Bishop Emeritus Boniface Tshosa Setlalekgosi
Dies at the Age Of 91

Bishop Emeritus Boniface Tshosa Setlalekgosi of the Catholic Diocese of Gaborone died on the 25th January 2019 at Gaborone Private Hospital at the age of 91. He was buried on the 1st February 2019.

Setlalekgosi was appointed the second Bishop of the Diocese of Gaborone in 1981 after passing of Bishop Urban Charles Murphy C.P in February of the same year. He was ordained as the first Motswana Bishop.

Setlalekgosi was a Catholic Priest on the 21st July 1963. As a priest and bishop, he was a dynamic preacher and orator who worked tirelessly to teach and strengthen the Catholic faith in Botswana. He hosted the late Pope St. John Paul II on his Papal visit to Botswana in 1988. He oversaw the consecration of many Churches and Chapels all over the country.

He played a pivotal role in the development of Botswana focusing on key issues including human development, education, health and land development. He started a study group which was later transformed to be a school, Setlalekgosi Community Junior Secondary School, named after him in recognition of his contribution in the education sector. Bishop Emeritus Setlalekgosi also initiated the feeding scheme in primary schools, established Pabalelong Hospice, a home-based care centre in Metsimotlhabe and enhanced operations of the Catholic Health Centres across the country.

During his tenure, Setlalekgosi saw to the development of Gaborone City, giving the government land at Kgale to expand the Gaborone Dam. He was also instrumental in the development of Game City Mall, Kgale Malls as well as Commerce Park and Finance Park.

Bishop Emeritus Setlalekgosi, a key figure in Botswana, served as an advisor to the sitting Presidents and occasionally spoke on issues of politics and morality to influence legislation, having spoken strongly against the government’s intentions to enact a law supporting in the 90s.

As we thank God for the life, priesthood and service of Bishop Emeritus Setlalekgosi, we ask for prayers for the repose of his soul. May his soul find eternal rest.