The founding president of the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), Michael Kitso Dingake, was laid to rest following a brief illness on April 7th.

In tribute to her father, Sithembile Dingake honored his final wish for a simple burial. "In honoring my father's request for a modest burial in a public cemetery," she shared. However, there is a prevailing sense of disappointment among some in Botswana regarding the lack of recognition for Dingake's contributions.

Addressing Dingake's memorial service, Goretetse Kekgonegile, the secretary-general of BCP, expressed that Dingake should have received a state funeral considering his significant role in the liberation of Southern Africa. "Given the substantial impact that Dingake had in the liberation of Southern Africa, it is regrettable that he did not receive a state funeral. His valuable contributions deserved full recognition in this manner," said Kekgonegile. He highlighted Dingake's remarkable journey as a revolutionary, spending 15 years on Robben Island alongside the late Nelson Mandela and other freedom fighters. "Cde Dingake's name will endure for as long as the world exists," he emphasized.

Born on February 11, 1928, speakers at his funeral remarked that Dingake leaves behind a legacy of courage and dedication to the cause of freedom. His commitment to the betterment of Botswana and the region as a whole will be remembered for generations to come.