Online Reporter
Sifelani Tsiko
THE death of former Botswana President Festus Gontebanye Mogae at the age of 86 on May 8 opened a flood of tributes to a man widely credited for his leadership style and his unwavering commitment to the fight against the HIV/Aids pandemic.
Botswana declared three days of national mourning in his honour ahead of his burial at Phomolong Memorial Park in Gaborone, following a state funeral held on May 16.
Mogae, who served as Botswana’s third president from 1998 to 2008, was hailed by many leaders in Africa and across the SADC region for his steadfast resolve and courageous response to the devastating HIV/Aids pandemic, as well as for his sound economic stewardship.
He later handed over power to Ian Khama.
He was born in Serowe on August 21, 1939. Mogae studied in Britain before joining Botswana’s civil service shortly after independence in 1966. He held various positions and steadily rose through the ranks to become the country’s third president after Ketumile Masire stepped down.
Beyond his dedication to combating the HIV/Aids pandemic and his strong economic management, Mogae was widely admired for his values, integrity and discipline, as well as his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of his people. He remained a steadying presence and a source of comfort and pride for generations of Batswana.
In response to his death, the people of Botswana, alongside African and global leaders, offered heartfelt condolences while reflecting on his decades of service to Botswana, the SADC region, Africa and the wider world.
At this solemn and deeply sad time for Botswana and Africa as a whole, here is what African leaders said following Mogae’s passing:
“As a nation, we grieve the loss of a remarkable leader and servant of the people whose commitment to Botswana remained unwavering throughout his life. Under his leadership, Botswana earned international respect for principled governance, sound economic management and a steadfast commitment to democracy. Today Botswana mourns a distinguished statesman, a patriot whose life was devoted to the service of his country. May his life continue to inspire us to build a Botswana that reflects the ideals he so faithfully upheld.” – Botswana President Duma Boko.
“On behalf of the Government, the people of the Republic of Zimbabwe, my family and indeed on my own behalf, I extend to you, Your Excellency and the bereaved Mogae family, our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences on the passing of this distinguished statesman. The late former president Mogae was a distinguished Pan Africanist and principled leader who served Botswana with distinction and honour. As Zimbabwe, we will forever remember the enduring contributions in his various roles within the SADC region and the African continent at large. The late President will also be remembered for the role he played in the formation of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme.” – Zimbabwe President Mnangagwa.
“As South Africans, we embrace the people of Botswana in our shared grief at the passing of a great leader of the Republic of Botswana and the Southern African Development Community. We have lost a dear neighbour and friend, who shared our values of democracy, good governance and fraternal partnership. As we observe Africa Month across our continent, the passing of President Mogae impels us to reflect on the principles and values that underpinned his leadership and that contributed significantly to the development of Botswana and our region and brought the citizens of our two nations together more closely. His legacy lives in our hearts and will live on in the prosperity and stability of the Republic of Botswana. May his soul rest in peace.” – South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the former President of the Republic of Botswana, His Excellency Festus Mogae. On behalf of the government and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the President of the Republic of Botswana, His Excellency Duma Boko, President Mogae’s family, and the people of Botswana. May his soul rest in peace.” – Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan
“I have learnt with deep sadness of the passing of Former President of the Republic of Botswana, His Excellency Dr. Festus Gontebanye Mogae, at the age of 86. On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Namibia, and indeed on my own behalf, I extend heartfelt condolences to His Excellency President Duma Boko, the Government and people of Botswana, as well as to the bereaved family during this difficult time. Former President Mogae was a distinguished statesman, a principled leader, and a committed Pan-Africanist whose contribution to Botswana, the SADC region, and the African continent will be remembered with great respect and admiration.
Former President Mogae played an important role in deepening the longstanding bonds of friendship and cooperation between our two sister republics. His calm leadership, wisdom, humility, and commitment to good governance earned him admiration far beyond the borders of Botswana. I particularly recall the spirit of solidarity and mutual respect that defined relations between our countries during his presidency, as our nations worked together through SADC to advance regional integration, development, and prosperity for our peoples. As Namibia joins Botswana in mourning this profound loss, we stand in solidarity with the people of Botswana during this difficult period of grief and remembrance.” – Namibia President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah
“We have received with deep sadness the news of the death of the third President of the Republic of Botswana, His Excellency Festus Mogae. President Mogae will be remembered for his exemplary economic stewardship, commitment to democratic governance, and strong advocacy in the fight against HIV/Aids in Botswana and across Africa. We convey our heartfelt condolences to His Excellency Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, President of the Republic of Botswana, and to the people of Botswana during this difficult time.” – Zambia President Hakainde Hichilema.
“Former President Mogae will be remembered for his distinguished leadership, steadfast commitment to democratic governance, economic development, and his dedicated service to the people of Botswana and the African continent.
He also made a significant contribution to peace efforts in South Sudan through his role as chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), where he supported the implementation of the peace agreement and the advancement of dialogue and reconciliation.” – African union (AU) Commission chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf
“The noble legacy Dr Mogae bequeaths shall remain a guiding light and a perennial source of inspiration for present and future generations of African leaders and citizens alike. The Kingdom of eSwatini extends its most profound and heartfelt condolences to the President, and the government and people of Botswana upon the solemn occasion of the passing of Festus Gontebanye Mogae, former president of Botswana.” – Eswatini Prime Minister Russel Dlamini
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of former President Festus Gontebanye Mogae, a visionary leader who confronted HIV with honesty, science and compassion when few dared to do so. His legacy lives on in the many lives saved and changed, and in the global AIDS response he helped shape. May he rest in power and peace.” — UNAIDS executive director Winnie Byanyima
