Motswana music stars died at age 78
Here are 1 famous musicians from Botswana died at 78:
Mompati Merafhe
Mompati Merafhe (June 6, 1936 Serowe-January 7, 2015 Gaborone) also known as Lt. Gen. Mompati Sebogodi Merafhe was a Motswana politician.
He served as the Vice President of Botswana from 1998 to 2008 under President Festus Mogae. During his political career, Merafhe played a significant role in Botswana's relations with neighboring countries and the international community. He was a key figure in overseeing the development and implementation of Botswana's foreign policies, particularly with regards to South Africa and Zimbabwe. Merafhe was also a retired Lieutenant General in the Botswana Defence Force and played a crucial role in the establishment of the country's armed forces. He was highly respected in Botswana and beyond for his leadership, dedication, and contributions to the country's development.
Prior to his political career, Merafhe served in the Botswana Defence Force for over 23 years, rising to the rank of Lieutenant General. He played a key role in the formation and development of the force, which was established in the early 1960s. Merafhe also served as Botswana's Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2008 to 2012 under President Ian Khama, before retiring from politics in 2014. In addition to his political and military career, Merafhe was also a successful businessman and owned several companies in Botswana. He was widely admired for his humility, integrity, and commitment to public service, and was considered one of Botswana's most influential leaders. After his death in 2015, he was lauded by many for his lifelong dedication to serving his country and his contributions to Botswana's development.
Merafhe was born in Serowe, Botswana, and was one of the first sets of children to attend the Seepapitso II Primary School in Serowe. After completing his primary education, he went on to secondary school at Tiger Kloof Educational Institution in South Africa, where he excelled academically and athletically. In 1958, he joined the Bechuanaland Protectorate Police Force as a cadet officer and later joined the Botswana Defence Force when it was established in 1977.
In addition to his political and military achievements, Merafhe was also a philanthropist and was actively involved in several community development projects. He was a founder and patron of the Merafhe Primary School in Serowe, which was established in 2002, and also supported various initiatives aimed at improving education, healthcare, and social services in the country.
Merafhe's contributions to Botswana's development were recognized both locally and internationally. He was awarded the Presidential Order of Honour in 2008, the highest award in Botswana, and was also a recipient of the Grand Cross of the Order of Good Hope, the highest honor in South Africa. Merafhe was married and had six children.
Throughout his political career, Mompati Merafhe had a profound impact on Botswana's international relations with other African countries. He was a key figure in facilitating peace talks between warring factions in South Sudan, and was highly regarded for his contributions to the mediation and resolution of conflicts in the Great Lakes region of Africa. Merafhe was also a respected diplomat and served as Botswana's Ambassador to the United States from 1991 to 1994, during which time he worked to strengthen ties between the two countries. He was also a founding member and former chairman of the African Centre for Constructive Resolution of Disputes, which aims to promote peaceful resolution of conflicts on the continent. Merafhe's legacy continues to inspire today, and his dedication to public service and commitment to his country's development will not soon be forgotten.
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