As we celebrate his centennial birthday we remember Sir Ketumile Masire with immense joy and pride as a man who was positively animated with life. He reflected as St Irenaeus said ‘the glory of God in humanity fully alive.’ We remember his sterling leadership ingrained in his love of God and humanity. We remember “a man for all seasons” a teacher, farmer, journalist, politician, peacemaker, family man. On a personal note, a great friend, mentor, and father-in-law. We remember a man who was inspired and guided by good values that transformed Botswana from an impoverished country to a middle income nation, testament to his prudent leadership. We remember an unassuming leader who deserves to be remembered as one of the greatest African pioneers of post-colonial history. He personified the values of Botho , or ubuntu, which promotes the value of a  person’s interconnectedness with their community. That is what makes a person truly great. We remember a wise mediator in various conflicts as illustrated in investigating the causes of the genocide in Rwanda, and working towards peace in the bloody conflicts of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. He was a towering peacemaker in our world who laid the foundation of peace in the DRC on which the Congolese must build and preserve. He was also the SADC mediator for Lesotho. We remember Sir Ketumile Quett Joni Masire, a man blessed by God with faith, moral courage, compassion, tolerance, kindness, intelligence, integrity and decency. These are attributes our world needs in today’s leaders to resolve the challenges we face. Sir Ketumile was a respected voice and model leader for peace and good governance on the African continent and beyond.

He truly was a great man and may his memory be a blessing to us.

By the Rt. Rev’d. Dr. Musonda Trevor Selwyn Mwamba President of the United National Independence Party (UNIP), Zambia. (Formerly Bishop of Botswana)