Botswana: Botswana President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has expressed his profound condolences to the Moleko family following the demise of Lekena Moleko, whom he described as a childhood friend, reverent, and humble at all times.
In a sober funeral ceremony filled with dirge and personal tributes at Phomolong cemeteries on Thursday, President Masisi took mourners down memory lane of his encounter with the deceased, which he said dated back to their secondary school days.
“There are lots of fond memories emanating from our adolescent times with Lekena, which started off at Maru-a-Pula secondary school. I must admit that he was a very bubbly character and an extremely talented footballer and athlete; attributes that made him popular among his peers at school,” President Masisi recalled.
From their childhood days, President Masisi said the deceased had always been a loyal friend; hence, it did not come as a surprise that what started off as childhood friendship survived over the years until the deceased’s last days on earth.
“One of Lekena’s strong attributes was his loyalty to friendship, and it was very seldom of him to miss any former schoolmates‘ reunion activity,” he said.
In consoling the family, President Masisi acknowledged that there were no words to ease the deep sorrow the family felt, but it was important for them to know that they were in the company of caring people who kept them in their prayers at all times.
He urged the Moleko family and friends to remain steadfast in their faith during their time of bereavement and encouraged them not to despair but to draw comfort from the Setswana tradition of sticking together during trying times.
“It is important for the Moleko household to find solace from the Setswana time-tested tradition of coming together and supporting those grieving the loss of a loved one,” President Masisi emphasized.
A family representative, Thobo Moleko, expressed appreciation for the consoling words of sympathy, saying they would bring the much-needed comfort and solace.
Born on June 6, 1960, in Johannesburg, South Africa, Moleko passed away on September 21, 2023, following a long illness.