Dr. Chiepe Honoured And Celebrated In Style
To celebrate the wonder filled life of Dr. Gaositwe K. T. Chiepe, following her 100th birthday on the 20th October 2022, the Government hosted a Centenary Celebration Dinner at Boipuso Hall last night. This was to commemorate this milestone in her honor.
When rendering his speech, His Excellency Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi noted with admiration that Dr. Chiepe was indeed a teacher at heart, and that for every other profession she has held, she was simply being a tourist on exploration as she was a true inspiration to return to the classroom.
The President went on to praise Dr. Chiepe for all her work in service of the public, pointing out that she had helped frame a few policies. He noted her love and dedication to her country, and that she extended the same commitment to other countries such as Zimbabwe, then called South Rhodesia. The President also recalled how Dr. Chiepe always had a love for classical music.
He also noted as profound, her work on the international scene, particularly in the Southern Hemisphere of the African continent. He recalled how Dr. Chiepe had supervised the construction work of the Boipuso Hall as it went through transformation and said that the choice of venue for the celebration was not a coincidence.
Many came to celebrate her on this special occasion, with dignitaries and members of her family honoring her in oratory. They recalled the years they worked with her, the lessons they learnt from her, and offered a few quotes from the legendary woman herself.
The speakers spoke of her patriotism as they reflected on her impeccable contribution to the country through her work. They spoke about her warm and welcoming hospitable nature as they recalled a few of the many social moments they shared with her.
Her humility and generosity were also acknowledged by the family. Her long standing impeccable fashion sense was also applauded as one of the attributes that make her a truly phenomenal woman.
Former colleagues described her as an educator at heart. Noting her contribution to the education system as well as her work in championing the education of the girl child in private. This was long before empowering the girl child became an apparent need that has invoked much exertion both locally and internationally. Indeed, Dr. Chiepe was a pioneer!
