03 Aug 2016

The morning of July 30 saw throngs of Botswana Congress Party (BCP) followers and other well-wishers descending the relatively small village of Kauxwi, situated on the other side of the Okavango River, often aptly called ‘overseas.’

Crossing over through the ferry or pontoon one could see cars parking by the river-side, waiting for their turn to cross and the assumed delay could not deter these followers, nor the cold breeze.

Oblivious to sounds of humming birds, some up early to catch the fattest worm, the followers snapped away pictures with flashes of their cameras reflecting on the waters of the Okavango River.

Such a pastime kept everyone busy, maybe trying to kick-off the cold breeze and most of them confessed to be first time users of the ferry boat.

It has been some years, eight years to be exact, when the BCP members descended on Kauxwi village to lay to rest one of their own, Mr Joseph Kavindama, a man who won them the Okavango constituency at a time it was hard to achieve the feat.

This time they are in this village lying along this great river to lay a tombstone to honour the late MP, some having travelled more than 1000 kilometres to bear witness to this grand gathering.

The journey to this village took almost 20 minutes from the Mohembo ferry stop for most and upon arrival preparations were still on going and the lime green regalia being the most dominant colour all around.

As is the case all over the country during such occasions, people get into the yard peacefully, their facial expressions befitting the moment as they came to honour their legend.

The late Kavindama’s yard is only a stone throw away from the river and one could actually view the beauty of the World Heritage Site, the Okavango Delta just nearby.

Hymns were murmured as the crowd patiently waited for the proceedings of the day to commence and soon they were all up on their feet as the BCP leader Mr Dumelang Saleshando accompanied by other high ranking officials arrived.

Dressed in a light maroon suit, Ms Ineeleng Kavindama, a renowned fashion designer gave a description about her late father, forever thankful to him for having sent him to a fashion design school to become one of the best fashion designers, in South Africa.

“Papa was a loving man, cultured, a proud Hambukushu. I am content to say I grew up in politics,” she confidently said.

She admired her father’s sense of dress remarking jokingly that ‘Papa o ne a kgaphisa bo rre Saleshando sethitho.’

The young Kavindama appreciated the friendship her father had with the founder of the BCP, Mr Gilson Saleshando, noting that they were a great team and did almost everything together.

She said she will be forever grateful to the Okavango community for trusting his dad to lead them for almost 20 years, adding that his father’s campaign strategy included riding on a white horse, a pastime of most Okavango residents.

The guest speaker, retired diplomat Mr Kenny Kapinga described the late Kavindama as an inspirational leader.

He said the late Mr Kavindama is a treasured leader who left a legacy

Mr Kapinga said that the Okavango region needs such leaders who were hardcore and loyal to their constituency until death.

Kgosi Kea Lempadi of Shakawe remembered him as the man who fought for the rights of the Dikgosi in his constituency to be paid.

BCP leader, Mr Saleshando described the late MP as someone who was always careful, and said his messages were simple but to the point.

He narrated a story where one day they were campaigning and were offered a water melon by unknown people. It was then that the late MP asked them if trhey knew that the last thing the late chief of Bayei, Calvin Kamanakao ate was a watermelon . Upon hearing that, he said they threw the melons away fearing that they too could be on their way to meet their maker.

For his part , Mr Gilson Saleshando said the late Kavindama only wanted the best for his district.

He told a story of one incident where he offered the late Kavindama a job but declined it showing that his interest was to work for the people of Okavango.

Mr Saleshando said he once bought a public address system for  Mr Kavindama when he was new to politics only to learn after a long time that the gadget was sparringly used.

When he enquired the response was “Sales, o batla madomkraga ba utlwa gore re ha kae?”

The late Kavindama’s widow indicated that her late husband could offer people his own food, noting they had to dish an extra plate for him because of such a possibility of giving his food to people who frequented their home.

Mr Kavindama made history for the BCP by being their first Member of Parliament after its formation in 1998.

He had first won the Okavango constituency under the ticket of Botswana National Front during the 1984 general elections, before breaking away with others to form the BCP in 1998. ENDS