Botswana's long serving Minister of Finance and Development Planning Baledzi Gaolathe passed away Friday after a long illness. He was 68.



Gaolathe served as the Minister of Finance and Development Planning from 2004-2009 when he was given leave on account of illness.

Gaolathe held a variety of high ranking positions in Botswana's industries diamond industry, serving as a director at Botswana Development Corp Ltd, Debswana Diamond Co (Pty) Ltd, BCL Ltd, BRST Ltd, Botswana Diamond Valuing Co (Pty) Ltd, Botswana Book Centre Board of Trustees, Diamond Trading Co, Diamond Trading Company.

He also served as a director forDe Beers Consolidated Mines Ltd and De Beers Centenary AG, a director at the Southern Africa Enterprise Development Fund and a member of World Bank Board of Governor.

After entering public service, rose through the ranks, serving at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Water Affairs, the Ministry of Mineral Resources and the Ministry of Finance Development Planning.

Between 1976 and 1992 he also served as Alternate Governor for the World Bank Board of Governors, African Development Bank Board of Governors, a member of the Bank of Botswana and a member of the University of Botswana Council.