Botswana bids farewell to former President Festus Mogae

Mashudu Netsianda, [email protected]

The state funeral for the late former Botswana President Dr Festus Gontebanye Mogae has started at the University of Botswana Indoor Sports Arena in Gaborone.

Botswana President Duma Boko is expected to preside over the ceremony.

Vice President Dr Kembo Mohadi, who is representing President Mnangagwa, is among the special dignitaries attending the ceremony. Others include former President of South Africa Kgalema Motlanthe, former President of Tanzania Jakaya Kikwete and Zambia Vice President Mutale Nalumango among others.

Dr Mogae passed on last Friday at the age of 86. He will be laid to rest later on Saturday at Phomolong Memorial Park.

Dr Mogae’s predecessor was the late Sir Ketumile Masire, while his successor was Dr Ian Khama, the son of Botswana’s founding President Sir Seretse Khama