Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata, Harare Bureau
President Mnangagwa has expressed deep sorrow following the death of former Botswana President Dr Festus Mogae and described him as a distinguished Pan-Africanist and principled leader who dedicated his life to the advancement of the region and the African continent.
In his condolence message to Botswana President Advocate Duma Boko, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe stood in solidarity with Botswana during the difficult period of mourning.
“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,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said Dr 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.
“May his dear soul rest in eternal peace,” he said.
Dr Mogae, who served as Botswana’s second President, was widely respected for championing democracy, economic growth and regional co-operation during and after his tenure in office.
President Mnangagwa also assured Botswana of Zimbabwe’s unwavering support during the mourning period.
“Please accept, Your Excellency and Dear Brother, our condolences and the assurances of my highest consideration,” he said.
Botswana’s former head of state Festus Mogae has died at the age of 86, President Duma Boko announced yesterday.
“Today Botswana mourns a distinguished statesman and patriot whose life was devoted to the service of his country,” Boko announced, adding that Mogae died early on Friday.
The former president, who led Botswana from 1998 to 2008, had not been well for some time.
In a statement last month, the government said he was receiving medical care at a hospital in the capital, Gaborone, without disclosing the nature of his illness.
Mogae, the country’s third president, is widely credited with strengthening Botswana’s economic management and governance systems during a period of rapid growth driven by diamond revenues.
In his address to the nation on Friday, Boko hailed Mogae as a leader who “stood firmly for discipline, good governance, economic prudence and the advancement of our nation.”
“Under his leadership, Botswana earned its international respect for principled governance,” added Boko.
Boko declared three days of national mourning, during which flags will fly at half-mast in honour of the late leader.
Before assuming the presidency, Mogae held senior positions in government, including finance minister and later vice-president.
He is also widely credited with steering Botswana’s response to the HIV/Aids pandemic. At the time, his country had one of the world’s worst infection rates, but an ambitious antiretroviral treatment programme significantly reduced infection and mortality rates.
Even after leaving office, he remained an advocate for HIV/Aids treatment in the region, pushing for free antiretroviral therapy and measures to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
He was subsequently involved in various international advisory and peace mediation roles across the continent.
