'Rraagwe Malaakatse' described as gentle giant
Radio Botswana veteran, Geoffrey Motshidisi, has been described as a selfless individual who gave himself to radio and the people of Botswana.
The legendary broadcaster who was known by several names on radio including, Rragwe Malaakatse, Ko Kichining and Moshombororo died on April 3, in Bokaa after complaining of shortness of breath.
Among mourners who spoke this week at the memorial service held in his honour, Director of Broadcasting Services, Raymond Tsheko said Motshidisi was selfless with his radio knowledge and ready to share his experiences and pass on the skill of the profession to others.
“For him radio was service to the nation, it was never about him,” Tsheko said, further stating that Motshidisi would not be jealous to give a colleague a pat on the back when they had done well.
Deputy Permanent Secretary - Information and Broadcasting in the Ministry of Presidential Affairs - Oshinka Tsiang described Motshidisi as larger than life.
“My first impressions of him was that he was a very big man, and I later realised that while he had a large stature, he was very gentle and reserved outside radio,” Tsiang said.
According to Tsiang, Motshidisi was also known for jokes and laughter. He remembered how he shared funny stories on and off radio that would send people into fits of laughter.
Tsiang said Motshidisi loved radio to the extent that he was versatile and could present news, sports and entertainment with much poise.
“He was an asset to the broadcasting industry,” Tsiang said, further stating that because of his skills and abilities, as well as rich experience on radio, he was later engaged as a consultant when DumaFm was conceived.
Tsiang’s greatest wish is that Motshidisi will not just be remembered for the good job he did and the service he rendered to the nation of Botswana, but that his name and others who have served like him be honoured by naming some rooms in the Mass Media Complex after them.
The 74-year-old Motshidisi became popular through Radio Botswana programmes including, ‘O sethakga jang rakotoleakgwetlha, Tatediso Ya Dikgang, Parliament news and the latest being ‘Mo Kitcheneng.'
Former colleague Moreri Gabakgore, also a broadcasting veteran said Motshidisi was a gifted man, who possessed knowledge that many people did not have.
“I saw him from very humble beginnings but he then grew to greater heights and showed himself as a talented broadcaster,” Gabakgore said.
He said Motshidisi had grown fond of covering Members of Parliament in events that he, Motshidisi joked with him one day that during events members of the public wanted to see him more than they wanted to see MPs.
“He loved live broadcasts so much, because he loved to interact with people and their cultures in different parts of the country,” Gabakgore said, adding that Motshidisi was creative and had foresight in his work.
Former colleague and friend, Patrick Masimolole said when he joined radio in 1975, Motshidisi was assigned to teach him the ropes.
Masimolole also former Member of Parliament for Mogoditshane said at the time, they loved listening to South African radio, particularly Radio Setswana, now Motsweding Fm and learnt a lot from there.
“What I noticed about Motshidisi is that he loved his audience, he loved Batswana to a point that he called his son, Batswana,” he said.
Masimolole said it was big personalities like Motshidisi that made radio what it was. He said even when he went into politics, it was Motshidisi who helped in imparting knowledge about local politics.
“Radio would never be the same again without Motshidisi. He was a quality broadcaster and announcer, one I can only compare to the flair and excellence of the likes of the late Cebo Manyaapelo of Motsweding FM.
He is survived by his wife and three daughters. The funeral takes place this morning in Bokaa.