27 Apr 2025

On a chilly Saturday, mourners gathered in Serinane to pay their final respects to the late Kgosi Malang Galeatle, who passed away at the age of 69 on April 15.

Kgosi Galeatle had served as the headman of records for Serinane since 2013, and his sudden death has left a significant void in the community. 

Speakers at the funeral, speakers hailed him as an exceptional leader, celebrated for his selflessness, humour, and humility. Mourners noted his intelligence, strong work ethic, and punctuality as hallmarks of his character.

“His contributions to transforming the community and as well as his village will be remembered for generations to come,” said Bakwena deputy chief of Bakwena, Mr Lawrence Mohaladi. He said Galeatle passing was a loss to bogosi institution, saying the deceased was  active in all matters concerning bogosi and especially cultural and traditional events.

“Kgosi Galeatle was a knowledgeable person who transformed Serinane into what it is today and helped unite the community,” Mr Mohaladi added.

Colonel Tonny Modise, a representative of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF), expressed that the lates’ death was a loss to the Thebephatshwa Air Base community, where he was regarded as a parental figure always present at their events. “His humility, punctuality, and dedication to his work are qualities that will be hard to replace,” he said. 

Mr Onkabetse Nkeletsang, deputy chairperson of the Ministers’ Fraternal, spoke on how Kgosi Galeatle inspired local churches to unify and collaborate in community-building efforts. 

One of his children Ms Pauline Lefatshe, offered at tribute, recalling her father as a great mentor and loving parent. She noted that while he was strict, he also had a friendly and humorous side. “He raised us according to the Bible and was a man of fairness and discipline,” she said, describing the family home as a ‘court martial’ where children learned discipline.

Ms Lefatshe reflected on her father’s aspirations for them, saying,  ‘he wished for us to become successful in our lives and often said he wanted to see us carrying a ‘stick of honour.’ I am grateful that before he died, he witnessed me holding the stick of honour.”

Although the family feels the pain of his sudden passing, Ms Lefatshe pledged that they would honour and celebrate his life by carrying on his legacy, knowing what he wanted for them. 

Kgosi Galeatle is survived by his wife and five children. ENDS