato joined the Administration of Justice inn September 1996 as a trainee magistrate and rose up the magistracy ladder until he became a chief magistrate in 2010 in Selebi-Phikwe, the position he held until his appointment as judge of the Industrial Court in August 2017.

His lordship had previously acted as regional magistrate from August to December 2013.

As part of his professional growth, he co-authored and published two journal articles in 2016, dealing with critical matters of jurisprudence. He has also contributed a chapter in a book titled, “Labour law and the Constitution, which was published in the year 2012. Furthermore, Judge Makgato was a PhD candidate at the University of South Africa at the time of his demise.

The message said “indeed the country has been robbed of the services of a distinguished child of the soil and his absence will adversely affect the adjudication of cases in the context where the judiciary is clearing a back lock of cases.”

Another message of condolence from the Minister of Justice Mr Machana Shamukuni said Justice Makgato was young and promising to be a pillar amongst those that uphold the rule of law.

The message also said the loss of a judge like this is not only a loss to the family but also a loss to the legal fraternity and the nation of Botswana.

 Member of Parliament for Sefhare/ Ramokgonami, Dr Kesitegile Gobotswang, however, said that he was happy that Judge Makgato had not been involved in disturbing issues such as bribery and forum shopping.

He said that was a sign that he valued his work. Industrial Court Judge President, Diratsagae Molomo, said Judge Makgato was a hard worker and he was also still young so they expected a lot from him.

He pointed out that not only his family lost but the nation as a whole.

Children’s representative Lefa Kgang said his father was not just a father but a mentor, a friend and a guiding light.

 He said he would not just remember his wise words but use his advice in the future ahead. Judge Makgato’s friends Professor Seraga Motsamai, Mr Morris Ndawana, Mr Banyatsi Mmekwa and Mr Edwin Tshelane who were friends with him for more than thirty years said that their friend had an amazing love and died having made different friends from all walks of life.

 They said Judge Makgato loved farming and was quite the cattle farmer. He also loved his family, often quietly extending assistance without being asked.

Mr Ndawana said Judge Makgato was full of humility and had a very cool demeanour.

He said he was highly principled and a shining example of consummate professionalism.

He pointed out that his friend was very intelligent and if he believed in something he would not change.

He said he was the servant of the law and was also passionate about education. Judge Makgato excelled academically in both primary, secondary and senior school.

On completion of his O’ levels Justice Makgato was admitted into an elite science programme, administered by the University of Amsterdam through the University of Botswana called Pre-Entry Science Course (PESC).

While it was thought he would become a scientist of note, Judge Makgato then decided to veer course and was admitted to do a Bachelor of Law (LLB) still with UB which degree he completed in 1996.

 In 2010 he completed a Master of Law (LLM) at the University of Cape Town, South Africa. His culmination in academia, was being enrolled for a PHD in Law at the University of South Africa (UNISA).

He was in the last stages of its completion when he met his untimely demise. In terms of his professional memberships, he was an attorney of the high court of Botswana and a member of the Law Society of Botswana. He was passionate about human rights.

As an individual, he was pro the marginalized and vulnerable.

 He abhorred injustices of any kind and strong was his sense of justice or retribution that he would wait patiently for many years to exert his revenge.

Judge Makgato was born on July 24, 1971 and died on June 15, 2024 at Gaborone Private Hospital where he had been under medical care. ENDS