Also known as: President Festus Mogae · former president Festus Mogae · the late Former President Festus Mogae · the late Former President · Former President Mogae · Festus Gontebanye Mogae · former President Dr Festus Mogae · Mr Mogae · late former President Festus Mogae · Rre Festus Gontebanye Mogae · Dr Festus Mogae · Dr Mogae
Former president of Botswana (1998–2008) whose tenure coincided with diamond-driven growth and comprehensive HIV/AIDS response, died recently at age 86.
Sunday Standard BIUST alumni reject renaming institution after Mogae The proposed renaming of the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) has triggered resistance from its alumni as they accuse the government of advancing consultations with key stakeho …
… He commended former President Festus Mogae for prioritising access to antiretroviral treatment and programmes aimed at preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV. …
… I spent 10 years as a journalist at the Department of Information and Broadcasting, as a reporter, sub-editor, including providing media coverage to the former president Festus Mogae and his Cabinet, and learning firsthand the weight of your calling.I then spent the next 25 years …
Musician and attorney, Nchunga Nchunga has released Re tla mo gopola, literally meaning ‘We will remember him’ a tribute single to the late former president Dr Festus Mogae. …
But this past week, during the funeral and burial proceedings of former President, Festus Mogae the BDF reminded the nation of another side of the institution one rooted in professionalism, discipline, patriotism and honour.From the moment the death of the former president was an …
… Meanwhile, President Boko praised the military for its professionalism and discipline during the recent state funeral of former president Festus Mogae. …
By Ambassador Oteng Jenamo Tebape A close aide remembers former President Festus Gontebanye Mogae as a humble servant of the people, a disciplined guardian of public resources, and a compassionate leader whose fight against HIV/AIDS helped save a nation. …
The Minister of Higher Education said government is considering renaming the Botswana International University of Science and Technology after the late former president Dr Festus Mogae, noting that such naming honours legacies, preserves institutional prestige, and aligns with Mogae's ideals of democratic and scientific advancement.
William Nkwane, a retired registered nurse with over 45 years in the health sector, reflects on Botswana's evolution from limited healthcare infrastructure at independence to an extensive network of clinics, hospitals, and trained professionals, drawing on his career spanning remote areas and mining hospitals.
A retiring government communications official bids farewell to the media fraternity, acknowledging 10 years as a journalist at the Department of Information and Broadcasting and 25 years in public relations and communications across multiple institutions, thanking journalists for holding institutions accountable.
Musician and attorney Nchunga Nchunga has released "Re tla mo gopola" (We will remember him), a tribute single to the late former president Dr Festus Mogae, recorded in Setswana, Herero, Ndebele, English and Sesubiya. Nchunga said he composed the song to celebrate Mogae's legacy, particularly his leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and released it before the burial so Batswana could enjoy it as they celebrated the former president's life.
An opinion piece characterizes former president Mogae as an intellectual democrat—a rare head of state whose high intelligence and educational credentials did not lead him to authoritarianism or arrogance, distinguishing him from many leaders across the continent who have failed the democratic test despite their learning.
During former President Festus Mogae's funeral and burial, BDF members stood at the centre of ceremonies and earned public praise for executing their duties with precision and dignity, reminding the nation of the institution's professionalism, discipline, patriotism and honour.
At the 21st BDF Strategic Conference in Gaborone, President Boko urged the Botswana Defence Force leadership to embrace innovation, strategic foresight, and institutional adaptability to address complex security threats including cyber threats, technological disruption, and transnational organised crime amid fiscal constraints.
Ambassador Oteng Jenamo Tebape recalls former President Festus Gontebanye Mogae as a humble servant of the people and disciplined guardian of public resources whose HIV/AIDS response helped save the nation.
Mogae's State funeral this weekend revealed persistent internal tensions within the BDP, with speakers' remarks appearing to criticize how the party previously honored former president Sir Ketumile Masire. BDP member Tebelelo Seretse publicly thanked President Duma Boko for according Mogae a dignified funeral, noting the party still carries emotional scars from its turbulent final years in power.
On 1 April 1998, Festus Mogae succeeded Sir Ketumile Masire as president of Botswana, entering the role as a respected technocrat but uncertain politician surrounded by rivals and factional intrigue.
At a University of Botswana memorial service for former president Festus Mogae, speakers including David Magang and Dr. Nasha praised his 1998–2008 tenure for integrity, discipline, and sound public finances, contrasting his governance with perceived declines in standards since his departure.
Family, associates, and political figures gathered for Mogae's burial ceremony, describing him as a grounded leader who remained humble and committed to service despite his presidency, and whose character required no exaggeration.
Citizens and African dignitaries gathered to honour Mogae, whose 1998–2008 presidency coincided with Botswana's diamond-driven growth and was defined by his response to the HIV/AIDS crisis, marked by open advocacy and comprehensive prevention and treatment programmes.
Leaders from across Botswana's political divide set aside rivalry to honour former president Mogae at his State funeral. Former cabinet minister Tebelelo Seretse publicly thanked President Duma Boko for the dignified send-off, describing it as a meaningful gesture for the BDP despite ongoing political differences.
Afro jazz icon Shanti Lo is celebrating 25 years in the music industry with a Legacy in Music event on May 30 at Botswana Craft, featuring artistes Lebo KM and Galaletsang Phutietsile performing Afro pop, Afro jazz and Afro soul.
Botswana's third president, Festus Mogae, who died recently, was known as a fierce intellectual debater who would engage in spirited arguments to advance his viewpoints.
Festus Gontebanye Mogae, who served as Botswana's president for two terms starting in 1998, has died at age 86. The article traces his political ascent from Finance Minister through a 1992 land inquiry report that forced Vice President Peter Mmusi's resignation, creating the vacancy that elevated Mogae to the vice presidency under Sir Ketumile Masire.
Botswana and South Africa have launched a cross-border conservation initiative to strengthen management of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and unlock tourism-led economic growth and community development. The project, supported by the European Union through the SADC Transfrontier Conservation Area Financing Facility and implemented in partnership with African Parks, reflects renewed commitment to biodiversity conservation and regional cooperation.
Ms Boikaego Mogae, youngest daughter of former President Festus Mogae, shared memories at his funeral service on May 8, describing him as a proud architect of the nation who respected his children's voices, upheld cultural values, and enjoyed fashion, fine food, and classical music.
A former legislator from Mogae's era, Botsalo Ntuane, has paid tribute to former President Festus Mogae, describing him as a tolerant and reform-minded leader who promoted dialogue and coexistence among political rivals, and praising his commitment to constitutionalism and democratic reforms.
Lt Gen Seretse Khama Ian Khama praised his predecessor Dr Festus Mogae for modernising Botswana's infrastructure during his 1998–2008 tenure, citing eight major road projects, electrification of 130 villages, dams and water pipelines, airport expansions, and the establishment of BTV and BIUST.
Former Lesotho Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili has credited the late former President Festus Mogae with playing a crucial role in preserving peace and stability in Lesotho during political unrest following the country's 1998 elections, working through SADC and supporting the Botswana Defence Force's intervention.
Former Cabinet Minister Daniel Kwelagobe described former President Festus Mogae as a leader of rare brilliance, discipline and humility, and noted Mogae was an economist of exceptional intellect deeply respected for his governance and leadership.
The Botswana Energy Regulator Authority issued a message of condolence describing Mogae as a distinguished statesman whose leadership and wisdom shaped Botswana's economic and institutional development, and noting his contributions to nation-building and commitment to good governance.
Family members recall former president Festus Mogae as a loving father figure who took genuine interest in children's development, combined discipline with humor during family meetings, and offered wisdom through jokes and anecdotes.
Serowe residents cleaned and repaired the village ahead of body viewing ceremonies for the late former president at the main Kgotla, with security and ceremonial arrangements coordinated by the Botswana Defence Force, Botswana Police Service, and tribal leaders. Kgosi Bakae Khumo said the community is working with the family to give Mogae the respect and dignity he deserves.