BCPWL on Roseline Panzirah-Matshome
It is with great sadness and sorrow that we learn of the untimely passing of Roseline Panzirah-Matshome, the founding secretary-general of the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF). Roseline was not just in politics, she was indeed a force to be reckoned with in a world where women remain an endangered species.
Roseline’s contribution to Botswana’s politics is traceable to the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), a party she left to take up the challenge of starting anew.
For those in opposition politics, we all know the challenges of being out there. Roseline confronted these. Having left the ruling party, one can imagine the shock and hurdles she had to adjust to as politics in the opposition is very different from being in the BDP. Roseline chose her route and sailed against the tide.
As the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) Women’s League, we relate closely with the BPF as our alliance partner in the upcoming by-elections. Not only do we face today’s politics of the under hand and man eat man, but we live the real life of being viewed as anti- instead of co-builders. Opposition in a democratic state is supposed to be a partner towards enriching the livelihoods of its nationals.
Unfortunately, in our situation, the opposition is not only a threat but a real enemy to be thwarted at all times. For a woman being a politician, the struggle can be quite dirty. We saw how Roseline was subjected to all these and overcame with admirable endurance.
Roseline leaves at a time when as women in opposition we decry limited participation and representation in political leadership. She goes at a time where gender-based violence (GBV) is at the apex of every woman’s mind. She leaves behind the BPF she set to establish, a real threat to the rulers. Roseline leaves at a time when women in politics need more to be as one than ever – to call for action, real action against the monster called GBV. She leaves when there is still so much to do.
Roseline may be gone, but in her we know many would have learnt one or two things:
That being a woman is no limitation, if you believe in a course you should pursue it to note. That detractors, no matter how much they wage against you, in pursuance of a course you need to focus and soar the tides.
That no space in politics is a preserve for some. If you believe in it, you can. She held the core position of a party that rose from naught to being a force to reckon with in local politics.
To all the women in politics, active politics I mean, let us pick these learning tools in running our race. Let us realise the need to be focussed, speak in one voice and fight in the course of justice, as we push to create a world where women and girls are safe, where they are equals with men in paving the future of Botswana. As we fight for the upliftment of our economy, where we know the face of poverty is a woman. Let us pick up where she left off and lift the banner of women. Roseline, your footprints shall remain indelible in the path of Botswana opposition politics.
To the BPF, thank you for having trusted a woman for the care of your organisation. We do believe you saw in her nothing but capability – may all leaders learn to seek capability. We are with you in this moment of sorrow. When a cadre falls there is only one way to honour them, pick up your spear and fight on. To the women in the BPF who so much looked to Roseline for inspiration and guidance, seek solace in that she has rested, the pain she bore is no more. Celebrate the work she did against all odds, above the pain she personally lived with. Like a soldier she fought through her limp and put up a good fight.
At the BCPWL we are reminiscing a moment in politics, where all women in politics will turn and realise that a woman’s struggle for equality, for a safe space to be and for an opportunity to explore their talents to the limit as God-given lies with no one but themselves and therefore the need to unite and create that environment.
Robala ka kagiso Thakadu, robala ka kagiso comrade. May her soul rest in eternal peace.