For her extraordinary contribution to the nursing profession in Botswana and the legacy, she leaves behind. You have accomplished your calling with dignity and admirable humility.

On behalf of my late mother, Mme Boijane Mpotokwane, it is a great honour that I have been asked by the Molefhe family to speak on their behalf during the send-off of Mme Julia Molefhe.

My speech reflects the following sub-topics: (1) The Molefhe ancestry, (2) Their lives at Tigerkloof, South Africa, (3) Transitioning of the three brothers into adulthood and their connection with their homeland, Tonota, and (4) My connection with Julia Molefhe.

The Molefhe ancestry

Rampholo Molefhe (The father of Topo, Tholo, and Potlako Molefhe), was born and raised in the Tholo Ward of Tonota. He was of the Tselawa-Molefhe royal family.

As the information was passed to me, Rampholo frequently visited Tonota, his original home, to stay connected with his people. To date, the Molefhes are recognised amongst the royals in Tonota as dikgosi (chiefs). His path was set for education rather than for a Kgotla (chieftaincy) life. As such, he crossed the border into South Africa as a young man, seeking the opportunity to realise his dream.

Their lives in Tigerkloof, South Africa

Rampholo’s pursuit of knowledge landed him at Tigerkloof, where he joined forces with his colleague, Rre James Mpotokwane, from Tonota, who also was on the same path of knowledge acquisition and employment. As time went on, Rampholo transitioned from a life of a bachelor to that of a married man. He tied the knot with Mme Mmamolebatsi in a marriage that was blessed by his uncle, Rre Maifhala of Tonota. In this marriage, the Molefhes brought to the world three sons: Topo, Tholo, and Potlako Molefhe. As a man whose path was set to be educated and to educate others, Rampholo brought into his house: Boijane Sabokone – now Mpotokwane – (my mother, his niece) to attend Tigerkloof. Soon after, another relative, Mme Keletso Molefhe (now Mosinyi), joined the family in Tigerkloof for the same reason.

Transitioning of the three brothers to adulthood and connection with their homeland, Tonota

Later, the young men married and brought children into their lives. Topo, popularly known as TJ, brought into the world: Rampholo, Tebogo, Wame, Boikanyo, and Tumi. Potlako and Julia brought into the world: Boitumelo (Tumi), Koketso, and Kagiso. Uncle Tholo also introduced his children to the family. Furthermore, the three brothers and their families maintained close relationships amongst themselves and with their relatives in Tonota. I bear testimony as I have witnessed that connection through my mother and my grandmother.

My connection with Julia Molefhe (Matron)

I personally have not had an opportunity to work directly with or under Matron Julia Molefhe as she was in the City Council and I was in the central government. However, her influence on my development as the nurse that I am today, was significant. Just like Professor SS Kupe-Mogwe, she realised the drive that was in me as a student nurse and as a staff nurse, to go beyond.

She took the driver’s seat when I entered the University of Botswana to study Bachelor of Education to be developed as a teacher. Following my graduation, I crossed the Atlantic

Ocean to the USA, with the dream of growing further. After completing my PhD at Boston College Massachusetts, both Julia and Prof Kupe-Mogwe advised that I start developing my nursing skills in the new world at the bedside, as that would help me blend easily into a healthcare system that was foreign to me.

That was great advice. The university professor that I am today draws heavily from those humble beginnings. My relationship with Julia Molefhe extended beyond, to the Anglican Cathedral Mother’s Union. When Julia Molefhe became the Mother’s Union member, I was already in that role. However, as a mentor, she stayed very close to me to make sure I was always on the right path and contributing. Julia touched and influenced every aspect of my life, not only academically. She was a beauty, a stunning dresser and a role model, the attributes she commended me on.

Conclusion

Ausi Julia touched the lives of many nurses in Botswana, directly and indirectly. The legacy she is leaving behind will always be an inspiration and a reminder to the younger generation of nurses that hard work, determination to lead, and to succeed, eventually pay off. This is evidenced by the naming of the Clinic in her honour in Block 9 as Julia Molefhe Clinic. She has also been a pillar of the Molefhe family. May they find the strength to move on.

With a heavy heart I conclude by saying, “Mme MmaMolefhe, you have fought the good fight. You have finished the race and you have kept the faith. Robala ka kagiso (rest in peace) Mokhurutshe.” My grandmother would have said that.

Julia Molefhe was laid to rest at Phomolong Cemetery, Gaborone on March 8 (2023).

*Prof Ditsapelo Mpotokwane McFarland, PhD, RN, RM, Fellow, New York Academy of Medicine, Adelphi University, New York, USA