Botswana will kick-start its celebration of International Human Rights Day with the long-awaited burial of Pitseng Gaoberekwe in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR), a decision that marks a significant moment in both the country’s human rights history and the Gaoberekwe family’s legacy. Gaoberekwe, who passed away in December 2021 at the age of 79, was at the heart of a legal battle with the previous government over his preferred burial site.
After years of uncertainty, the family is finally able to fulfill his wishes and lay him to rest in the village of Metsiamanong, which holds deep cultural and personal significance for them. This is a victory for the Gaoberekwe family, who have fought relentlessly for the right to honor their father in his chosen resting place.
The announcement was made during President Duma Boko’s inaugural State of the Nation address, in which he confirmed that the Gaoberekwe family would be granted the right to bury their father in the CKGR, an area that is historically rich in meaning. The decision comes as a huge relief to the family, who had long felt the emotional burden of being unable to honor their patriarch as they saw fit.
This morning, President Duma Gideon Boko, Vice President Ndaba Gaolatlhe, and other cabinet ministers are attending the funeral to pay their respects and demonstrate the government’s commitment to supporting the rights of its citizens. The burial of Gaoberekwe serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural and personal rights, and it aligns with the broader themes of freedom and dignity celebrated on International Human Rights Day.
As the country mourns the loss of Pitseng Gaoberekwe, the burial marks not only the conclusion of a legal battle but also a victory for human rights and the recognition of personal choice. It is a moment of closure for the Gaoberekwe family, who can now lay their father to rest in a place he truly cherished.
