19 May 2026

Former President Dr Festus Mogae’s daughter, Ms Boikaego Mogae, delivered an emotional tribute, painting a portrait of a man whose life extended far beyond the presidency that defined him in the eyes of many citizens.

Speaking with warmth, humour and admiration on Saturday, Boikaego reflected on her father not simply as a statesman, but as a devoted civil servant, loving family man, scholar and proud Motswana who believed deeply in unity, public service and intellectual curiosity.

She reminded mourners that while many remember him for the 10 years he served as President, those years represented only a fraction of his 86-year life, saying “it would be a real risk to reduce his life merely to his presidency.”

According to Boikaego, the late leader viewed himself first and foremost as a career civil servant. Even after leaving office, she said, he introduced himself modestly as “a retired civil servant,” reflecting the immense respect he held for Botswana’s public institutions and the people who sustain them.

She used the moment to thank members of the civil service, describing their work as noble, demanding and often underappreciated.

The tribute also offered rare insight into the private life of the former president. Boikaego recalled how her father married her mother, Barbara, in 1967, and together they built a family over nearly six decades.

She fondly described herself as “a daddy’s girl,” joking about her childhood frustration when citizens referred to him as “Father of the Nation.”

“I would stomp my feet and say, ‘But you are my daddy, why are they calling you their daddy?’” she recounted.

Her father, she said, gently taught her that love shared with a nation was not diminished, but multiplied.

Despite the demands of high office, she said he made every effort to attend school plays, family gatherings and parent-teacher meetings whenever possible. She described him as a progressive thinker who encouraged debate at home and welcomed dissenting opinions.

“He loved the company of thought leaders and well-reasoned opinions. Healthy debates were always welcome in our home,” she said.

Boikaego also highlighted her father’s belief in national unity and equality. Though proud of his heritage, she said he firmly believed that no tribe in Botswana should ever feel superior or excluded.

“To him, every Motswana belonged equally to this nation,” she said.

That conviction, she explained, influenced his decision to be laid to rest in Gaborone, the nation’s capital and symbolic heart of Botswana’s democracy and governance.

“He returns not merely to a resting place, but to the heart of a nation he helped to reimagine, to build and to hand down to us,” she said.

The speech balanced solemn reflection with lighter family memories. Boikaego spoke affectionately about their shared love of fashion, music, fine food and enjoyment of life. She recalled her father listening to classical music, encouraging his daughters to play piano and humorously avoiding exercise whenever possible.

“He did not like to sweat,” she joked, drawing laughter from mourners.

She also remembered him as a lover of good food and good company, someone who embraced experiences during travels abroad and enjoyed dancing and celebrating life.

Boikaego thanked the nation for the outpouring of condolences and support shown to the family.

Sharing similar sentiments, Batalaote representative, Mr Lediketse Motalaote, said former president Festus Mogae was a proud son of the Batalaote .

He explained that within Batalaote, Dr Mogae held a significant position, with his kgotla ranking third in the Batalaote royal lineage.

Mr Motalaote further noted that even while serving as President of Botswana, Dr Mogae remained deeply rooted in his role as a chief and cultural leader of his people.

He emphasised that Batalaote culture remains guided by strong traditions and requested that Dr Mogae’s body be laid facing east in accordance with cultural custom, saying failure to do so could symbolize a lack of rain.

Another family representative, Mr Fidelis Molao, described Dr Mogae as a devoted family man who fulfilled his bogwegadi duties with humility and dedication.

“He would take off the hat of being President and simply become a family man,” Mr Molao said.

Mr Molao said Dr Mogae was a humble man who commanded respect without demanding it.ENDS