A multitude of mourners gathered to bid farewell to Seratiwa Sthando-Same Tebogo, who was laid to rest on Saturday at Phomolong Memorial Park in Phakalane.
Tebogo, the mother of Botswanas sprint sensation Letsile Tebogo, passed away on May 18 after battling cancer.
In a condolence message from President Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi, read by Gaborone District Commissioner Sebokwane Dikgope, it was expressed that Tebogo's passing has left a deep wound in the nation's heart and caused immense grief to her son, who drew strength and unconditional love from her.
It is so regrettable that Letsile lost his mother following the nations joyous celebration of his outstanding achievement as the Sportsman of the Year at the 43rd Botswana Sports Awards last Saturday, said the message.
The message noted that the permanent separation deprived Letsile of sharing his second-place finish in his 100m season opener, with a time of 10.13 at the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix 2024, with his mother.
My heartfelt condolences go out to Letsile, the Tebogo family, friends, relatives, and the entire sports community. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of mourning. We beseech the Almighty God to grant you comfort that surpasses human understanding and to stabilize Letsiles mind and spirit as he continues his remarkable journey, President Masisis message read.
Paying his last respects to his mother, Letsile said she raised him to be a responsible man and he intends to continue her legacy.
He mentioned that they had discussed many things, which unfortunately his mother did not live to see completed.
Letsile said he would always remember his mother for teaching him to be generous, kind, caring, and to never give up.
I hope Ano will take after you. You taught her to travel, which she will miss, as well as shopping. As for me, I am going to miss your support and prayers, said Letsile.
Tebogos sister, Olebile Kgabanyane, shared that Tebogo was diagnosed with cancer in 2014 but continued to live a vibrant life. This year, the cancer recurred, but it took time to notice because Tebogo remained active.
I cannot give up on God, but we thank Him that she did not suffer long and that He shielded her from prolonged pain, she said.
Minister of Youth, Sport, Gender and Culture, Tumiso Rakgare, described Tebogo as a free-spirited individual who did not hesitate to confront him if she felt something was amiss.
Seratiwa confronted me on several occasions with respect; she never minced her words, he said.
Rakgare recalled meeting Tebogo after Letsile returned from the World Athletics Under 20 Championship, noting that he wanted to meet the rising star and his family since Botswana had not historically excelled in short sprints.
Letsile came with Tebogo and Ralph Kgabanyane, and even then, she was forthright about the welfare of athletes, said Rakgare.
Rakgare emphasized that Tebogo was an advocate not only for her son but for all athletes.
