Priscilla Moswaane, wife of controversial MP for Francistown West Mr Ignatius Mokwaledi Moswaane for 30 years, was laid to rest on Saturday, July 25th 2020 in Francistown after battling with arthritis for many years. The Moswaanes have four children.
Mourning his wife’s passing, the maverick MP described Priscilla as a supportive woman who was there for him before he joined politics and throughout his political career. Moswaane described his wife as a loyal woman who was tight lipped about a lot of things for security reasons, including the MP Moswaane being hospitalized in South Africa just prior to the national lockdown. “Priscilla carved me into the leader I am. My wife welcomed orphans into our home, the little that we had, she allowed me to help the poor. Being an MP in urban centres is a huge challenge, you will always be broke but Priscilla had a budget for those ravaged by acute poverty around Francistown. She was a very strong woman. She knew all my weaknesses,” said Moswaane.
Former President, Ian Khama in his condolences message admitted that he had not known the deceased personally but upon doing some research on her, he found out she was a wonderful and supportive mother and wife. He went on to liken Priscilla Moswaane to his own mother who he said was also supportive to his father. “She enabled you to pursue your dedication to the people and constituency of Francistown West. How you speak of her shows that she liked how you worked with constituents. Your strong stand against corruption and poverty; you were not only representing your constituency, but the whole of Botswana. I fully support you. I want to thank Priscilla for giving you the strength to speak on behalf of us,” said Khama, further advising Moswaane to continue being the dedicated, compassionate and caring Member of Parliament he knows him to be.
Representing the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), Secretary General Mpho Balopi assured Moswaane that his presence and that of his fellow party members was meant to comfort the family. He pleaded with Moswaane not to think of them as vultures who celebrate when one of their own is down.
Amongst those present to pay their last respects was the Leader of Opposition and Member of Parliament for Maun West Dumelang Saleshando, MP for Nata-Gweta Polson Majaga, MP for Mmadinare Molebatsi Molebatsi and Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) President Biggie Butale.