28 Jan 2025

Heartfelt tributes have begun to pour in for Dr Gaositwe Chiepe who passed on Sunday, with many honouring her unwavering sense of duty, resilience, and dedication to serving the nation.

Across Botswana, her passing has sparked deep reflections on her historic contributions to the country, particularly within the education sector.

Dr Chiepe who was an esteemed educator, played a pivotal role in helping to shape the nation’s education system and was instrumental in navigating Botswana’s transition from a protectorate to a postcolonial state.

Her leadership has left an indelible mark by helping to position Botswana as a beacon of peace, good governance, and democracy amidst a landscape dominated by colonial legacies.

Her career was marked by groundbreaking achievements, notably as Botswana’s first female cabinet minister.

Appointed Minister of External Affairs from 1984 to 1995, Dr Chiepe had a significant influence on shaping the nation’s foreign policy. 

Prior to that role, she served as the Minister of Mineral and Water Affairs from 1977 to 1984 and as the Minister of Commerce and Industry from 1974 to 1977.

She was also Botswana’s high commissioner to the United Kingdom and Nigeria, as well as Ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to France, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Belgium and to the European Economic Community (EEC).

Former cabinet minister Dr Margret Nasha recounted her first encounter with Dr Chiepe during her time as a news reporter covering Parliament sessions.

She expressed how much inspiration she drew from Dr Chiepe, both as a legislator and a diplomat.

Dr Nasha noted that Dr Chiepe was a formidable presence in parliamentary debates and was never intimidated by the male dominance in Parliament at the time.

“The late Dr  Chiepe was a patriot at heart. I still have vivid memories of our early encounters during my news reporting days. She would passionately respond to every question I posed during interviews, aiming to fully inform the nation of its developmental strides,” Dr Nasha reflected.

She described Dr Chiepe as a true stateswoman of unmatched dignity, who strengthened the foundation of Botswana’s education system as an educationalist and solidified the country’s bilateral ties as a diplomat.

Gender activist Ms Ntombi Setshwaelo, who was once Dr Chiepe’s neighbour, described her as a role model for many women.

Ms Setshwaelo stated that Dr Chiepe’s conduct as both a civil servant and legislator epitomised the strength of women.

“She was an exemplar of the notion that one does not need to be a man to influence decision-making and to perform with excellence and integrity,” Ms Setshwaelo said.

She emphasised that Dr Chiepe was instrumental in advocating for gender equality and equity, serving as a paragon of what women could achieve.

As a neighbour, Ms Setshwaelo remembered Dr Chiepe as someone who was always warm and humorous with everyone in the neighborhood.

“Despite her busy schedule, Dr Chiepe would always make time for a chat and a cup of tea, sharing her life experiences, which were beneficial in uplifting individuals. She embodied generosity,” she commented.

A staunch member of the Botswana Democratic Party, a statement from the former ruling party described Dr Chiepe as a symbol of hope, wisdom, and resilience, dedicating her life to shaping Botswana into the proud nation it is today.

“Her legacy as an educator, diplomat, and political leader will forever be etched in our history. She inspired generations with her courage and unwavering commitment to serving her country,” the statement concluded.

As the nation mourns her loss, the memory of her contributions will undoubtedly endure, serving as a testament to her exceptional life and service to the country. ENDS