Motsamai Keyecwe Mpho, that larger than life icon of liberation politics has passed on. He succumbed to illness at Princess Marina Hospital on Wednesday 28 November, 2012 aged 91. Rre Mpho, upon matriculation at Tiger Kloof College devoted his entire life to the service of the downtrodden and oppressed masses of the Southern African region. He joined the ANC in 1952 and became an integral part of the structures that fought against apartheid. His contribution to the struggle for the emancipation of the people of South Africa is widely acclaimed and acknowledged at the highest echelons of the current ANC Government.
Rre Mpho was instrumental in the attainment of independence for Botswana. He was a part of a movement that introduced party politics in Botswana. His advocacy for alternative politics in post independence Botswana is legendary. He has been consistent in his pursuit of liberty, justice and freedom. He was practical in his actions. To him equality, social justice and human rights were principles to be lived and actualized. His tenure in the Parliament of the Republic of Botswana was punctuated by a passionate plea to achieve equality and unity in the Republic of Botswana. He truly believed in unity in diversity.
Amid massive resource and propaganda might of the BDP, Rre Mpho did not yield. He constantly sought partnerships, interventions and models that could help dislodge the BDP. He was eternally optimistic about the prospect of a better life for Batswana. As a leader he worked with different opposition parties and leaders. At times, he was betrayed, yet at other times he was fulfilled. Rre Mpho took all these in his stride and to him it was part of a complex political calculus of liberation politics. He was not one who would hate for differences of opinion. He knew very well that at the very core of democracy is diversity of views. He participated in different opposition cooperation negotiations but he emerged out of all them civil and focused. He never allowed failure to detract from his noble intentions for his people.
Even at an advanced age, Rre Mpho had boundless energy for politics. He was incisive in his thinking. His wisdom and counsel facilitated the eventual merger of the BCP and BAM. He paid attention to detail but was not rigid. He was critical but humble. He accepted criticism very well and at times he invited it. He was an extraordinary personality. He was pleasant but yet extremely purposive. He insisted on the attainment of results. He was also a skilful activist who was able to form rapport with cadres of varying characters. Rre Mpho knew his flock. He visited and phoned cadres to motivate them.
As we mourn the departure of this great legend of our politics, we also celebrate his exemplariness. Rre Mpho was a personification of wisdom and he taught all of us who interacted with him to aspire to attain wisdom. He was a role model and he demonstrated to all of us that it is possible to be principled in life and in politics. He showed us that citizenship is not just about material possessions but it is also about personal sacrifice and service to humanity. He also taught us that even when we differ with our adversaries, we must eliminate anger, prejudice, envy and hate from our systems. He told us to respect, love and embrace all persons. We will endeavour to emulate his example.
We thank the all Mighty Lord for favouring us with the life of Rre Mpho and for giving him a good heart. May the Lord console, comfort and give his family and friends everlasting peace.
Taolo Lucas
Information & Publicity Secretary
Botswana Congress Party
