01 Dec 2024

The late Obed Chilume has been described as a phenomenal leader who made significant impact on the socio-economic status of Nkange constituency. 

Officiating at his tombstone unveiling in Tutume on Saturday, the Vice President Mr Ndaba Gaolathe said Chilume believed in the principles of botho and integrity. 

Mr Gaolathe noted that people of Tutume were fortunate to have had Chilume who believed in community-building and tirelessly stood his ground when advocating for developments to be brought to the northern side of the country. 

“This man was a man fond of always showing gratitude and the responsibility of sense of belonging to the community despite the position he held,” he said.

The VP said he also learnt and benefitted a lot from Chilume as he had a good relationship with his children whom they grew up together. 

Representative of the Association of former Members of Parliament Mr Edwin Batshu said Chilume was the first MP for their constituency lasting for 33 years from 1966 to 1999 until he handed the baton to Mr Ambrose Masalila. 

Mr Batshu added that as former MPs they felt honoured to celebrate their predecessor who paved a way for them to become representatives. 

He said they rejoice for even at that time when he was no longer able, he still played a significant role on the development of their constituency  and the country as whole. 

He pointed out that Chilume believed that constituents should be self reliant to the extent that while they were in Gaborone, he organised a committee aimed at driving developments in their respective villages. 

Mr Batshu said he would call meetings for all those holding different positions within the government to share ideas towards development of the constituency, adding that they also raise  funds through festive events. 

Meanwhile representative ofMaswibili explained that the late Chilume was the mastermind of the creation of the association which was aimed at empowering Bakalanga tribe to be vocal on preserving their language. 

He thus urged the association to uphold the founding principles and inspire young people to join them. 

His son, Mr Ntoo Chilume said his father left them a legacy which they would continue to drive and inspire others within the community as their father would have done. 

Mr Chilume died in 2020. BOPA