He was a visionary and sharp businessman

Obed Chilume, the founding Member of Parliament (MP) for Nkange in 1965, was laid to rest in Tutume on Saturday at the age of 87.

Chilume was born at Nswazwi village on August 8th 1933 as the first born to Nkhethiwa and Bazibi Chilume. His original village was Marapong.

After training as a primary school teacher at Kanye Teacher Training College, which was later relocated to Lobatse, he completed his studies in 1957. “In 1958 he started teaching at Batawana National School in Maun until 1961 when he was transferred to Nyamambisi Primary School in Marobela.

According to his obituary, Chilume did not stay long before he was posted to Mpiti Primary School in Matobo as school head where he served until 1965 when he became the MP for Nkange constituency as part of the 1st Parliament of Botswana.

Chilume is touted as a go-getter with a nose for business opportunities. From very humble beginnings, Chilume ventured into a number of successful businesses, starting off by establishing the first store in Marapong, the first public transport service between Marapong and Francistown, and a general dealer in Senete.

In Tutume, Chilume set up a small bar in the 1970s that has since blossomed into a sprawling multi-million commercial property that today houses local and international chain stores, among others, says the obituary.

As a leader, he was a true visionary who, upon becoming an MP, hit the ground running bringing many developments to his constituency some of which include Tutume McConnell Secondary School.

“He was also instrumental in the roll-out of brigades in the villages of Tutume, Nkange, Nswazwi and Maitengwe. The first health facilities, primary schools and bitumen roads in the constituency were done during his tenure. Although his village Marapong was outside his constituency, he was still heavily involved in its establishment,” says his obituary.

Chilume was also part of a team that