Online Reporter
Prosper Ndlovu, [email protected]
THE Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African union have paid tribute to the late former Botswana President, Festus Gontebanye Mogae, who died on Friday, describing him as a dedicated democrat, peace-maker, distinguished and humble statesman who led his country by example and left behind a rich legacy for the whole of Africa.
As the sad news filtered across the globe, President Mnangagwa immediately conveyed his condolence message to the people of Botswana and his counterpart, Advocate Duma Boko, joining fellow regional leaders who mourned the late former Botswana leader, Mogae (86), and applauded his decorated political career as a giant Pan-Africanist and principled leader who dedicated his life to the advancement of the region and the African continent.
In a message of condolence issued yesterday, SADC chairman and South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, said the region has received with profound sorrow and deep sadness the news of the passing of the third President of the Republic of Botswana.
“On behalf of the SADC Heads of State and Government and indeed the citizens of the SADC region, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Her Excellency Mrs Barbara Gemma Mogae, former First Lady and the bereaved family, President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, the Government and the people of the Republic of Botswana on this great loss.
“His Excellency Former President Mogae was a distinguished statesman whose wisdom, humility, and commitment to peace, good governance, and health advocacy continue to inspire the SADC region and beyond,” said President Ramaphosa.
“His courageous and principled leadership in the development and deepening of public health care and capacity to respond to the HIV and AIDS pandemic stands out as an example of high-level leadership and commitment to be remembered for generations to come.”
The SADC chairman said President Mogae rallied the nation of Botswana in responding to the pandemic with compassion and resolve.
“His example inspired the nation and lifted SADC as a region. We remember him with gratitude and salute his remarkable contribution to public health,” he said.
President Ramaphosa said the late former president’s unwavering commitment to democracy, good governance, and public service was recognised globally when he was awarded the prestigious Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership in 2008.
“As chairperson of SADC from August 2005 to August 2006, Former President Mogae provided exemplary leadership during a pivotal period in the organisation’s history.
“Upon assuming the chairmanship of SADC at the 25th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government in Gaborone, Botswana on 17th August 2005, he reaffirmed the collective resolve of SADC Member States to pursue the shared vision of prosperity through deeper regional integration,” said President Ramaphosa.
“On the margins of the 25th SADC Summit, the Silver Jubilee Summit commemorating 25 years of SADC’s existence, President Mogae led his fellow SADC Heads of State and Government in laying a foundation stone to mark the commencement of the construction of the new SADC Headquarters, in Gaborone, Botswana.
“Today, the SADC Building, which President Mogae championed, remains a towering symbol of regional integration and cooperation of 16 SADC Member States and positioning SADC as a key player in international relations and diplomacy.”
The SADC chairman said former President Mogae will be remembered as a firm advocate of opening borders to facilitate the free movement of goods, services, and other factors of production in the SADC region. During President Mogae’s tenure, he added, the first cross-border conservation park in southern Africa was launched, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
“Through this important project, SADC demonstrated that it is possible to share our resources for the advancement of our countries and to create a conducive environment to foster regional cooperation and integration,” said President Ramaphosa.
“May his legacy continue to inspire us as we work towards the attainment of the SADC Vision 2050, where all citizens enjoy sustainable economic well-being, justice and freedom.”
In a statement, chairperson of the African union (AU) Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, expressed profound sorrow at the passing of Former President Mogae, saying he will be remembered for his distinguished leadership, steadfast commitment to democratic governance, economic development, and 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,” said the AUC chairperson.
“Former President Festus Mogae was a respected African statesman whose humility, integrity, and unwavering commitment to peace, democracy, and good governance inspired generations across our continent. Africa has lost a distinguished leader and devoted Pan-Africanist.
“The African union Commission extends its deepest condolences to the Government and people of the Republic of Botswana, as well as to the family and loved ones of the late Former President.”
In his condolence message, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe was deeply grieved and expressed his profound sympathy and heartfelt condolences on the passing of Former President Mogae.
He said the late Mogae served Botswana with honour and distinction and would be remembered for his commitment to peace, good governance and regional integration.
“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 Kimberly Process Certification Scheme,” he said.
The President said the passing on of Dr Magae was a huge loss not only to Botswana, but to the entire Southern African region and the continent.
