14 Apr 2024

Late liberation struggle icon, Dr Michael Dingake will be remembered for his unwavering commitment and selfless service to the nation as a Member of Parliament between 1994 and 1999, read President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s message during the former’s funeral service in Gaborone, Sunday.

 “We remain enthused by his sense of duty and his serious approach to national issues. We recognise the pioneering role he played in the politics of Botswana,” read the message.
President Masisi described Dr Dingake as an erudite scholar whose research work and lectures contributed to the socio-economic development of the country.

He said Dr Dingake’s good deeds followed him in the country and beyond, although he remained grounded.

“Without the story of Dr Dingake, the story of Botswana’s contribution to the liberation struggle in Southern Africa would not be complete,” he said. Dr Masisi said that the region owed its renewed hope for peace and freedom to his acceptance of his fate of the bounty that was placed on his head.

Other speakers also described Dr Dingake as a gentle giant, internationalist and father figure.

His uncle, Professor Benjamin Bolaane said Dr Dingake was an internationalist who also loved his clan back home in his native Bobonong. “He prided himself with that small enclave that he celebrated even its every small achievement. He understood the essence of the South African struggle, which took brains at that time when many people were not that read,” he said. Professor Bolaane said because of his influence, many in his circles were socialized into his political views.

“He liked education as did his father and that is why he managed to obtain three Bachelor’s Degrees even while in prison, and it inspired us. His life was long for a purpose,” he said. His former political colleague, Mr Mokgweetsi Kgosipula said Dr Dingake was very firm on party affairs, something he said did not go well with other leaders in the party.

“His upwardness made him an enemy to many within the party. One of his celebrated motions in 1995 was that which called for a vote of no confidence on the government of the day. He had done his background well to support it, and it was debated for 23 days, the longest debate on record,” he said.

Mr Kgosipula said Dr Dingake saw the liberation struggle against apartheid as that of Southern Africa rather than South Africa alone. His nephew, Mr Martin Dingake indicated that Dr Dingake first took ill on Friday evening. “The first signs of his illness came through vomiting and we rushed him to the hospital where tests revealed poor blood circulation to the head,” he said.

He said his condition worsened the following day and doctors recommended surgery but later opted for physiotherapy.

“His heart rate lowered because of the poor circulation, and this affected his brain according to the medical team, and it was on Sunday evening that he passed on,” he said. Other messages of condolences came from former presidents, Dr Festus Mogae, Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama and former South Africa president, Dr Thabo Mbeki. Ends