Philip Matante

Philip Goanwe Matante (Known as "PG Matante")

Pan-Africanist Leader, First Leader of the Opposition (1965–1979), Trade Unionist

Born 1912-12-25

Serowe, Botswana

Passed Away 1979-10-25 Francistown, Botswana

Lifespan 66 years old

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"True freedom means complete political, economic, and mental liberation from the chains of colonialism."

Archival Overview

Charismatic Pan-Africanist politician, brilliant orator, and veteran who served as Botswana's first Leader of the Parliamentary Opposition for the BPP from 1965 to 1979.

Biographical Record

Philip Goanwe Matante was born on December 25, 1912, in Serowe. Serving with the African Auxiliary Pioneer Corps in the Middle East during World War II, Matante returned to work in Johannesburg, becoming heavily involved in the African National Congress (ANC) and Pan-Africanist labor struggles.

In 1960, Matante co-founded the Botswana People's Party (BPP), demanding immediate and total independence from Great Britain. Renowned for his electrifying oratory and colorful attire, Matante won the Francistown seat in the pre-independence 1965 elections, serving for fourteen years as the inaugural Leader of the Opposition in Parliament. Francistown International Airport was renamed PG Matante International Airport in his honor.

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Francistown Central Cemetery
Francistown, Botswana

                         GPS: -21.1700, 27.5100                    

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