The family of Gobe Matenge (92), through his granddaughter Tapiwa Masie has confirmed his passing.
Matenge, a founding member of the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) has been battling with cancer for a long time and is said to have taken his last breath with all his children around him on 26th April 2018 at his house in the capital Gaborone.
He has been described by many as a technocrat who contributed significantly towards the development of Botswana. Matenge retired from active work in 1981 after serving as the Permanent Secretary in the then ministry of Home affairs. Before that he had worked as court interpreter, messenger in the office of District Commissioner, and clerical officer amongst other things. He also volunteered and spear headed the formation of organisations such as Transparency International Botswana, Kalahari Management Services Trust and the then Bechuanaland Protectorate Civil Association.
As a political activist Matenge joined the opposition Botswana National Front (BNF) back in the days but did not hold any position in the party. He later joined Botswana Congress Party (BCP) when it broke away from the BNF in 1999.
Details relating to his funeral are yet to be availed.
