The President, Vice President, and Cabinet Ministers of Botswana have arrived at the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) to pay their last respects to the late Pitseng Gaoberekwe, a prominent figure in the San community. The official delegation is currently attending the final prayer service being held at Pitseng’s homestead in Metsiamong, as the nation prepares to lay him to rest.
Pitseng Gaoberekwe’s passing has drawn national attention, particularly as it highlights the ongoing struggles and aspirations of the San community in Botswana. His life and contributions have been a beacon for the recognition and justice of indigenous people, especially in their pursuit of rights to ancestral lands, cultural heritage, and self-determination.
The attendance of high-ranking government officials underscores the importance of this occasion, as Gaoberekwe’s legacy continues to inspire conversations around the need for greater inclusion and representation of the San community in national discourse. His passing coincides with International Human Rights Day on December 10, further amplifying the significance of his burial in the CKGR.
The government delegation, led by the President and Vice President, is expected to engage in discussions with the community regarding the ongoing efforts to address their concerns, including land rights and socio-economic empowerment. This event serves as an opportunity for the Botswana government to demonstrate its commitment to supporting the San people and ensuring that their voices are heard and considered in the shaping of policies that affect them.
As the nation bids farewell to Pitseng Gaoberekwe, the final prayer service is not only a moment of reflection but also a reminder of the continued struggle for justice and equality for the San people. His legacy will remain a driving force in the fight for their rights and recognition in Botswana’s future.
