28 Jul 2024

David Kepaletswe, chairperson of Bana ba Mmala Trust has been described as focused, determined, driven and a passionate visionary especially in the areas of technology and creatives.

Kepaletswe, known as Divas Keps, who died on July 20 due to pneumonia, was buried at Phomolong Cemetery on Saturday

“My son has always had the love for computers. He was a techno whiz who was never interested in home activities,” said Divas Keps’ mother, Kedireng Kepaletswe when paying tribute to her son.

She said her son was warm and loved by people.

Kepaletswe said like any child, Divas Keps had a normal naughty childhood but very intelligent child.

“I called him Dailazoo and he called me Mumzola,” said Kepaletswe.

His brother, Thapelo Kepaletswe appealed for his brother’s legacy to continue. “We need to carry and pursue his legacy of digital economy and realise a Botswana of a knowledge-based economy,” said Thapelo.

Divas Keps was passionate about the creative sector, which saw him along with others, establishing Bana Ba Mmala Trust, an organising committee of Son of the Soil event in 2005.

Not only was he a culture devotee, but also a techno whiz who founded Global Media Incorporated.

He amassed extensive and professional experience in the areas of design, development and operation of online portals, development and implementation of digital technologies, development and implementation of digital literacy programmes, training on digital literacy across Southern Africa as well as digital transformation and cyber security awareness strategy development and training; availing his expertise not only in Botswana but beyond as trainer and speaker.

During a memorial service on Friday, Minister of Communications, Knowledge and Technology, Thulagano Segokgo said Divas Keps’ work had an impact on government as an information technology (IT) professional.

He aknowledged his contribution to the formulation of Maitlamo Policy, and the development of the sector as a whole.

“As government, we benefited greatly from his participation and influence in the development agenda and policy formulation. Dave always rose to the occasion when needed and advised accordingly,” said Segokgo adding that Divas Keps was an entrepreneur of repute locally, regionally and internationally in pursuit of excellence.

“He was a visionary advocate for technology across Africa, his unwavering commitment and support to advancing ICT knowledge and practice has left an indelible mark on our continent. As we reflect on his life, we remember his tireless efforts to bridge the digital divide, empower IT professionals and foster collaboration,” said president of Technology Information Confederation Africa (TICON Africa) David Gowu in his message.

Born in Kgagodi, Divas Keps was also an avid traveller and reader. Tourism was a passion and significant business interest which saw him curate projects such as Visit and Explore South Africa in conjunction with Council for Scientific and Industrial Research of South Africa (CSIR), e-Tourism Botswana and e-Tourism Namibia among others.

His expertise and experience in the IT space led him to appointments on various boards and committees such as High Level Consultative Council, National Economic Diversification Council, World Forum on Information Technology, PPADB Steering Committee, National e-Commerce Task Force and COBIT. Ends