15 May 2026

Family members and close associates paid emotional tributes to late former president, Dr Festus Mogae, describing him as a compassionate leader, devoted family man and humble servant of the people. ‎One of the most touching tributes came from his only granddaughter, Ms Sindiswa Mogae, who reflected on the deep bond she shared with her grandfather and the many cherished memories they created together throughout her childhood. ‎ “So far, until now, I have no doubt in my mind how much love we shared between us, how he showed his love was by showing up for me,” she said. ‎Sindiswa recounted spending countless hours in her grandfather’s office while she was in primary school, saying she always felt welcomed despite his demanding responsibilities as a national leader. ‎“He might have been busy doing work, but it did not matter, I was always welcomed to come and do my own work,” she recalled. ‎She spoke warmly of family trips, lunches, dinners and simple moments at home that strengthened their relationship over the years. ‎Among her fondest memories were Christmas celebrations, which she described as the highlight of every year. ‎Sindiswa remembered how the former president once decided the family should buy a Christmas tree and decorate the house together, beginning a treasured family tradition.. ‎“Him, my mom and I went to Game City and picked the biggest Christmas tree I could find, every year, my grandfather and family would decorate the tree and the house,” she said. ‎She added that Christmas gatherings were made even more special by her grandmother’s cooking and the opportunity for the family to share stories and conversations together. ‎The granddaughter also revealed the affectionate relationship she had with the former president, saying he constantly reassured her of his love and pride. ‎“He made sure to always remind me, ‘Sindiswa, you know that you are my one and only grandchild,’” she said, adding he would continue to say, ‘I love you so much and I am proud of you.’” ‎She said the values of compassion, service and humility she witnessed in her grandfather would remain with her forever. ‎Beyond family memories, Sindiswa reflected on the leadership qualities that made the former president widely respected both in Botswana and internationally. ‎Drawing inspiration from Biblical teachings, she said her grandfather’s greatness came from his ability to genuinely connect with people from all walks of life. ‎“Wherever we went, it did not matter who we were with, a waiter, waitress, student, cleaner, stranger, nurse or doctor, he would always ask, ‘What is your name? Where are you from? What do you do?’” ‎According to Sindiswa, his sincere interest in people allowed him to understand their struggles and needs, making him a compassionate and effective leader. ‎“The root of great leadership is relational, compassionate and rooted in serving others and that is something I will take away from him,” said Sindiswa. ‎Meanwhile, family friend and grandson of Botswana’s late former president Sir Ketumile Masire, Mr Thato Masire, also paid tribute to Dr Mogae, describing him as “a good listener and a cool, calm and collected individual.” ‎Thato shared personal experiences that brought them closer despite the generational gap, adding that the former president affectionately referred to him as “mothowetsho.” ‎Another family associate, Mr Frankel Sebego, described Dr Mogae as a unifying figure who always encouraged people to work together. ‎“He was a warrior and a conqueror,” Mr Sebego said, adding that the late former president believed strongly in collective effort and unity among people. ‎The tributes painted a picture of a leader remembered not only for his contribution to Botswana’s governance and development, but also for his warmth, humility and dedication to family and community.ENDS