Online Reporter
Mashudu Netsianda in Gaborone, Botswana
THE late former Botswana President Festus Gontebanye Mogae was yesterday accorded a befitting send-off marked by military honours, emotional tributes and praise from regional leaders who described him as a humble statesman, unifier and champion of good governance.
Thousands of mourners gathered at the University of Botswana Indoor Sports Centre in Gaborone for the funeral service, where a sombre atmosphere engulfed the venue as Botswana bade farewell to one of its most respected leaders, who died last week at the age of 86.
Among the dignitaries who attended the funeral was Zimbabwe’s Vice-President Kembo Mohadi, who represented President Mnangagwa at the ceremony.
From the early hours of the morning, mourners clad mostly in black streamed into the packed venue, united in grief and admiration for Dr Mogae, who is widely credited for steering Botswana through a critical phase of economic growth, democratic stability and the fight against HIV and Aids.
Inside the hall, the Botswana Defence Force military band and a local choral ensemble provided solemn musical interludes as regional dignitaries, diplomats and ordinary citizens gathered to pay their last respects.
The funeral attracted a host of current and former leaders from across Southern Africa, reflecting Dr Mogae’s stature on the continent.
Among them were former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe, former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Zambian Vice-President Mutale Nalumango and former Lesotho Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili.
Speaker after speaker described Mogae as a servant leader who placed Botswana’s interests above personal ambition.
Speaking after the funeral service, Vice-President Mohadi said the turnout of regional leaders was testimony to Dr Mogae’s enduring legacy, which stretched beyond Botswana’s borders.
“The former Botswana President was given a dignified send off and quite a number of heads of state and former heads of state attended this funeral. This goes to show that he was a man who lived well with other people, worked well with other people as he is being remembered for all the good works that he has done for his country and the continent at large,” he said.
“We have lost a great statesman and for some of us who knew him personally, we have lost a mentor. May his soul rest in peace.”
In his remarks, Botswana President Duma Boko paid tribute to the late statesman, saying the country will continue to cherish his legacy.
“Today, we lay to rest our former President, the third President of the Republic of Botswana. We unite as a nation to honour the life, leadership and legacy of His Excellency Dr Festus Mogae. He was a technocrat of humble beginnings, comparable of heroes of myth and faith,” he said.
“Behind such as great man is a family that sacrifices to enable him. He was able to pour out himself in our service to give, give and give because of those who supported him.
“He rests now, not at the end of the journey, but the punctuation, of a return to eternity, an uncommon consciousness of immorality. May our nation be comforted.”
Lieutenant-General Ian Khama, who succeeded Dr Mogae described his predecessor as a humble and deeply intelligent leader who believed in dialogue and unity.
He said his calm governance and respectful nature reflected the values at the heart of Botswana.
“He understood that leadership is not about dominance, but about bringing people together. Where others might have chosen division, he chose unity. Where others might have insisted, he listened. He was polite, respectful and soft-spoken,” he said.
“These qualities reflected the very essence of both. The foundation of who we are as Batswana.”
Dr Kikwete hailed Dr Mogae’s contribution to peace, development and good governance on the African continent.
“Dr Festus Mogae’s life was defined by humility, wisdom, integrity and dedication to public service. He earned admiration throughout the Southern African region for promoting democracy, peace and political stability,” he said.
Dr Kikwete praised the late former Botswana leader’s role in strengthening the Southern African Development Community and advancing African unity. He said Dr Mogae also contributed greatly to peace efforts in conflict areas, particularly in South Sudan.
“Dr Mogae successfully advanced the legacies of Botswana’s founding presidents, Seretse Khama and Ketumile Masire, while helping Botswana become one of Africa’s most stable democracies built on accountability and strong institutions,” he said.
Dr Kikwete further recalled their years of working together, describing the late statesman as principled, honest and always willing to assist others. He extended condolences to President Boko, the Mogae family, and the people of Botswana.
Former Lesotho Prime Minister Mosisili said Dr Mogae was as a courageous statesman and a humble leader who championed the welfare of ordinary citizens across Southern Africa.
“During his tenure of office, he quelled the post-election violence in Lesotho. We are grateful for his efforts and indeed we have lost a great statesman,” he said.
After the funeral ceremony at the University of Botswana Indoor Sports Arena, the funeral procession slowly made its way through the streets of Gaborone, drawing crowds of residents who lined roadsides to bid farewell to Dr Mogae. Some waved national flags while others stood silently in reflection as the cortege passed.
The emotional farewell reached its climax at Phomolong Memorial Park where members of the Botswana Defence Force, dressed in ceremonial uniform, carried the casket with solemn precision towards the burial site.
As the coffin was lowered into the grave, there was thunderous 21-gun salute in honour of Dr Mogae.
The haunting sound of the Last Post followed shortly afterwards as uniformed soldiers stood motionless in honour of the late statesman.
In one of the ceremony’s most touching moments, the Botswana flag draped over the casket was carefully folded and handed to the family, symbolising the nation’s gratitude for Dr Mogae’s years of dedicated service.
