Humble giant laid to eternal rest
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Wednesday May 20, 2026 06:00
From family members and close associates to traditional representatives and political veterans, speakers painted the picture of a leader who remained grounded even after becoming president. Although Mogae was often regarded as tough and uncompromising, mourners said he remained loving, honest, and deeply committed to service.
Unlike many funerals where the dead are often glorified, speakers insisted there was no need to exaggerate Mogae’s character because he lived exactly the way people knew him. As tributes continued during the solemn burial ceremony, one message repeatedly echoed through the gathering: the presidency never changed Mogae. Representing the Batalaote tribe, Lediketse Motalaote described Mogae as a proud tribesman who valued culture and unity.
“Mogae loved his tribe and culture. He brought us together and never used his power or position at home,” Motalaote said.
According to Motalaote, despite becoming one of Botswana’s most respected leaders internationally, Mogae never distanced himself from his roots or treated people differently because of his status. His youngest daughter, Boikaego Mogae, shared intimate memories of a father who loved intellectual debates and carefully listened whenever people expressed their opinions. She said Mogae paid close attention to discussions and was never afraid to disagree if he strongly believed otherwise. “He loved healthy debates and listened carefully to what people said. However, he would also openly disagree when he felt strongly about an issue,” she said. Family friend and former minister, Tebelelo Seretse, described the late statesman as stubborn but courageous, saying he believed in making bold decisions even when they were unpopular. “Mogae was stubborn and firm in his decisions. Sometimes you had to wait for him to calm down before convincing him using research and evidence. For MmaNametso, I want to thank you, as you went around cleaning our rubbish and supporting Rre Mogae,” Seretse said.
However, she said that beneath his tough stance was a leader who strongly believed in hard work, discipline, and effective service delivery. His longest-serving personal assistant, Kebuang Madisa, remembered Mogae as a straight talker who despised dishonesty and corruption.
“Ne a sa rate maaka le bolope,” Madisa said.
Madisa further stated that Mogae’s strongest leadership qualities were visible during Botswana’s difficult battle against HIV/AIDS, a crisis that threatened thousands of lives during his presidency.
According to Madisa, Mogae quietly helped many people without seeking public praise.
“He assisted many people during his presidency, especially the youth and people living with disabilities,” she said.
Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) veteran Daniel Kwelagobe, who served in Cabinet under Mogae’s administration, said the former president clearly understood that leadership was not about chasing popularity.
“He was never reckless with the future of this country. He confronted the nation with humility and honesty,” Kwelagobe said.
He added that Mogae always placed the country’s interests ahead of personal gain or political applause.
Throughout the funeral proceedings, mourners reflected on Mogae’s calm but firm leadership style, saying Botswana had lost a disciplined leader who valued integrity and honesty. Many speakers agreed that whilst Mogae could be difficult at times, his firmness was driven by conviction, accountability, and the desire to protect the country’s future. As the country bid farewell to one of its former presidents, mourners said Mogae’s legacy would be remembered not only through his leadership achievements but also through the humility, discipline, and honesty that defined his character until his final days.