Will Mogae ever be called Sir? :: Mmegi Online

Just less than a week before President Festus Mogae leaves office, one of the questions that pops up is whether he will ever be called Sir Gontebanye Mogae and his wife Lady Barbara Mogae. Considering that the first two presidents - Sir Seretse Khama and Sir Ketumile Masire - have been knighted by Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, this is not just a red herring question.

Knighthood is a British honour established by King George V in 1917. The Most excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) is an order of the chivalry, which includes five classes in civil and military divisions (Knight Grand Cross-GBE, Knight Commander-KBE, Commander-CBE, Officer-OBE and Member-MBE). According to available information on the British honour system, only two highest ranks (GBE and KBE) entail admission into knighthood, an honour allowing the recipient to use the title 'Sir' for male or dame(females) before their names.

"British honours are thought by the public to be awarded on merit and on the basis of exceptional achievement or service. The Queen chooses the recipients on the advice of the Prime Minister and other relevant ministers. Honorary awards to foreigners are recommended by the Secretary of the State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs."

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