It is with profound sadness and love that we announce the passing of Dr. Kegalale Jocelyn Gasennelwe, a distinguished leader, public servant, and community builder who devoted her life to the advancement of education, health, and human development in Botswana.
Dr. Gasennelwe passed away on Tuesday, October the 21st 2025 at the age of 84, surrounded by family and loved ones.
Throughout her illustrious career, Dr. Gasennelwe served the nation with integrity and compassion.
She held several key leadership roles in Government and Public service including, but not limited to, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health where she eventually acted as Permanent Secretary until her retirement in 2000.
She was also Chairperson of the National Council on Population and Development (NCPD) and Deputy Board Chairperson of the Interim Board of the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC). Her work was instrumental in shaping policies on education, gender equality, and human resource development.
Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Gasennelwe was a shrewd cattle farmer and was deeply committed to community empowerment and faith-based service. She was widely known for her generosity, selflessness, stewardship, and dedication for uplifting others – the values she lived by in both her personal and professional life.
Her passing is a tremendous loss to Botswana and to all who were inspired by her wisdom, leadership, and unwavering spirit of service.
Her parental, mentorship and coaching will be missed by many. The memorial service will be held in her honour on Tuesday 28th at SDA Gaborone Central Church at 10:00.
She will be laid to rest on Friday 31st October 2025 at Goo-Motebejana ward in Kanye.
She is resting in peace.
From Dr. Kegalale Gasennelwe’s Children and Family.
