Gaborone – Botswana is preparing to lay to rest former president Festus Gontebanye Mogae, who passed away on 8 May at the age of 86.
His remains will lie in state at Parliament in the capital, Gaborone, on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, allowing citizens to pay their final respects between 6am and 6pm.
A memorial service will follow on Thursday, 14 May, before his burial on Saturday, 16 May.
Mogae, who led Botswana from 1998 to 2008, will be buried at Phomolong Cemetery in Gaborone in accordance with his personal wishes, the government confirmed.
Although he hailed from Serowe, officials said the capital city defined much of his professional and national service life.
Incumbent Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko has declared Friday, 15 May 2026, a public holiday in that country in honour of Mogae.
Earlier this week, President Cyril Ramaphosa extended condolences on behalf of his government and people, describing Mogae as “a dear neighbour and friend who shared our values of democracy, good governance and fraternal partnership.”
President Ramaphosa added: “As South Africans, we embrace the people of Botswana in our shared grief at the passing of a great leader of the Republic of Botswana and the Southern African Development Community”.
The South African President noted that the passing of Mogae during Africa Month was a reminder of the principles that underpinned his leadership and strengthened ties between South Africa and Botswana.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) also paid tribute, hailing Mogae as a “distinguished statesman whose wisdom, humility, and commitment to peace, good governance, and health advocacy continue to inspire the region.”
The organisation highlighted his courageous leadership in responding to the HIV and AIDS pandemic, rallying Botswana with compassion and resolve and setting an example for the wider region.
SADC stated that Mogae’s decade in office was marked by economic stability and strong democratic governance, earning him international recognition, including the prestigious Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership in 2008.
His legacy, regional leaders said, will endure in Botswana’s prosperity and in the values of integrity and service he championed.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Her Excellency Mrs. Barbara Gemma Mogae, former First Lady and the bereaved family, President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, the government and the people of the Republic of Botswana on this great loss,” SADC stated.
As Botswana prepares for the memorial and burial, tributes continue to pour in from across Africa, reflecting the impact of a leader remembered for his humility, principled leadership, and unwavering dedication to his nation and the region.
