12 Dec 2024

The last surviving member of the 1965 Cabinet, Mr Kenneth Moesi Nkhwa, has passed away at the age of 97 in his home village of Gulubane. Ms Taboka Nkhwa, a family representative, confirmed that Mr Nkhwa will be laid to rest on Saturday.

Ms Nkhwa shared that her father had been in and out of the hospital for the past nine years due to a prolonged illness, ultimately taking his last breath on Tuesday. 

Reflecting on his life, she expressed gratitude for his contributions as a leader and a patriot, stating, ‘as a family and community, we cherished his role in our lives.”

Born to the late Mr Moesi Nkhwa and Ms Tengane Nkhwa as the third-born child, Kenneth began his education in Gulubane before moving to Francistown to attend the African School, now known as Nyangabgwe Primary School. After completing Standard 6, he traveled to South Africa’s Tiger Kloof-Vryburg for secondary education.

Ms Nkhwa recounted his journey during and after World War II, where, alongside his peers, he enlisted in the war effort after leaving school. Stationed in Egypt, Mr Nkhwa often reminisced about the challenges of desert life, longing to follow the Nile River back home. However, he understood his purpose as a member of the Allied Forces, persevering through difficulties that ultimately led to his promotion to Lance Corporal and Corporal. Upon returning from the war, his parents encouraged him to continue his education, and he resumed his studies at Tiger Kloof in 1948.

After his studies, Mr Nkhwa sought opportunities in South Africa, excelling in marketing and sales due to his natural charisma. It was during this time that he became engaged with political issues, particularly aligned with the Pan African Congress (PAC) and its leader, Robert Sobukwe, amid the displacement of locals by the Tati Company.

In 1963, Mr Nkhwa joined the Bechuanaland People’s Party (BPP) and was appointed the party’s South African Branch coordinator. He was elected to represent the Tati West Constituency in the 1965 general election. During his tenure in the National Assembly, he supported welfare policies, including funding for children’s education and food distribution during droughts.

After his legislative career, he served as the chairman of the North East District Council until 1999 and was appointed Headman of Arbitration for the Nkhwa Ward in Gulubane Village in 2002. Mr. Nkhwa was honored twice with Presidential Awards: the Presidential Order of Meritorious Service Award by Sir Ketumile Masire in 1990 and the Presidential Order of Honour by Festus Mogae in 2002.

A notable legacy of Mr Nkhwa can be seen in the recently named Kenneth Nkhwa Interchange, located in the Francistown Central Business District.

Ms Nkhwa emphasized that this landmark symbolizes her father’s enduring legacy. Ends