Online Reporter
Prosper Ndlovu
SADC and the African Union have paid tribute to the former Botswana President, Festus Gontebanye Mogae, who died on Friday, describing him as a dedicated democrat, peacemaker, 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 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 had 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 healthcare 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.
In a statement, the chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), 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 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 President 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. President Mogae will also be remembered for the role he played in the formation of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme,” he said.
The President said the passing on of President Mogae was a huge loss not only to Botswana, but to the entire Southern African region and the continent.
