Botswana will celebrate Dr. Chiepe’s centenary
Masisi and his entourage promises to honour the ‘ woman of many firsts’
Dr. Gaositwe Chiepe will be celebrating her 100th birthday next week Thursday 20th October 2022.
The lady whose name is synonymous with breaking barriers was treated to a visit from President Mokgweetsi Masisi, Vice President Slumber Tsogwane and other cabinet members this week Tuesday.
Masisi explained that he will continue to celebrate men and women who came before us. He said that it is imperative for people not to forget where they come from. Masisi expressed great joy at the fact that Dr. Chiepe has reached this milestone. He confessed that he has had the rare opportunity of knowing Dr. Chiepe as a young man because she was close friends with his father, the late Edison Setlhomo Masisi. Furthermore, Masisi said that the government will surely celebrate Dr. Chiepe’s life and the work that she has done for the country. He said that they have not forgotten nor neglected Dr. Chiepe in any manner. He said he had enjoyed her presence as he shared bits and pieces of what they are doing in the government. Masisi explained that he will continue to visit elders who paved the way for our nation and advised that as a people we must never forget where we are from. “As leaders it is important not to forget where we are from,” said Masisi, adding that those that have gone before us carry the history of our nation. He said that stemming from this ideology it is important that we appreciate our elders especially whilst they are still alive. Dr. Chiepe was herself overjoyed that the president visited her. She said the visit shows that her work and impact has not been in vain or forgotten by the nation. Dr. Chiepe’s life began when Botswana was still a protectorate of the United Kingdom. She was born in Serowe, her mother fought tooth and nail to get her an education, which became the cornerstone for her future success. Her illustrious career spanned a period of close to 30 years serving in high government positions as high commissioner; Member of Parliament and Minister in different portfolios among them, Minerals, Foreign Affairs and Education.
Dr. Chiepe has aged gracefully as she still has her contagious smile and cheerful spirit. As she and Masisi conversed she would throw in jokes and light up the room.