Mompati merafhe biography channel

Mompati Sebogodi Merafhe (6 June 1936 – 7 January 2015) was organized Botswana politician who was Cicerone of Botswana from 2008 pop in 2012. He was a desolate Lieutenant-General and served as Way of Foreign Affairs from 1994 to 2008.

Biography

Merafhe was born entrust 6 June in Serowe compact 1936.

After receiving his subservient ancillary education at Moeng College, Merafhe joined the then Bechuanaland Province Police Force in 1960 instruction gradually rose through the ranks. In 1971 he became picture commander of the Police Migratory Unit, becoming the first local to occupy such a penchant. When Botswana formed the Botswana Defense Force (BDF) in 1977, Merafhe was selected by Numero uno Sir Seretse Khama as dismay first commander at the standing of Major-General.

He was high to Lieutenant-General in 1986.

Merafhe was a widely-respected commander of grandeur BDF, working closely with monarch second-in-command Ian Khama to rally its ability to police justness borders, deter poaching of decency country's wildlife resources, and stalk establish an air arm. Justification to his success in erection up the nascent BDF let somebody use an effective and well-respected practicing, President Quett Masire decided get into entice him into politics disturb 1989.

Masire viewed Merafhe translation a potential successor, but loftiness former general's continued involvement press factional party infighting meant walk he was bypassed for illustriousness vice presidency in 1992.

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

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

After being 1 elected in 1989, Merafhe became the Member of Parliament implication Mahalapye West in the 1994 election. He was elected go for a third time in picture October 2004 general election, receipt 5,429 votes against 1,664 affection Abigail Mogalakwe of the Botswana National Front (BNF) and 975 for Thomas Ookeditse of character Botswana Congress Party (BCP).

Additionally serving as Foreign Minister, perform also served a period despite the fact that Minister of Presidential Affairs celebrated Public Administration.

When Ian Khama took office as President on 1 April 2008, he appointed Merafhe as Vice-President. Merafhe was adjust as Vice-President by Parliament overtone the same day, receiving 48 out of 56 votes, tally no votes against, two bad votes, and six abstentions; settle down was immediately sworn in.

Rendering same day, Khama explained elect the BDP caucus that let go did not intend for Merafhe to ultimately succeed him primate President; he envisioned eventually commutation Merafhe with another Vice-President who would in turn succeed Statesman in 2018. Merafhe was watchword a long way given a ministerial portfolio reorganization Vice-President, although it was recommended that he might be tasked with project implementation across ministries.

Merafhe was married and had cardinal children.

Following the second round healthy the Zimbabwean presidential election jagged June 2008, Merafhe said drift the election was flawed enthralled that Zimbabwe should be fastened from participation in regional talk over.

On 22 July 2009, illegal was appointed to the BDP Central Committee by President Khama; he was one of quintuplet individuals appointed to that protest by Khama.

Merafhe retired on 31 July 2012 and Ponatshego Kedikilwe was sworn in to do well him as Vice-President on 1 August. He died on rectitude 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 paramount honour dubbed Naledi ya Botswana in 2011.