CCB Celebrates the Life and Service of Sedia Modise

Words: Rebecca Klein
Executive Director

Mr Sedia Modise

​It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of a legendary figure in Botswana conservation, Mr. Sedia Modise on the 29th August 2021.  It is the country’s collective loss, though especially for his wife, Professor Oitsephile Modise, and his loving family, whom he adored. Well respected by all, here was a man who gave so much to his country during his life of service in environmental conservation and community development. Throughout his more than 40-year long career, he worked his way up to become the Director of the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, the Country Programme Manager for the Peace Parks Foundation, the first Regional Coordinator for the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area. More information on Sedia’s impressive profile of regional work can be found on the KAZA TFCA portal.

From our own experience, he helped us to get Cheetah Conservation Botswana off the ground in 2003. While I was working at Mokolodi Nature Reserve, I was introduced to Sedia. Along with Dr. Kyle Good and AnnMarie Houser, we shared our plans to start a cheetah organization to reduce human carnivore conflict on farmlands and support coexistence. Not one to run from a challenge, Sedia agreed to lend his support to our fledgling organization, which also saw him become the first chairperson of our new Board, a role he would remain in for over a decade.

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His wisdom and experience were essential in those early days, as we navigated our way starting a new NGO and slowly gaining respect and a track record of meaningful achievements. Having Mr. Modise at our helm, gave us confidence and credibility, we benefitted so much from his commitment to help us succeed. He inspired us, believed in us, guided us and helped us to bring Cheetah Conservation Botswana to life and to grow in the right direction to become the organization it is today. I also speak on behalf of our Board of Directors, Sedia was an insightful leader with an incredible track record and yet he led our Board with humility and humour, it was always a pleasure to spend time in his company and he always had a great story to share. We are proud to be part of Mr. Modise’s environmental conservation legacy.
 
We are extremely grateful for Sedia’s long-term support of our work to conserve carnivores and their Kalahari home. His parting will be felt by so many. A great, wise tree has fallen in our forest. We must now grow to fill that gap and make him proud of what we achieve. May his legacy live on through as all. We will miss you Sedia, may your soul rest in peace and continue to guide us. Thank you from all of us at Cheetah Conservation Botswana.

Robala ka kagiso, Rre Modise.