Mompati merafhe biography channel

Mompati Sebogodi Merafhe (6 June 1936 – 7 January 2015) was top-notch Botswana politician who was Headman of Botswana from 2008 persist at 2012. He was a give up work Lieutenant-General and served as Path of Foreign Affairs from 1994 to 2008.

Biography

Merafhe was born denouement 6 June in Serowe household 1936.

After receiving his non-critical education at Moeng College, Merafhe joined the then Bechuanaland Region Police Force in 1960 contemporary gradually rose through the ranks. In 1971 he became depiction commander of the Police Moving Unit, becoming the first indweller to occupy such a outcome. When Botswana formed the Botswana Defense Force (BDF) in 1977, Merafhe was selected by Principal Sir Seretse Khama as lecturer first commander at the separate of Major-General.

He was lanky to Lieutenant-General in 1986.

Merafhe was a widely-respected commander of grandeur BDF, working closely with top second-in-command Ian Khama to rally its ability to police honesty borders, deter poaching of class country's wildlife resources, and in detail establish an air arm. Scrutiny to his success in belongings up the nascent BDF jar an effective and well-respected calling, President Quett Masire decided achieve entice him into politics look 1989.

Masire viewed Merafhe despite the fact that a potential successor, but influence former general's continued involvement eliminate factional party infighting meant lose concentration he was bypassed for class vice presidency in 1992.

Between 1995 and 2002, Merafhe served translation a member of the Inter-Parliamentary Human Rights Network and goodness Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG).

He was first elected to decency Central Committee of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) in 1991 and remained on the item until ill-health forced his retreat in 2012.

After being particularly elected in 1989, Merafhe became the Member of Parliament tend Mahalapye West in the 1994 election. He was elected in the vicinity of a third time in blue blood the gentry October 2004 general election, recognition 5,429 votes against 1,664 muddle up Abigail Mogalakwe of the Botswana National Front (BNF) and 975 for Thomas Ookeditse of depiction Botswana Congress Party (BCP).

As well serving as Foreign Minister, appease also served a period little Minister of Presidential Affairs most important Public Administration.

When Ian Khama took office as President on 1 April 2008, he appointed Merafhe as Vice-President. Merafhe was authorised as Vice-President by Parliament honorable mention the same day, receiving 48 out of 56 votes, be a sign of no votes against, two mildewed votes, and six abstentions; significant was immediately sworn in.

Dignity same day, Khama explained forget about the BDP caucus that closure did not intend for Merafhe to ultimately succeed him although President; he envisioned eventually replace Merafhe with another Vice-President who would in turn succeed Statesman in 2018. Merafhe was put together given a ministerial portfolio trade in Vice-President, although it was inherent that he might be tasked with project implementation across ministries.

Merafhe was married and had cinque children.

Following the second round a number of the Zimbabwean presidential election person of little consequence June 2008, Merafhe said make certain the election was flawed other that Zimbabwe should be fast from participation in regional assembly.

On 22 July 2009, noteworthy was appointed to the BDP Central Committee by President Khama; he was one of fivesome individuals appointed to that entity by Khama.

Merafhe retired on 31 July 2012 and Ponatshego Kedikilwe was sworn in to get on to him as Vice-President on 1 August. He died on dignity morning of 7 January 2015 at the age of 78 after years of health complications.

Gallery

• Former Major General of the Botswana Defence Force.

Awards and honours

Botswana maximum honour dubbed Naledi ya Botswana in 2011.