19 May 2026

After days of outpouring grief, the nation bid farewell to former President Dr Festus Mogae as he was laid to rest in a somber state funeral ceremony at Phomolong Memorial Park in Phakalane on Saturday.

The outpouring of grief since Dr Mogae’s demise on May 8^th, culminated in a funeral that broke through political boundaries and unified the nation and drew together regional statesmen.

Following a week of both grief and reverence, the University of Botswana indoor arena played host to a final service at which President Mogae was remembered through a wave of tributes which all pointed to one thing – the leader of incomparable stature that he was.

Once the speeches were done with, his body was transported on a customised Botswana Defence Force VIP hearse for a full military honours funeral service.

As mourners reached the cemetery, a puff of sorrow momentarily filled the air as his casket, draped with the national flag, made its way through the BDF quarter guard with the chaplains at the forefront and the BDF Commander following close behind; marching slowly to the brass band’s rendition of Bonang tsatsi le etla originally performed by Seventh Day Adventists’ Paradise Singers.

To the strain of the simple, mournful song, the BDF pallbearers slowly positioned the casket on the grave’s coffin lowering device, with the firing party positioning itself for the traditional three-volley salute, which entails the firing of rifles in unison, repeated three times as a sign of ultimate respect to the fallen statesman.

To further signal the end of President Mogae’s role as the military’s former Commander-in-Chief, the last post and reveille military trumpet bugle calls filled the air, followed by the singing of the national anthem as President Mogae’s widow, Ms Barbra Mogae looked lost in emotion.

A 21-gun salute followed, symbolising the ultimate national gratitude, deep respect and solemn recognition of the statesman’s lifetime of distinguished service to the country, as President Mogae’s coffin was slowly lowered into the grave. 

A sorrow filled rendition by the BDF band of the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) Hymn number 444, Robala Sentle, swelled in harmony while the casket continued to descend slowly into the burial vault, marking the end of a journey well-run. 

In his vote of thanks, Minister for State President, Defence and Security, Mr Moeti Mohwasa commended Dr Mogae’s administration for crafting a methodical economic management system, strong institutions and policies that positioned Botswana among Africa’s most stable democracies. Mr Mohwasa described Dr Mogae as an architect of modern Botswana’s economic stability and democratic credibility.

“(Dr) Mogae is 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,” he said.

Having led Botswana from 1998 to 2008, he said Dr Mogae earned global admiration for steering the country through economic and public challenges with principled leadership, adding that his legacy remained deeply tied to sound governance and integrity in public office. ENDS