Dark clouds hover over a small nation in the wake of the passing of one of its beloved sons. But as gloomy as it looks, Batswana will be comforted to know that herein once lived a great man who leaves behind an enduring legacy. Reports 2nd Republic Staffer
Following the recent passing of Botswana’s former President, Dr. Festus Gontebanye Mogae affectionately referred to as “Lefesto” , tributes continue to pour in as the nation currently observes a mourning period.
Throughout the week, Batswana have come to a standstill as thousands continue to pay their final respects to the country’s third president, Festus Mogae, whose burial is slated for this weekend.
Mogae’s era was marked by economic discipline, democratic stability, and statesmanship.
The continuing mourning period observed locally and internationally across Botswana’s embassies’ dignitaries reflects the immense contribution Mogae made to Botswana during his tenure as Head of State from 1998 to 2008.
To mark this sad time, national flags remain at half-mast as citizens from all walks of life have widely credited the late leader for steering Botswana through periods of economic growth and prudent governance.
Mogae is peculiarly remembered as an outspoken leader who never shied to speak his mind no matter how unpopular it was. Many recall vividly his interactions with colleagues, opposition politicians, and the international community alike where if he held a firm view about something, he really went all out to defend it. In one of his international media interviews after retirement, Mogae was on record saying he had defended gay rights in his tenure and that they were not persecuted when asked why he did not promote their rights as a minority. In his defence, he argued that he could not risk losing elections at the expense of gays. Further, Mogae’s administration was put to the test during the much-debated relocation of Basarwa from the Central Kalahari Game Reserve- a case that drew international interest with organisations like Survival International piling pressure on the government which was then accused of ill treating the first people of the Kalahari.
However, largely, he is remembered as a good leader who inspired confidence and commanded respect across the political divide. Regarded as a father figure, he is hailed for his prudent economic management and stance against corruption, wherein during his rule, Botswana was reconsider as a beacon of democracy.
Moreover, for those who have lived to survive the scourge that is HIV/AIDS, had it not been for his bravery and political will in confronting the disease head on, including mobilising international support, this nation would have perished. To that end, many view him as a saviour who fought to the very end to ultimately get the country off the woods. It was under Mogae that Botswana become one of the few countries in the world to roll out free Anti-Retroviral Therapy(ART) and successfully implemented the Prevention from Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) alongside other milestone achievements.
Besides this, he is remembered for his eloquence of speech and ability to articulate himself without difficulty.
In honour of Mogae, this week, religious leaders, former cabinet ministers, diplomats and traditional leaders also paid tribute to Mogae, remembering him as a calm and thoughtful statesman who championed education, economic diversification and the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Several regional leaders have also sent in their tributes underscoring Mogae’s influence beyond Botswana’s borders. Mogae was respected across Africa and globally for his role in governance, peace-building, and sustainable development initiatives after leaving office.
Mogae will be buried on Saturday with funeral proceedings taking place at the University of Campus Indoor Sports Centre.
