Gaborone – There was a sombre environment on the College of Botswana Indoor Sports activities Centre in Gaborone, the place mourners bid farewell to former president, Festus Gontebanye Mogae.
Mogae handed away final week, aged 86.
He grew to become the third president of Botswana and served for a decade from 1998.
The previous head of state was hailed as a disciplined chief, a patriot, and a statesman who carried the workplace of the Presidency with honour, restraint, and unwavering dedication to the Republic of Botswana.
Delivering a eulogy on Saturday, 16 Might 2026, Botswana President Duma Boko mentioned throughout his tenure as president, Mogae’s management safeguarded the soundness of Botswana’s democracy, bolstered the credibility of its establishments, and elevated the nation’s standing internationally.
President Duma mentioned Mogae’s legacy was firmly embedded in Botswana’s historical past.
His service would proceed to encourage future generations.
“I rise right here in the present day, at this solemn gathering, so as to add my voice to the refrain of reward and commendations for our departed chief and statesman,” President Boko mentioned.
“I additionally dedicate these weak and feeble phrases to the reminiscence of this nice man.
“As we speak, we lay to relaxation our former president, the third president of the Republic of Botswana, Festus Gontebanye Mogae.
“After I obtained information of his passing, the phrases that got here to my thoughts had been relayed by Joseph Conrad: ‘He received’t be forgotten. No matter he was, he was not frequent’.”
Afterwards, the previous head of state’s Cortege departed from the College of Botswana’s precinct to the Phomolong Memorial Park in Gaborone, the place he was lastly laid to relaxation.
Numerous heads of state and different dignitaries had been a part of the mourners.
South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile attended the funeral on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa, and Eswatini Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla represented King Mswati III.
Former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe and former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete had been additionally among the many mourners.
*All photos courtesy of GCIS
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