07 Sep 2020

Life is a journey full of a collection of moments worth cheering about.

Such moments are usually recalled and re-celebrated when life comes to an end. 

The same can be said about the life of Professor Serara Segarona Selelo-Mogwe who will be laid to rest in Gaborone tomorrow  (September 8). 

Prof Selelo-Mogwe succumbed to death in the wee hours of last week Wednesday at Bokamoso Private Hospital.

Born 93 years ago in Bobonong, Prof. Selelo-Mogwe became the first woman in Botswana to earn a doctorate and full professorial status.

She was  the eldest of the six children born to the late Mr Phofuetsile Selelo and the late Mrs Mokgadi Selelo. 

Her journey of life is a true reflection of living a life with a purpose as she has impacted many lives across the globe.

A legendary motivational speaker, the late Myles Munroe once said, ‘Live full, die empty. Don’t go to the grave with your treasure still within you’.

This is what Prof. Selelo-Mogwe, whom many referred to as ‘mama’ lived for.

In an interview, paying homage to her beloved mother, her only daughter, Attorney, Minister of the Gospel and International Consultant to World leaders and National Governments, Dr Pearl Kupe, described her not only as a selfless individual who was driven by purpose but a pillar in the nursing fraternity.

“This is not only a loss to us as a family, but to the nation of Botswana, SADC region and the world. My mother was a real treasure”, she said.

She said her mother’s contribution in the field of nursing left a mark in places where she had served including South Africa, Lesotho, eSwatini, Namibia, Zambia among others.

“Her diligence and earnest service in nursing also earned her the 2019 Princess Srinagarinda Award, an honour from Thailand”, Kupe reflected.

She described her mother as a very blunt and straightforward person who never sugar-coated words, adding that she believed in the truth and constructive criticism.

Dr Kupe said her mother did all that to unearth talent within them so that they could do better in life.

“I would say my mother was a trailblazer who broke many records and defied the odds.

She demonstrated that there were no barriers that could stop women from attaining their dreams. It is inspiring to note that almost everyone has a story to tell about my mother. Her life is worth celebrating”, she said.

During her spare time, she said, her mother loved reading and writing books, adding that at the time of her demise she had authored a book about her life, which she said it was yet to be published.

 Educated as she was, she said Prof. Selelo-Mogwe was down to earth and enjoyed visiting her farm and her village for leisure.

She recalled one tough decision her mother had to make whilst working abroad.

This, she said was in 1968 following a call her mother received from the first President of Botswana Sir Seretse Khama appealing to her to come home to serve the nation.

By then, the country had only a handful of graduates.

She said her mother who was also a good friend of the late Sir Seretse Khama, answered the call at a personal cost which meant temporarily being separated from her husband Mr Elliott Kupe and her child.

“That is how she loved her nation, she sacrificed a lot”, she added.

For his part, the assistant secretary of Botswana Nurses Union (BONU), Mr Kenosi Mogorosi said the union  took pride in celebrating the life well lived.

Mr Mogorosi said Prof Selelo-Mogwe shared her vast knowledge and nursing experience with many.

He described Prof. Selelo-Mogwe as a pioneer and icon who assisted in improving the country’s health system.

Highlighting some of her achievements, he said the late Prof. Selelo-Mogwe set up the nursing degree programme at the University of Botswana, spearheaded the formation of Nursing Association of Botswana which later transformed to BONU, established the first Diploma in the school of nursing in Kitwe, Zambia as a nurse educator.

“We have lost an icon that was recognised in international bodies such as the East, Central, Southern Africa College of Nursing-ECSACON.

She has done exceptionally well by reaching where many people couldn’t.

Therefore, she rightfully deserves to be celebrated”, he stated.

Meanwhile, tributes have poured in from different nations to honour Prof. Selelo-Mogwe.

Sending her message of condolences to the bereaved family and the entire nation of Botswana, the Queen Mother of Royal Bafokeng, Ms Semane Molotlegi said the passing on of Prof Selelo-Mogwe was not necessarily a loss as she had emptied her knowledge by sharing it with the masses, demonstrating what serving others entailed.

She added that Prof. Selelo-Mogwe, whom she described as the mother to many nations, ran her race and finished her course well, imploring those who came after her, particularly BONU to take the baton and lead the way. 

Archbishop Doye T. Agama of the Apostolic Order of St Hadrian of Canterbury emphasised that Prof. Selelo-Mogwe brought nursing in Botswana, SADC and entire Africa to international recognition and respect, leaving many valuable legacies.

On the other hand the Secretary-General of Princess Srinagarinda Award Foundation, Dr Tassana Boontong hailed her as Miss Florence Nightingale and an icon of modern nursing in Botswana and Southern African countries, adding that her wisdom, strong personality and tireless efforts moved nursing agenda in the global platform.

Prof. Selelo-Mogwe  has received several outstanding and international awards, among them Botswana Presidential Order of Honour, Woman of the Year(1999) from the American Biographical Institute(USA), Nursing Hall of Fame(2000) from Teachers College of Colombia University.

 Prof Selelo-Mogwe is survived by her husband, daughter, sister and two grandchildren. ENDs