By Marcus Moloko
Photos: GCIS
South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile, accompanied by Mrs. Mashatile, officially represented President Cyril Ramaphosa and the people of South Africa at the solemn state funeral of the late former President of Botswana, Dr. Festus Mogae.
The dignified send-off, held at the University of Botswana in the capital city of Gaborone, brought together regional heads of state, international dignitaries, and thousands of citizens mourning the loss of their third democratic leader, who passed away at the age of 86.
Representing the deep-seated diplomatic ties between the two neighboring nations, Mashatile led the South African delegation to offer condolences to President Mokgweetsi Masisi, the Mogae family, and the Batswana nation.
Also present to pay his respects was former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe.
In an official statement, the Presidency said Ramaphosa highly praised the late leader.
“Dr. Festus Mogae was a dear neighbor, a true panafricanist, and a foundational friend to South Africa. He championed shared regional values of democracy, economic integration, and human dignity within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). His loss is felt deeply across our borders,” said the Presidency.
Mogae’s decade-long tenure at the helm of Botswana is widely regarded as a golden era of governance.
Speakers at the funeral highlighted his monumental contributions, which fundamentally transformed Botswana into a beacon of African success.
A trained economist, Mogae masterfully managed Botswana’s diamond-driven economy, ensuring that mineral wealth translated into sustainable national development, infrastructure, and fiscal stability.
At a time when the pandemic threatened to devastate the sub-continent, Mogae took a courageous stance. He became one of the first African leaders to publicly prioritise the crisis, launching one of the continent’s most comprehensive and successful free anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment programs. His intervention saved countless lives.
His commitment to smooth democratic transitions, transparency, and anti-corruption earned him the prestigious 2008 Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership upon leaving office.
The mood at the University of Botswana was one of profound gratitude. The state funeral successfully captured the essence of a leader who was both a pragmatic policymaker and a compassionate servant of his people.
