Source: President mourns Mogae – herald
Ivan Zhakata
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has expressed deep sorrow following the death of former Botswana President Dr Festus Mogae, describing him as a distinguished Pan-Africanist and principled leader who dedicated his life to the advancement of the region and the African continent.
Dr Mogae, Botswana’s third President since Independence from Britain in 1966, died yesterday.
He was 86.
Dr Mogae succeeded Sir Ketumile Masire in 1998 and was in office for two terms until 2008.
In his condolence message to Botswana President Advocate Duma Boko, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe stood in solidarity with Botswana during the difficult period of mourning.
“On behalf of the Government, the people of the Republic of Zimbabwe, my family and indeed on my own behalf, I extend to you, Your Excellency and the bereaved Mogae family, our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences on the passing of this distinguished statesman,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said Dr 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. The late President will also be remembered for the role he played in the formation of the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the death of Dr Mogae was a huge loss not only to Botswana, but to the entire Southern African region and the continent.
“May his dear soul rest in eternal peace,” he said.
Dr Mogae was widely respected for championing democracy, economic growth and regional co-operation during and after his tenure in office.
President Mnangagwa also assured Botswana of Zimbabwe’s unwavering support during the mourning period.
“Please accept, Your Excellency and Dear Brother, our condolences and the assurances of my highest consideration,” he said.
President Boko announced the death of Dr Mogae on Botswana television (Btv) yesterday.
“Today Botswana mourns a distinguished statesman and patriot whose life was devoted to the service of his country,” he said.
Dr Mogae had not been well for some time.
In a statement last month, the Botswana Government said he was receiving medical care at a hospital in the capital, Gaborone, without disclosing the nature of his illness.
Dr Mogae is widely credited with strengthening Botswana’s economic management and governance systems during a period of rapid growth driven by diamond revenues.
In his address to the nation, President Boko hailed Dr Mogae as a leader who “stood firmly for discipline, good governance, economic prudence and the advancement of our nation”.
“Under his leadership, Botswana earned its international respect for principled governance,” added President Boko.
He declared three days of national mourning, during which flags will fly at half-mast in honour of the late leader.
Before assuming the presidency, Dr Mogae held senior positions in Government including Finance Minister and later Vice President.
He is also widely credited with steering Botswana’s response to the HIV/Aids epidemic. At the time, his country had one of the world’s worst infection rates, but an ambitious antiretroviral treatment programme significantly reduced infection and mortality rates.
Even after leaving office, Dr Mogae remained an advocate for HIV/Aids treatment in the region, pushing for free antiretroviral therapy and measures to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
He was subsequently involved in various international advisory and peace mediation roles across the continent.
In 2008, Dr Mogae won the Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership – one of the most prestigious honours for African governance — recognising his democratic leadership and peaceful transfer of power.
As well as the US$5m (£3.6m) prize, Dr Mogae was awarded US$200,000 a year for the rest of his life.
Dr Mogae was succeeded as President by Lieutenant General (Retired) Seretse Khama Ian Khama.
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