The Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptative Land Management (SASSCAL) announces with great sorrow the untimely death of Dr Obakeng Sethamo, who until the time of his death was SASSCAL Botswana Node’s Programme Coordinator. Dr Sethamo died in a car accident on Friday, 10th December 2021 on his way from a service development workshop in Maun, Botswana.
Dr Sethamo joined SASSCAL Botswana Node on 1st February 2020 as Programme Officer and was later promoted to Programme Coordinator. Sethamo was part of SASSCAL MANCO and made various meaningful contributions in his role. His areas of expertise included vulnerability risk assessment, climate change adaptation, climate finance, disaster risk reduction, sustainability innovation, and research.
He has been part of the SASSCAL Team that has spearheaded the review of proposals to be funded under SASSCAL 2.0. SASSCAL has recently signed grant agreement of over EURO 8 Million with BMBF for the implementation of SASSCAL 2.0 Research programme.
Prior to working for SASSCAL, his skills, experience and innovation took him to the Botswana Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Botswana Red Cross Society and various research institutions, where he worked in various fields including governance, rural development, climate change, renewable energy, and sustainable development for many years. He not only worked to improve livelihoods at community level, but also provided strategic leadership.
The late Sethamo collaborated with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)’s adaptation planning unit, and co-wrote a funding proposal for the National Adaptation Plan Framework in 2018.
Dr Sethamo held a PhD in Environmental Management -Climate Change Adaptation, an MSc in Climate Change Management, and a BA in Environmental Sciences and Public Administration. He was also a recipient of several fellowships namely:
- Mandela Washington Fellowship – 2017
- Chevening Scholarship – 2015
- SIDA Southern African Climate Change Award – 2010
Dr Sethamo is survived by his wife and one child.
In SASSCAL he will be remembered not only for his expertise and passion for delivering to SASSCAL’s mission, but as a leader who promoted harmonious work environment and fought against all forms of stereotyping and discrimination.
May Dr Obakeng Sethamo’ s soul rest in eternal peace.
