Presidential spokesman Dr Jeff Ramsay said the office meant for former president Festus Mogae has been budgeted for in the 2008-2009 financial year. He said the office will have a small core staff, the most prominent being Senior Private Secretary and Executive Secretary. Oteng Tebape, who previously worked as Botswana's ambassador to Japan has been appointed Senior Private Secretary. "As with Sir Ketumile (another former president) we do not expect Mogae to remain active in public life," Ramsay said.
While not active in public life, there will be the odd event that Mogae will attend and as regards the national order of precedence, he will come after his predecessor, Masire. Unlike what would happen with some other people with their roots in the village, retirement in Mogae's case does not mean relocating to his native Palapye. His father established Thomadithotse ward in the Central District village and became its headman.
Ramsay says that while he suspects that Mogae will spend more time in Gaborone at his office, he will certainly not neglect Palapye.
