DEPUTY Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla says late former president of Botswana Festus Gontebanye Mogae was a man full of humanity.
This was shared by Dladla upon her return to the country yesterday after representing His Majesty King Mswati III at the State funeral of the late former president, which was held at the University of Botswana Indoor Sports Centre in Gaborone on Saturday.
Dladla stated that the service started as early as 5:30am and ended in the evening. She said while listening to the speakers, the former president was described by many as a man of humanity. She stated that everyone remembered Mogae for his humanity and applauded him for it, which he complemented with wisdom.
Dladla returned to the country through King Mswati III International Airport with the delegation that had accompanied her to the State funeral, including the Minister of Public Service Mabulala Maseko.
During the funeral, Dladla joined Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko and other dignitaries in paying their last respects. In his remarks, Boko stated that Botswana mourned a disciplined leader, a patriot and a great statesman who carried the responsibility of the presidency with honour, restraint and unwavering commitment to the Republic.
He stated that Mogae’s leadership protected the stability of their democracy, strengthened the credibility of their institutions and elevated the standing of their nation.
“We do more than mourn; we honour a man who devoted his life to a country before self. His legacy is firmly embedded in the story of Botswana and his service to this nation will continue to inspire generations to come,” he said.
He added that Botswana was bidding a final farewell to one of her greatest sons, who was the third president and one of the architects of modern Botswana’s economic stability and democratic credibility. He said Mogae was widely credited for entrenching fiscal prudence, safeguarding respect for the rule of law and leading with humility and calm resolve, even during the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis that threatened the nation’s future.
“His administration became known for disciplined economic management, strong institutions and policies that positioned Botswana among Africa’s most stable democracies,” he said.
He added that while leading Botswana from 1998 to 2008, Mogae earned global admiration for steering the country through economic and public challenges with principled leadership. He said Mogae’s legacy remained deeply tied to sound governance, integrity in public office and the belief that leadership must always serve the people with dignity and restraint.
