Article: Baleseng Batlotleng

Photos: Phenyo Moalosi

 

Last month, June marked a somber period in the annals of the local broadcasting history as the nation bid goodbye to one of the country’s finest journalism brews, Thuso Letlhoma.

wheel chair until he took his last breath.

With a plethora of names, Thusosky endeared himself to many across all walks of life in a bond that was visible to the naked eye.

Until death, Zazaza lived like a soldier who won many battles in the arc of his life, at least to some of us who knew him in his personal and professional space.

 

A day before his bones were interred at his native home village of Molepolole at Goorra Ntsono ward, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi was among family, friends, members of the media and of the creative arts, who came to celebrate his life in an emotional memorial service held at the Mass Media complex, where his spent all his near three decades spanning career.

At Radio Botswana, where he would spend his entire professional career, Thusosky exuded warmth and presence with his commanding voice. He would be fondly remembered for his immense contribution to the flagship morning segment Masa-a-sele.

 

Letlhoma commanded an in-depth analysis of his subject matter often laced with comic commentary. He captivated many with the famed Peretshitswana (PRT) feature during the morning show. He displayed great skill behind the microphone, coupled with effortless charm and wit.

He has a rich history in the broadcasting environment, which dates back to the early 90s as an erstwhile Tirelo Sechaba participant in the village of Tutume. 

 

Thomas Nkhoma, former Kutlwano Editor said even during his formative years, Letlhoma proved to be an ace reporter in the making. Nkhoma was head of the Tutume station when Letlhoma arrived for his national service in 1991.

 

On the lighter side, he had a name for each and every one who crossed paths with him. He used all these names more often than not to soften anyone into submission whenever he needed a favor. He knew what to say, how to say it and when to say it in order to get maximum impact.

Personally, I listened to his voice on radio as a young boy, worked alongside him as a young man and as I grew older he guided me and showed me paths of righteousness. Whatever the meaning of righteousness meant to us! 

Our relationship transcended the professional spectrum and it was a very close bond, two sides of the same coin. It is not always an easy task to eulogize such a man.

 

“He was a prolific writer with a good command of the Queen’s language. By then it was uncommon for TSPs to write feature articles but guess what, barely a month after his arrival, Thuso produced a feature article that was published in the Kutlwano Magazine under the editorship of one Mr El Amin.” 

 

Nkhoma recalls this, “Then there was this young fella named Puso who was also a TSP. Puso christened himself Pusosky. I guess Thuso must have gotten fascinated with the nickname. When he finished his national service Thuso put a tweak to his name Thuso to become Thusosky.”

Nkhoma and Letlhoma never lost contact until they met once again at the same department of Information and Broadcasting (IB) and Letlhoma preferred radio than printing.

 

Thusosky soared as an English newsreader of note until his dying days. The last time he was on air was just a few days before he took his last breath. He passed on doing what he loved most. Such men are considered heroes.

Given the heartwarming condolences throughout the week of his death was a true testament that Thusosky touched many lives.

Political journalist and former Presidential correspondence for the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) Tshepo Ikaneng described Letlhoma as a humble and gentle giant.

 

In an interview with Kutlwano magazine, Ikaneng said Letlhoma’s passing was a great loss to the media. 

 

“He was the first person to welcome me to Botswana during my first assignment there. He used his contacts to make my life easier. He was not only a work mate but we were close friends and he crossed my paths in so many memorable ways. He taught me SADC politics and made Botswana my second home. Thuso’s spirit touched me beyond the call of duty, he was the glue that held many of us together from different backgrounds,” he said.

Ikaneng said his late friend had a glowing face, a big smile and a big heart. He described him as a strong character who endured the good times and the bad times. 

 

“We were inseparable, it would take time to forget that he is indeed gone,” added a somber Ikaneng.

Sylvia Tshanda, wife to the late South African splash music founder Dan Tshanda could not hide her disappointment at the news of Letlhoma’s passing.

 

“We have lost a great friend,” was all she could say before going down memory lane on how Letlhoma helped their music stable gain so much popularity in Botswana. Tshanda established a company Dalom Music to look after affairs of many artistes under its stable. 

 

They had offices in South Africa and Botswana. Sylvia is from Botswana. She boldly expressed the appreciation and support they got from Letlhoma who was now part of the Dalom family.

Former Gaborone Central Member of Parliament (MP) Dr Phenyo Butale worked with Thusosky as an English newsreader at RB 1. 

 

“I consider myself to be amongst the blessed few who worked closely with this immensely talented man who cultivated the love many of us have for Radio today, both as professionals and as avid, loyal listeners,” quipped Dr Butale in an interview.

“Thusosky's infectious and addictive voice was very much a part of my daily routine as it was for most Batswana. It is common cause that we all looked forward to the next morning because Thusosky would be on air with his informative and entertaining but most importantly refreshing program of Masaasele. Thusosky was a fine professional who didn't have to put as much effort to be the brilliant broadcaster he was. As an editor and an English news reader at Radio Botswana, I could only marvel at his unmatched command of both the queen's language and Setswana,” added Dr Butale. 

 

Dr Butale said Thusosky brought God given talent to the studio much to the chagrin of most his supervisors who would initially think he is unprepared only to be pleasantly surprised by his delivery, a broadcaster par excellence. 

 

A product of Bakwena National School and Kgari Sechele Senior Secondary school in his home village of Molepolole, Zazaza proceeded to University of Botswana where upon completion of his studies joined the department of Information and Broadcasting.

 

Thusosky was part of the presidential media crew for the four Botswana presidents, namely Sir Ketumile Masire, Dr Festus Mogae, Lt Gen Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama and Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi. 

His last official assignment overseas was when we both travelled to the Palais des nations in Geneva, Switzerland where we covered the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development in 2018.

 

“Out, out brief candle! Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player, that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and is heard no more,” William Shakespeare, 1606.