Ketumile Masire, Botswana leader and SA freedom fighters’ hero, dies
Masire, a key figure in Botswana’s independence movement, had died a few weeks short of his 92nd birthday
Former Botswana president Ketumile Masire has died at the age of 91‚ his foundation said on Friday.Masire‚ a key figure in Botswana’s independence movement‚ passed away on Thursday night after being admitted to hospital last week.Masire was due to celebrate his 92nd birthday on July 22.The foundation said he died peacefully at Bokamoso Private Hospital, surrounded by his family."We thank well-wishers and friends from near and far‚ for their prayers‚ thoughts and comforting messages of support during this difficult time," it said."Rest in Peace Sir Q."A report on its website said Masire was in a critical condition when he was admitted to the intensive care unit at Bokamoso Hospital on June 18.Masire was Botswana’s second president and was hailed for his leadership after it gained independence from Britain.He was also well respected by South African freedom fighters, and the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) paid tribute to him on Friday."President Masire’s ascendance to power in 1980 was...
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