09 May 2022

Ms Koketso Seleke, a nurse at Unit 7 clinic in Jwaneng, has been hailed for her  bravery in  the face of the tragedy that befell her,  which led to her leg being amputated.

Ms Seleke was involved in a traffic accident, while on duty in 2018.

Having been an active sports person prior, she continues being active in sporting activities such as aerobics.

Her bravery was commended by the assistant minister of Local Government, Ms Talita Monnakgotla during a fundraising tea party in honour of Ms Seleke in Jwaneng on Sunday.

Ms Monnakgotla said surmounting such a challenge was worthy of recognition and should be used to give hope to others, who are equally challenged. 

She said Ms Seleke was a good softball player, who was even in the national team as captain. 

The MP said losing a leg in an instant, was not only physically, but emotionally challenging.

She said it was pleasing to note that Ms Seleke had soldiered on, where others would have chosen to isolate themselves from public and encouraged her to keep up the spirit and continues pursuing her life’s wishes and interests.

Ms Monnakgotla donated P3 000 on behalf of her family business, AT&T Monnakgotla.

Giving a word of motivation, Botswana Nurses Union (BONU) President, Mr Obonolo Rahube said that he first met Ms Seleke in 2018, after her accident, and appreciated Jwaneng mayor, Ms Olga Ditsie for the fundraising initiative.

“… I would also like to take advantage of this moment to urge the minister to discuss with her counterpart at the Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture, to consider taking paralympics seriously. That will give people like Ms Seleke a chance to complete at the highest level,” he said.

Mr Rahube also requested government to look into the issue of compensation to avert conflict with its employees. 

He pledged P10 000 from BONU, P5 000 for personal use by the beneficiary and the other half to go towards her foundation, if she formed one. Mr Rahube also took the moment to encourage nurses to continue giving diligent service to clients.

The 28-year-old Ms Seleke, narrated that the accident occurred in November 2018 around 2am, on their way from Sbrana Psychiatric Hospital in Lobatse, where they had taken a patient on referral.

She said logistical challenges had led to their late departure, , adding that all the three others she was with escaped with minor injuries, but her leg was so badly damaged that it had to be amputated.

Ms Seleke said doctors said it would have been an even bigger challenge in life if the leg was not amputated, admitting however, that it was not an easy journey. She said that she was happy to be holding up well, so far and  thanked government, through the Princess Marina orthopedic and rehabilitation department, for recently procuring a prosthetic leg for her.

The brains behind the fundraising event, Ms Ditsie, said that the event was mooted after the accident, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it could not be held then.

She said they wanted to raise funds for a proper prosthetic leg, to allow her to be active in sports, adding however that now that the prosthetic had already been procured by other well-wishers, the funds raised would go to her personal use.

She hailed Ms Seleke as a special lady, who had won the hearts of clients in Jwaneng, with her botho.

“There is no need to pity her, but encourage her to brave her situation even further. My wish is for her to set up a foundation to assist those disadvantaged like her, as that would be a good example of turning an unfortunate life incident around,” Ms Ditsie said.

She also appreciated all stakeholders who came on board. Ends