16 May 2026

Former President, Lt Gen Seretse Khama Ian Khama has lauded his immediate predecessor Dr Festus Mogae for having invested in the development of the country's infrastructure during decade long tenure as head of state.

Speaking at the State Funeral at the UB Indoor Sports Hall, Lt Gen Khama, who served as Vice President throughout Dr Mogae's presidential administration which ran from 1998 to 2008, said the country's physical infrastructure was greatly improved during that era.

He said about eight major road projects were either completed, developed or commissioned during that period of time, connecting towns and villages, improving mobility and access to markets and social services.

Lt Gen Khama said 130 villages were connected to the national electric grid, and water security was greatly improved with the construction of the Letsibogo and Ntembale dams as well as the 400 km of the North-South Water Carrier pipeline.

Aviation was greatly improved through the expansion of the Sir Seretse Khama International Airports as well as the uograding of the Maun and Kasane airports to international level, Lt Gen Khama said.

The national television station, BTV, the second national university, Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) were the other essential projects under Dr Mogae's leadership, Lt Gen Khama stated.

He described Dr Mogae as a fair leader who chose fairness and unity over dominance and strongly believed in democracy and human rights.

Lt Gen Khama said Dr Mogae was a leader who listened, was polite, and respestful, displaying the essence of botho, which he described as the foundation of who we are as Batswana. ENDS