The Great Composer And Impactful Educationalist
Dr Kgalemang Tumedisho Motsete is remembered for composing Botswana’s timeless national anthem. The national anthem was officially adopted in 1966. Since independence, the song is sung during the country’s important events. The national anthem is accorded immense respect by the citizens.
Dr K. T Motsete was born in 1899 and passed on in 1974. He was co-founder and leader of Botswana People’s Party (BPP). In 1932 he opened the protectorate’s first secondary school, the Tati Training institute, which unfortunately closed its doors in 1941 due to the financial constraints caused by Second World War.
BPP co-founder Motsamai Mpho stated that “Fatshe leno la rona” was written in 1962. He stated that Motsete had penned the anthem in Ghana, where he was inspired by the songs of liberation from that country. Indeed, Mpho asserts that himself, Motsete, and three others were the first people to sing the anthem while returning home on a flight from Ghana.
Dr K.T Motsete was honoured by the country’s leadership for his efforts with his portrait on the National currency P20. Kgalemang Motsete CJSS in Serowe was named in his honour to keep his name alive.
