11 May 2026

A day after the news broke of the passing of Botswana’s third president, Dr Festus Gontebanye Mogae, at the age of 86, the Botswana Press Agency (BOPA) news team visited Mogadingwana Ward in the Bangwato capital, Serowe.

Dr Mogae, a revered leader celebrated for his economic stewardship and pioneering fight against HIV/AIDS, passed away on May 8, following a brief illness.

His death has plunged the nation into three days of mourning, with flags flying at half-mast to honour his distinguished service.

In a national address on Friday, President Advocate Duma Boko described the late statesman as a ‘giant fallen oak’ and a ‘devoted patriot whose leadership enhanced Botswana’s global standing.’

 Dr Mogae served as President for a decade, from April 1, 1998, to April 1, 2008.

By 9am on Saturday, residents and members of the Batalaote clan at Mogadingwana Ward had already begun to gather to offer their condolences.

They came to commiserate with the family of the late leader, remembered for his servant leadership, fiscal discipline and unwavering commitment to economic transformation across Africa.

Mr Ontifile Motalaote, 65, remembered President Mogae as a unifier and a straight-talker who deeply valued his relatives regardless of their social status.

He noted that while Dr Mogae leaves a legacy as a true stalwart who contributed immensely to the country, Batalaote had hoped to continue benefiting from his leadership and wisdom.

“We have no regrets, however, because he achieved so much for the nation,” he said. Eighty-four-year-old, Ms Magatsamasole Kemotho, married to Dr Mogae’s paternal cousin, described the late president as a loving, easy-going, and benevolent person who supported others during difficult times.

“He was a kind and loving person, especially toward his family. He played a major role in family affairs during hard times and celebrations like weddings,” she said in Setswana.

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Dr Mogae’s benevolence is visible in Mogadingwana Ward, where he personally funded the fencing of homesteads to create a uniform appearance.

According to Ms Kemotho, he also intended to begin paving the area, but he passed away before the work could start.

Another relative, 73-year-old Mr Lediketse Motalaote, noted that Mogadingwana Ward holds significant hierarchical importance for the Batalaote ethnic group.

He echoed the sentiments of others who wish for Dr Mogae to be buried in Serowe at the cemetery where national heroes, such as former vice president, Dr Mompati Merafhe, were laid to rest.

In fact, he stated it was Dr Mogae’s own wish to be buried at the Botalaote cemetery next to Dr Merafhe.

Mr Sentshebeng Kemotho, 99, a paternal cousin, vividly remembers Dr Mogae as a bright child.

“He was an obedient and intelligent child who showed early signs that he would go far in life,” he recalled.

Like many others, he spoke highly of the profound love Dr Mogae had for his family.

Mr Lentswe Raowane, 76, also a paternal cousin, remembers the former head of state as a decorated leader recognised for his contributions to economic growth, good governance, and the fight against HIV/AIDS.

His stellar performance earned him international accolades, including the Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership shortly after his retirement in 2008.

A London-trained economist, Dr Mogae was also awarded the Presidential Order of Honour in 1989 and the Naledi Ya Botswana - the country’s highest honor-in 2003. ENDS